New York 2001 Experience
James Kramer is a member of the National Disaster Medical System DMORT Region VIII Team. He was activated to go to the New York World Trade Center Crisis in September 2001.
His activation notice came while he was at his medical office treating patients and 2 hours later he left for New York. The two hours was spent contacting family, arranging for coverage of his medical practice and the Coroner's Office and packing. The initial thoughts of responsibility, psychological preparation and safety were paramount.
The opportunity to serve America in this capacity was uniquely different than his 9 years active duty Air Force from 1968 to 1977.
The personal experience of working the largest single disaster ever to occur in the United States with other member of the National DMORT team creates a wealth of experience dealing with Mass Disasters and Mass Fatalities.
The responsibility of working with the Intake Morgue, DNA Laboratory, and the DNA Hotline assisting the New York Medical Examiner's Office and the family's of the disaster victims was an overwhelming responsibility.
Discussions about his work with the World Trade Center Disaster center around patriotism, medical responsibilities, first responder protection and dealing with mass fatalities.
