Two Decades on: Evaluating Patient Experiences and Long-Term Outcomes in 9/11 Survivors Treated at a New York Burn Center

The September 11th attacks were a unique disaster with numerous patients and extensive injury burden. The aim of this study was to provide an update on the long-term functional and psychological recovery of victims treated at a burn center following the September 11th attacks. A mixed methods approach using a quantitative survey and a qualitative interview was completed for each patient. All patients were treated at the burn center for injuries sustained during the September 11th attacks. Interviews were reviewed for trends in recovery and psychological impacts. The survey focused on psychological well-being, functional well-being, and comfort in trauma-related environments. Our study included 4 patients: 3 males and 1 female. The average age was 63 years (range: 57-73) and average total body surface area burned was 33.1% (range: 3%-80%). Two patients were burned in the North Tower following impact. Two patients were burned outside by debris. Following initial recovery, 3 patients required additional surgeries. All patients returned to work and hobbies after their injuries. Patients experienced psychological outcomes such as general anxiety, flashbacks, and survivor's guilt. All patients scored high on psychological well-being, while 3 patients with higher injury burden scored lower on functional well-being and comfort in trauma-related environments. Patients with burn injuries from the September 11th attacks with higher injury burden recovered psychologically but continued to struggle with functional well-being and comfort in trauma-related environments. Despite functional and psychological challenges, patients were able to return to work and continue their previous hobbies.