Joseph Nuccio oral history interview conducted by Dr. Benjamin Luft, September 28, 2010

About

Joseph was a retired/disabled nurse/volunteer firefighter/EMT on 9/11. He saw the attacks on TV and since he had medical training, he felt he should go and help. He was angry and felt we were at war and he "had to be there." He was dropped off at the Red Cross in Yaphank and went with the National Guard in a Humvee over the Brooklyn Bridge to reach the site. They parked three blocks away and walked through debris he described as like "snow." He saw dust everywhere: burned papers, vehicles crushed and many shoes. He said it was eerie and quiet. He was directed to go to Stuyvesant High School where he performed first aid in the lobby. He was asked to coordinate a small medical unit. He organized supplies and created areas for cardiology, respiratory, and psych. He took names of volunteers. It was quiet the first night and he mostly cleaned the debris from eyes. Joseph was unable to sleep and stayed up for three days until Friday morning when he went home to DJ for a wedding. An ambulance took him to Penn Station. When he came out into the world he saw signs and people cheering. He returned to the makeshift clinic on Sunday morning to find that FEMA had shut it down. He was commended by FEMA for setting up the unit. Joseph also joined the bucket brigade for a few days. He believes many people have lost perspective now. He is disappointed he never received an award or a thank you for his efforts at Ground Zero.

Archive

Library of Congress, in Library of Congress

Licence or status

Rights statement at the Library of Congress, as the Library of Congress states it.

Credit

Library of Congress

Language

English

Country

United States

Who can watch

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