9/11: One Day in America Season 1 Episode 1 First Response

9/11: One Day in America is a docu-series that takes viewers through the events of September 11, 2001, from the perspective of those who experienced it first-hand. Episode 1, titled "First Response," focuses on the immediate aftermath of the attacks and the heroic efforts of the emergency responders who risked their lives to save others.

The episode opens with footage of the World Trade Center towers on fire, and we hear audio recordings of emergency dispatchers and responders as they begin to realize the magnitude of what is happening. We see footage of firefighters, police officers, and EMTs rushing toward the towers, and hear from some of those who were on the scene that day.

One of the first responders we meet is Lieutenant Mickey Kross of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Kross was one of the first firefighters to arrive at the scene, and he describes the chaos and confusion as they tried to figure out what was happening and how to respond. He recalls the sense of urgency and the feeling that time was running out to get people out of the towers.

We also hear from police officer Frank Pizzaro, who was on duty at the World Trade Center when the attacks occurred. Pizzaro recalls the moment when the second plane hit, and describes the feeling of shock and disbelief that overtook him and his colleagues. He talks about the immediate priority of evacuating the buildings and the surrounding area, and the difficulty of communicating with people who were in a state of panic.

The episode includes dramatic footage of the towers collapsing, as seen from the perspective of first responders who were on the scene. We hear from Lieutenant Kross and others who describe the horror and disbelief of witnessing one of the most catastrophic events in American history.

Despite the danger and chaos, the emergency responders continued to work tirelessly to save lives. We see footage of firefighters and other responders carrying injured people out of the towers, and hear from some of the survivors who owe their lives to these heroic efforts.

The episode also explores the toll that the events of 9/11 took on the first responders themselves. Many of them suffered from physical injuries and long-term health problems as a result of their exposure to the toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero. We hear from some of these responders, who reflect on their experiences and the lasting impact that 9/11 had on their lives.

Overall, "First Response" is a powerful and emotional episode that pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the first responders who rushed to the scene on September 11, 2001. Through their own words and experiences, we come to understand the enormity of what they faced and the heroism that they demonstrated in the face of unimaginable tragedy.