Blind 9/11 Survivor Delivers Compelling Keynote at 2017 National EMS Safety Summit

Michael Hingson, best-selling author and speaker, presented an inspirational talk at the National EMS Safety Summit on his 30 years in technology sales and management, his more than 50 years with guide dog partners and his survival of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He spoke about how to build a team on trust, using its strengths wisely, and harnessing the power of teamwork. Blind since birth, Hingson was presented with his first guide dog at the age of 14. The use of guide dogs allowed him to begin developing his skills in trust, teamwork, leadership and adaptation in adverse situations and, ultimately, for one of his greatest challenges: being in the North Tower of the World Trade Center when it was hit by an airplane on September 11, 2001. Mike shared his incredible story with the audience, and how he managed to escape the building by walking down 78 flights of stairs with his guide dog, Roselle. The Impact On the morning of September 11, Mike was in his office on the 78th floor, preparing for a series of meetings. Suddenly he felt an impact and the building began to sway. A friend who peered out a widow began to scream that he saw fire and paper coming out of the building. Mike could smell jet fuel and immediately guessed that building had been struck by an airplane. Mike was ready, having prepared for emergencies because of his blindness. In fact, he developed the braille emergency guide for the World Trade Center towers. Roselle also rema...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: News Administration and Leadership Source Type: news