Disaster effects on emergency responders and their families have received little attention in the media or the scientific literature to date. Nonetheless family members of firefighters, police and military members, to name but a few, may experience significant distress related to the effects of trauma on their loved ones. This qualitative study explores post-disaster reactions and coping among 8 FDNY firefighters and their families 30 to 36 months after the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001. In-depth interviews focus on distress, coping strategies, parenting and family environment to...