This was a retrospective study. While not the most accurate and well supported way to conduct a study, due to the effects of recall bias, it was really the only way to gain the data that was presented in the report. There isn't really anything new about the style of research.
The policy definitely provides a good amount of suport for a large amount of people affected. However, certain populations are left out of this. The large number of transiet persons, as well as non-resident people, in New York City is enourmous. These people were surely affected by the attacks, but are not included in the policy. This is, of course, understandable, as tracking the presence of these people's is nearly impossible nearly 10 years after the attacks. Regardless, it is a flaw in the policy.
The author relied on a combination of resarch and personal experience to support his arguments. First hand experience during the time the policy was in effect also contributed to his knowledge on the subject.
Emergency Response isn't directly addressed in the article. However there is one mention of emergency responders and the debriefing typically held after a traumatic event/call. But, the article also says that this method is not actually effective in preventing psychopathology, and can actually hinder the healing process by promoting exposure to traumatic memories.
I tried all three apps:
I've-Been-Violated allows you to put in your name, phone number, and email, read instructions, and take a video recording in three steps.
We-Consent was confusing as I only got the camera screen and couldn't turn it off without exiting the app.
What-about-no wouldn't send me a confirmation email so I couldn't log in :(
The production and continued maintenance is paid for by hospitals and foundations partnered with the app developers.
The program was created in reaction to the disaster at Fukushima-Daiichi, with influence of the lessons learned post-bombing in Hiroshima. Hiroshima University specializes in radiation casualty medicine and works to improve medical care in response to nuclear emergencies. This program was specifically made to generate leaders capable of directing relief efforts while keeping the clear goal of reconstruction post-disaster.
The author, Sonja D Schmid, is an assistant professor at Virginia Tech. She specializes in knowledge of the nuclear industries in the Former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. She uses this knowledge to analyze energy policy and nonproliferation efforts. She is well versed in disaster response, having interviewed a number of members from the Soviet nuclear industry, using their first-hand accounts of the response efforts in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster to guide her.
The American Red Cross has created a number of structures that contribute to disaster response. Its contributions to the National Response Framework and its close ties with FEMA make it a large player in the national emergency response network. The ARC provides guidelines on subjects like CPR that play into the emergency response of individuals and agencies. Overall, the ARC approaches disaster response with an "all in it together" view, with volunteers being the backbone of all its efforts.
The author used direct quotes from research papers, speeches, and other publications by experts in multiple fields from public health policy to medicine to government relations. These were discussed and examined against others to produce a discussion rather than just an article full of information.