Ground Zero Rescuer Leads Military Trauma Training at Cooper

Trauma surgeon John Chovanes, who helped rescue a police officer from the World Trade Center rubble after the September 11 attacks, now leads a military trauma training program at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, according to a September 9 report from CBS News Philadelphia.

Chovanes was part of the crew that rescued John McLoughlin, whom CBS identified as the last police officer rescued from the site after 22 hours. He recalled taking turns with others crawling into an opening in the debris. Chovanes said a sense of duty had prompted him to drive to New York to help.

After September 11, Chovanes joined the military and served with a forward surgical team in Iraq. He established Cooper’s Section of Military, Diplomatic, and Field Surgical Affairs (MILDAF), which provides trauma training for military personnel.

The training includes simulators for military field operations and clinical experience at Cooper’s Level I trauma center, which CBS reported treats thousands of patients. Chovanes described a need for hospitals with substantial trauma caseloads where military personnel could train.

Chovanes said the trauma unit can resemble a battlefield, giving military trainees experience before deployment to combat zones. He described the continuing work as an opportunity to give back to people affected by the attacks and to others in the US and beyond.

Source: Stahl S. 9/11 rescue surgeon leads military trauma training program at Cooper University Hospital. CBS News Philadelphia. Published September 9, 2026. Accessed September 10, 2026.