95.6% — that is the EMS survival rate for victims suffering penetrating gunshot wounds in the City of Pittsburgh so far this year using the MARCH Algorithm.
If you rule out patients with lethal brain injuries, that rate rises to 97% and 100% survival for extremity wounds.
Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS launched a pilot program in September allowing medical professionals to use the medication buprenorphine to treat symptoms of withdrawal for a patient on scene.
On Tuesday, a knock came at the back door of the Medic 10 station. A woman had a box of six newborn kittens with their umbilical cords wrapped around their necks.
Crew members were able to cut the cords, saving all six! A reminder, Pittsburgh EMS is here for ALL Pittsburghers!
Today was the second COVID-19 vaccination clinic held in the Hill District, and members of Pittsburgh EMS were there on medical standby.
Thank you to the EMS personnel who volunteered their time to keep the residents of the City of Pittsburgh safe.
#HereForYou412
Moments like this make the
@GreatRacePGH
great.
Meet Tom Stokum. Last year he went into cardiac arrest near the finish line & was revived by Pittsburgh EMS. Today, Tom came by to thank those very people.
His shirt reads, "Nice try heart, I'm still here." We're glad you are Tom.
Following a national trend, we has seen a rise in fentanyl-associated overdoses.
While EMS does not condone the use of illicit drugs, we are committed to providing factual, evidence-based recommendations to keep our residents safe.
Suspect an overdose? Call 911 immediately.
Three year old Andy loves ambulances, so Pittsburgh EMS surprised him with a parade for his birthday - complete with ambulances, a motorcycle, as well as Rescue & HazMat trucks.
Happy birthday Andy! We hope you liked the present of lights & sirens just for you.
#HereForYou412
Deputy Chief Gilchrist spent the afternoon with 13-year-old Jess who one day wants to become a paramedic.
Gilchrist hopes she can inspire more girls to enter
@PghPublicSafety
.
📽⤵️
Congratulations to Paramedic Crew Chief Simon Taxel! Taxel is a 2022 Bloomberg Fellow. Fellows receive a full scholarship to earn an MPH or DrPH. Taxel will focus on addiction and overdose in his studies.
See more on our Facebook page ➡️
Pittsburgh EMS members traveled to New York City to honor the life and service of
@FDNY
paramedic, Lt. Alison Russo.
Russo was stabbed to death while on duty in Queens on September 29th.
The 25-year veteran paramedic was posthumously promoted to the rank of Captain.
Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich swore in seven new paramedics during a ceremony this morning.
Please join us in welcoming Pittsburgh’s newest First Responders: Benjamin Bowman, Emon Ismail, Matthew Lederman, Emily Migdal, Joseph Mahoney, Zachary Saylor and Nissa Thomsen.
On Sunday, one year after the Tree of Life tragedy, volunteers delivered cookies and smiles to medic stations, police zones, and fire houses throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Thank you to the many volunteers for your kindness.
#StrongerThanHate
Chief Amera Gilchrist was formally sworn in as the 8th chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS, and the first Black and first female Chief in the Bureau’s history.
Family, friends, colleagues, and former EMS chiefs were on hand for the historic ceremony in Council Chambers.
Pittsburgh EMS rolled out battery-operated hydraulic HURST Combi-Tools, commonly known as Jaws of Life, to every front line ambulance.
This tool has the ability to spread or cut metal and other objects, which may either entrap a victim or prohibit crews from accessing them.
#Pittsburgh
EMS recently acquired 3 brand new Medic Units, totaling 10 improved vehicles in the past 2 years. These vehicles are equipped to better assist both the patient and the crew.
Join Division Chief Everitt as he explains some of the new capabilities of these vehicles.
Congratulations to Crew Chief Scott Studebaker who was recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services (FAEMS).
Crew Chief Studebaker is the first
@PghEMS
paramedic to receive this professional designation for his substantial contributions to the EMS field.
EMS Rescue 2 recently responded to the South Hills to assist police with rescuing man’s best friend who had become entrapped between a concrete wall and metal fence.
Paramedics quickly extricated the pup, who was not injured, and turned him back over to the owner.
Due to today’s increased risk of flooding, Pittsburgh EMS has a fully staffed swift water rescue team ready for any water related emergencies.
The state certified 2A team is ready, with additional capabilities to deploy throughout the commonwealth if requested.
This morning, eight paramedics were recognized by UPMC with the "Prehospital Delivery Commendation Award" for their delivery of two baby girls.
By providing care to two mothers and their newborns in a prehospital setting, these paramedics received the award and a stork pin.
Pittsburgh EMS held a Swearing In Ceremony for four new EMTs and three new Paramedics.
EMTs: Sarah Geyer, John O’Rourke, Nathan Orr and Arley Stoker.
Paramedics: Matthew Fisher, Richard Fredell and Nathanial Roper.
Congratulations to all!
This past Friday and Saturday, a handful of EMTs and Paramedics with Pittsburgh EMS volunteered their time to be on medical standby at COVID-19 vaccine distribution locations in Homewood and the Hill District.
#HereForYou412
EMS Training Tuesday!
Pittsburgh EMS began the process of credentialing paramedics to administer whole blood in the field.
More paramedics will receive this course, and blood coolers will be installed on the EMS Heavy Rescues, which respond to all critical trauma incidents.
Training continues for
#Pittsburgh
EMS in the fight against
#COVID19
.
At EMS headquarters, officials continued their COVID-19 PPE Blitz Training. Members of EMS plus some
@PghFireFighters
&
@PghPolice
personnel will be trained to respond to those suspected of having Coronavirus.
Pittsburgh EMS received recognition from the PA Health Services Council for completing the Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program.
The Bureau achieved Expert level of the five-tiered program, showing its dedication to ensuring children receive the best possible emergency care.
After 45 years of devoted service to the City of Pittsburgh, EMS Chief Ronald Romano has retired from the Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS.
Congratulations Chief Romano and thank you!
More ➡️
Happy National EMS Week! One thing that is more apparent than ever over the past year is the vital role that EMS professionals play.
We recognize every EMS provider, not only in Pittsburgh, but around the country, for their never-ending and selfless dedication. Thank you!
Outstanding teamwork and reaction by our responding EMS units: Medic 8, Ambulance 48, Rescue 1 & 2, Unit 503, Unit 530, Unit 505, Unit 5302, and Unit 5320!
At ~10:30am, Pittsburgh EMS, Fire, & Police responded to Rt. 51 for a motorcycle collision.
The patient was found in the creek bed, 100ft+ from where his motorcycle struck the guardrail.
He was transported in life-threatening condition.
Full Release:
Thank you to
@tacos_baby
and
@wckitchen
for delivering over 160 meals to EMS Headquarters and the Training Division today for our paramedics and EMTs.
We appreciate you thinking of first responders!
#911Day
#ShineALight
Pittsburgh is one of just three jurisdictions in the United States that is approved to provide prehospital Buprenorphine for opioid overdoses.
More here ➡️
Join us in congratulating our newest EMS Paramedics!
Marvin Balk
Elliott Brown
Austin Hsin
Sean McGrath
Nicholas Okwiya
John Saliba
@billpeduto
performed the swearing-in ceremony joined by Chief Romano, Medical Director Dr. Roth, and
@PghPublicSafety
Director Hissrich.
During the month of November, Pittsburgh EMS held a toy drive in memory of one of our fallen paramedics, Tracey Lynn Worthy.
This afternoon, Paramedic Laurena Townsend delivered all the toys and gift cards to Family Promise of Southwestern PA. 🧸🎁
Thank you to all who donated!
Since March 14, Pittsburgh EMS has deployed two Infectious Disease Specialty Units (ECHO Teams) to support Pittsburgh EMS and Allegheny County
#COVID19
Pandemic Operations.
Learn more about how these specialty teams support operations in many ways ➡️
ONE YEAR: A year ago, Angelina Priore was hit by a truck as she walked across West Liberty Avenue.
EMS Crew Chief Simon Taxel, Paramedic Donnie Kunkle, Crew Chief Adam Palmer, Paramedic Richie Fredell saved her life.
Wednesday, they were reunited.
#NationalFirstRespondersDay
And the Emmy goes to... Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders!
Congrats to Producer/Editor Annette Banks and everyone involved in creating this work & keeping the history and legacy of Freedom House Ambulance alive!
Watch the documentary here ➡️
It was a beautiful sunny day for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Pittsburgh.🍀
Pittsburgh EMS has been a long-time participant in the parade, with our Motor Unit and the Pittsburgh EMS Honor Guard.
Happy St. Patrick's Day from everyone at Pittsburgh EMS!
On Wednesday, first responders were dispatched to the Greyhound Bus Station for reports of an adult male having a seizure.
Paramedic Fredell and OCHS Social Worker Anmol Baxi were already in the area performing community health outreach and rushed to the scene.
Introducing the new
@Pittsburgh
EMS motorcycles.
EMS utilizes four 2021 Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles equipped with Advanced Life Support capabilities.
Learn more over on our Facebook page ➡️
Pittsburgh EMS gave away more than 200 youth-sized personal flotation devices across three locations yesterday as part of the Safe Swim campaign.
Thank you to
@AHNtoday
for the donation of the personal flotation devices!
#HereForYou412
Assistant Chief Mark Pinchalk was honored at the
@steelers
game yesterday as the Essential Worker of the Game.
Pinchalk is the primary coordinator for the City of
@Pittsburgh
's Pandemic Task Force.
Congratulations to Assistant Chief Pinchalk on this well-deserved recognition!
During the 3-day
#picklesburgh
festival, Pittsburgh EMS treated 33 people for everything from heat exhaustion, falls, panic attacks, seizures, respiratory distress and intoxication.
A total of 16 patients were taken to the hospital for additional care.
Great job by all!
It's been a busy summer of concerts and events on the North Shore and Pittsburgh EMS has been keeping people safe at multiple venues.
At the Guns N' Roses concert at PNC Park on August 18, medics answered 22 calls for service.
Twelve people were transported to the hospital.
The latest Freedom House 2.0 students took the next step towards their careers in healthcare at today’s graduation ceremony.
This is the ninth graduating class. It is a legacy EMS training program based on the Freedom House Initiative, which was founded in 1968.
Congrats grads!
Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS held a swearing-in ceremony today.
Congratulations to Alex Cappellini and Adam Croci, both sworn-in as paramedics!
They recently completed their 180-day probationary period and will now begin their advancement through the ranks of EMS.
Congrats to our new paramedics and crew chiefs!
Alexander Atkinson, Ian Leong, Ken Long, Isaac Nadoff, Jennifer Pollock & Michael Simcic were sworn in as paramedics.
Fred Caprio II & Christy Zalewski were promoted and sworn in as crew chiefs.
More ➡️
Pittsburgh EMS held an outdoor awards, swearing-in and promotions ceremony today on the North Shore.
EMS Chief Ronald Romano congratulated the group and thanked their families and friends for supporting them as they advance in their careers.
Read more ➡️
Practicing for the Mid-Atlantic Motorcycle Rodeo tomorrow. Event courses will include the Mouse Trap, Snowman, Beehive, Rattler, and Three Rivers.
The competition is from 8:30AM-4PM on Art Rooney Avenue. Come cheer on
#Pittsburgh
EMS &
@PghPolice
! All are welcome and it’s FREE!
Paramedic HazMat Technicians completed their yearly hazardous materials training, allowing them to be ready at a moments notice to respond to any emergency involving hazardous materials.
Paramedics trained on air-monitoring devices, sampling equipment, & product control devices.
The latest Freedom House 2.0 students took the next step towards their careers in healthcare during a graduation ceremony on Friday at the US Steel Tower.
This is the seventh graduating Freedom House 2.0 class.
Congratulations, graduates!
Pittsburgh EMS is grateful for the ongoing partnership with
@UPMC
- a collaboration that fosters innovation not only during times of crisis, but at all times.
Together we provide the best possible care to the citizens of and visitors to
#Pittsburgh
.
To help
@PghEMS
during the
#COVID19
pandemic, UPMC is providing ambulance teams with a new “tele-triage” option—connecting smartphones and tablets to UPMC emergency physicians who can visually assess patients.
@PghPublicSafety
Congratulations to Paramedics Mark Schneider, Daniel Berg and Nolan McGrann who were recognized for their outstanding patient care!
In the last month, they successfully resuscitated patients in cardiac arrest and those patients are now doing well and at home with their families.
Today, March 28, 2023, was declared “Chief Ronald Romano Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh City Council recognized EMS Chief Romano’s 45th year with the City by signing a proclamation in his honor.
Congratulations, and thank you for your service, Chief Romano!
Pittsburgh EMS was honored today with the
@American_Heart
’s 2019 Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award. This is the second year in a row the Bureau received this elite status award.
Chief Romano accepted the award and thanked all EMS personnel for their hard work and dedication.
.
@WTAE
Reporter Sheldon Ingram joined Pittsburgh EMS Paramedics for a ride along.
“When nighttime covers the city, few people stay as busy as the people with Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services — the paramedics.”
Mayor
@billpeduto
awarded District Chief Barry Warble as Employee of the Month! 👏👏👏
District Chief Warble has been with
#Pittsburgh
EMS for 44 years & is the longest serving paramedic in the history of the city.
Mayor Peduto also declared June 21, 2019 as Barry Warble Day!
Tracey Worthy, beloved Paramedic who unexpectedly passed away in March, was honored in Council Chambers with a proclamation. Deputy Chief Gilchrist gave a very touching tribute.
“April 9 to April 16, 2019 to be Tracey Worthy week in the City of Pittsburgh.” -
@Darlene4PGH
May 11, 2023, marks the end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration.
Pittsburgh EMS was integral in helping guide
@Pittsburgh
through the pandemic over 3+ years.
Read about the Bureau's key accomplishments on our Facebook page ➡️
BOO! Happy Halloween from Pittsburgh EMS!
Some trick-or-treaters got their candy and thrills in the Haunted Ambulance at EMS Headquarters in Shadyside. Even Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich stopped by to greet the ghostly first responders!
During National
#EMSWeek
,
@PghEMS
recognizes the exceptional care its practitioners provide
#Pittsburgh
residents and guests all year-round.
In their honor, let's all do our part to help them in their efforts to flatten the
#COVID19
curve and keep the City safe.
#HereForYou412
This weekend brought new faces to Pittsburgh EMS. After completing their classroom instruction, five Paramedics and one EMT have begun their field training.
Welcome Rich Segriff, Nolan McGrann, Colin Campeau, Ken Phillips, Alex Blystone, and Marty Davis.
Two
@PghEMS
paramedics, Katsiaryna Lohinava & Colin Campeau, were honored by
@UPMC
Prehospital Care for successfully delivering a healthy baby boy in the field on October 13.
Though they train for it, it’s not something that happens that often.
Congratulations paramedics!
Congratulations to our
#Pittsburgh
Paramedics who placed last weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Motorcycle Rodeo!
From left to right: Ted Zeigler, Justin Sypolt, David Naples, Jerry Wasek, and Duane Lewis.
EMS Training Tuesday!
Last month the Training Division conducted Cardiac Arrest Manager courses for our paramedics.
This training focuses on establishing defined responsibilities & a clinical team leader, rehearsing clinical procedures, & practicing with specialized devices.
Pittsburgh EMS was presented the First Responder Call to Action Award by The Pennsylvania Division of the American Trauma Society (
@ATSPA
) for the team's response to the Tree of Life shooting.
Read more ➡️
#PittsburghStrong
This morning, Paramedics Laurena Townsend and Jonathan Atkinson delivered donations from the 4th annual Tracey Lynn Worthy Memorial Toy Drive to Homewood YWCA for children and families in need this holiday season.
Thank you to everyone who donated a toy for an amazing cause!
Pittsburgh EMS led the way in PA, launching a pilot program to give its paramedics the ability to administer whole blood in the field.
Now, new
@PAHealthDept
guidelines allow EMS units throughout the Commonwealth to carry and administer blood.
EMS held a swearing-in & awards ceremony in Council Chambers.
Three paramedics were sworn in & one EMT was promoted to paramedic. Awards were presented to individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty to help the public.
Congratulations to all!
Once each year, Pittsburgh EMS conducts its Rescue Task Force Review for all EMS personnel.
Everyone from the Chief to paramedics & EMTs are put through the paces to perform during "real life" scenarios, such as an active shooter response.
Learn more ➡️
Pittsburgh EMS held a swearing-in ceremony in Council Chambers this morning. Congratulations to our four new EMTs and two newly promoted Paramedics.
Learn more over on our Facebook page ➡️
Thank you to
@PawprintOxygen
for donating 4 bundles of oxygen and masks to Pittsburgh EMS!
This equipment will help EMS treat pets that have suffered smoke inhalation during rescues in the
#Pittsburgh
community. 🐶🐱
We had an excellent turnout at today’s Car Seat Safety Check!
If you were unable to attend, the EMS Training Division offers checks the first Monday and third Tuesday of every month. Appointments are necessary. Please call 412-255-2450.
Today, new students in Cohort 5 of the Freedom House 2.0 had their first day of class.
This is the largest class yet, with 14 students in total and a mix of individuals from varying backgrounds eager to become EMTs.
Read more over on our Facebook page ➡️
At the Jewish Community Center event on February 9, Pittsburgh EMS personnel, with our partners from the UPMC Shadyside Stroke Program & UPMC Prehospital Care, provided stroke education and taught the BEFAST Stroke Screening tool.
The male was found not breathing and in cardiac arrest. Fredell initiated Advanced Life Support Care and Baxi performed CPR.
Early CPR and defibrillation saves lives! The patient regained a pulse before other responders arrived on scene and transported him to the hospital.
Fentanyl Facts and Fiction: A Safety Guide for First Responders - authored by Pittsburgh EMS Crew Chief Simon Taxel in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (
@jemsconnect
).
Read here ⤵️
When our crews go above and beyond, we like to take a moment to recognize it.
Paramedic Lohinava, who speaks fluent Russian, was able to communicate with a patient who was injured, in a state of panic, and did not speak fluent English.
Learn more ➡️
Pittsburgh EMS celebrated the careers of eleven individuals at a proclamation ceremony today. Thank you to these men & women for their service to
@Pittsburgh
!
▪️ 50 Years of Service - Linda Noszka
▪️ 40 Years - Mark Larkin, Paul Sabol
▪️ 35 Years - John Soderberg
The Amen Corner & Pittsburgh Metro FOOLs presented 15 members of Pittsburgh EMS with the "Courage Under Fire" award for their actions during the Tree of Life tragedy. Steven Whitlock & Eric Barazotto accepted the award on behalf of the group.
Read more ➡️
EMS HazMat technicians train regularly to keep up their skills and proficiency on the equipment carried on HazMat 1.
April’s training focused on using specialty tools to perform product control (airbags and pipe clamping) and unknown product sampling and analysis.
EMS Training Tuesday!
Paramedics assigned to the Highly Infectious Disease Response Team completed quarterly training. This team was formed for EBOLA response, and then became a major asset with dedicated 24/7 staffing during the COVID pandemic.
Thank you
@CityPGH
City Council for the proclamation announcing May 19 to May 25 as Emergency Medical Services Week in the City of Pittsburgh!
#EMSWeek2019
.
@PghEMS
command staff welcomed seven new paramedics to its team.
The state-certified paramedics will complete classroom and practical training to bring them in line with Pittsburgh EMS standards before they begin working in the field in the new year.
Good luck & welcome aboard!
Congratulations to
@PghEMS
for receiving the
@American_Heart
Association Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Achievement Award for the 4th year in a row!
The award recognizes the Bureau's commitment to providing quality care for severe heart attack patients.
Over the weekend, paramedics performed community outreach in the Hill District by talking to seniors about the Envelope of Life program, which informs vulnerable citizens how to be prepared in the case of any emergency.
Learn more ➡️
#HereForYou412
The Bureau of EMS is pleased to announce we have received the Swiftwater Type 2a Certification. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our Rescue Paramedics who have collectively completed many hours of demanding training.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS has released its 2020 Operations Summary.
The summary includes a 2020 budget breakdown, COVID-19 pandemic operations, service call volume, community education, and much more ➡️
On Friday, the 12th class of the Freedom House 2.0 program graduated in front of family and friends. It was one of the largest classes with 14 students.
To date, there have been 123 graduates from the program, a legacy EMS training program based on the Freedom House Initiative.
Recently, some
@PghEMS
paramedics completed elective training to review the technical rescue skills of a high rope setup, repel and pick-off.
Aside from the techniques to complete a successful rescue, providers may be required to perform medical procedures in tricky locations.
Heading into the Memorial Day long weekend
@PghEMS
urges everyone to keep up the good work in fighting
#COVID
ー19 by wearing masks and keeping social distances.
In the words of Paramedic Frank Phillips, "We love Pittsburgh, we love you guys, so let's keep at it!"
#EMSWeek
#HappyHalloween
!
Roughly 100 kids from the Liberty K-5 school had a chance to go through the Haunted Ambulance at EMS headquarters today. The event was filled with moving bodies, fog, and candy. 👻🎃🍫
Congratulations to the latest Freedom House 2.0 cohort for graduating and taking the next steps towards a career in healthcare!
Speakers at today's ceremony included EMS Deputy Chief Amera Gilchrist and Freedom House Founding Member John Moon.
More ➡️
Pittsburgh EMS will be holding a FREE car seat clinic at the EMS training division on Thursday, May 9.
🗓️ May 9
⏰ Stop by any time between 10AM-2PM
📍 220 22nd St
🎟️ By appointment or drop in. Call 412-255-2450 for an appointment.
🚨 Bring your vehicle & car seat for the clinic
EMS Training Tuesday!
Twelve paramedics from the Hazardous Materials Medical Team all successfully completed pro board testing!
This team is trained in hazardous materials response, highly infectious disease management, advanced life support, and heavy/technical rescue.
Pittsburgh EMS held a swearing-in, promotions and awards ceremony.
Kristy Morin was sworn in as an EMT, Natalie Drab was sworn in as a paramedic, and Nathan Orr was promoted to paramedic. Several individuals received awards, including civilians.
More ➡️