The City of Pittsburgh operates a "third-service" emergency medical response agency. In contrast to being integrated into a fire department or other public service entity, third service agencies essentially operate in parallel with their counterparts in the police and fire departments. Pittsburgh EMS currently responds to over 56,000 requests for service. When necessary, first response (basic life support) from the Pittsburgh Fire Department will augment response to an EMS incident. The City operates 2 Rescue units, a River Rescue unit, and 13 EMS ambulances. Fellows from the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine often operate quick response vehicles and provide on-line and on-scene medical direction to the city's paramedics. These "jeep docs" are routinely dispatched on cardiac arrest scene runs and other "high intensity" calls. Dr. Ronald Roth provides medical direction for Pittsburgh EMS.
Residents from the Allegheny General Hospital's emergency medicine program are encouraged to set up a tour of the city' s 911 communication center and observe the intricacies of call triage, dispatch, and pre-arrival care. A shift completed at the Emergency Operations Center fulfills one of the 16 required "EMS activities." Please contact Mr. Mark Pinchalk, the Quality Improvement Coordinator, to schedule a session!
Residents from the Allegheny General Hospital's emergency medicine program are encouraged to set up a tour of the city' s 911 communication center and observe the intricacies of call triage, dispatch, and pre-arrival care. A shift completed at the Emergency Operations Center fulfills one of the 16 required "EMS activities." Please contact Mr. Mark Pinchalk, the Quality Improvement Coordinator, to schedule a session!
RESCUE APPARATUS
Rescue units typically respond to incidents such as mass casualty calls, working structure fires, and vehicle accidents. Pittsburgh EMS operates two heavy rescue units capable of vehicle extrication and other specialized types of field care such as confined space operations. The city's Rescue division also includes the Hazardous Materials Response Team and the River Rescue units.
Rescue units typically respond to incidents such as mass casualty calls, working structure fires, and vehicle accidents. Pittsburgh EMS operates two heavy rescue units capable of vehicle extrication and other specialized types of field care such as confined space operations. The city's Rescue division also includes the Hazardous Materials Response Team and the River Rescue units.
EMS AMBULANCE
The City of Pittsburgh operates 13 advanced life support (paramedic level) units. Medic 4 is stationed on the north side of Pittsburgh, and Medic 14 is located downtown. Emergency medicine residents will regularly interact with city crews
The City of Pittsburgh operates 13 advanced life support (paramedic level) units. Medic 4 is stationed on the north side of Pittsburgh, and Medic 14 is located downtown. Emergency medicine residents will regularly interact with city crews
PITTSBURGH EMS LINKS
1. Pictures on this page are hosted on the official Pittsburgh EMS site. Visit that site for more information!
2. Mr. Mark Pinchalk serves as the Quality Coordinator for Pittsburgh EMS. Contact Mr. Pinchalk to schedule a 911 center tour.
1. Pictures on this page are hosted on the official Pittsburgh EMS site. Visit that site for more information!
2. Mr. Mark Pinchalk serves as the Quality Coordinator for Pittsburgh EMS. Contact Mr. Pinchalk to schedule a 911 center tour.