Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS

Pittsburgh EMS and the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics collected toys all November to donate to Family Promise of Southwestern Pennsylvania, in memory of one of our fallen paramedics, Tracey Lynn Worthy. This afternoon, Paramedic Laurena Townsend successfully delivered the donations. Hundreds of dollars of toys and gift cards were collected and donated to the organization in memory of Tracey. Tracey loved children and donated a lot of her time to the communit...y in which she served. She sadly passed away suddenly on March 14, 2019. Since then, annual efforts have been made to donate school supplies and toys to organizations in her memory. Thank you to everyone who donated a toy for an amazing cause!

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Fire, and EMS responded to a 9-1-1 call for a structure fire on the 70 block of Cust Street around 2:15 a.m. When first responders ...arrived, they observed flames coming from an empty home. The fire started as a 2-alarm fire upon the responding crew’s arrival. It was later escalated to a 4-alarm fire. The flames reached two adjacent, occupied homes. Those three residents were able to escape without injuries. The fire was reported to be under control in just after two hours. The Red Cross will be assisting the displaced residents. The Fire Investigation Unit, comprised of Pittsburgh Police detectives and Pittsburgh Fire investigators, is investigating the cause of the fire.

When vandals tossed a portable toilet over the West End Overlook earlier in the year, it came to rest against a tree about 75 feet down the steep cliff, where i...t sat for months. The eyesore became challenge for the City to safely remove and the subject of multiple community complaints. While not its usual fare, the Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS Rescue Division decided to use that challenge as a training opportunity and a chance for its personnel to refresh their high angle rescue skills. The Rescue Division evaluated several obstacles including the overhanging cliff, the lack of a high purchase point, and the stability of the portable toilet itself. The crew devised a plan and succeeded in safely hoisting it up the hillside where Public Works hauled it away. Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS Rescue Division is proud to help keep Pittsburgh both safe and beautiful!

Public Safety has issued a new statement on our battle against Covid-19: https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/4480 As of this morning, 9 @PghP...olice officers, 9 @PghFireFighters and 3 @PghEMS members tested positive, but infection rates remain so low that staffing is unaffected. All but one of the (positive) employees are recuperating at home," Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said Tuesday. "One was hospitalized, but has been improving daily. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.

Never forget the darkness of that day; always remember the victims’ strength. #StrongerThanHate #TreeOfLife

District Chief Antwain Carter recently joined Children's Community Pediatrics to assist with the Minutes Matter game. Questions covered AED machines, chest compressions, tourniquets, when to call 911 and more! Test your knowledge on what to do in an emergency situation. http://ow.ly/spTa50BQwox

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services held an outdoor awards, swearing-in and promotions ceremony today beside the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on the North Shore. Michael McClintock and Tyler Woeppel were sworn in as new Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Thomas Brungo, Brianna Kramer, Katsiaryna Lohinava, Emma Owings, Alyse Saylor, and Suzanne Schwebel were sworn in as new Paramedics. Anthony Cugini was promoted from EMT to Paramedic and Crew Chief Ant...hony Shrader was promoted to District Chief. EMS Chief Ronald Romano congratulated the group and thanked their families and friends for supporting them as they advance in their careers with Pittsburgh EMS. Thank you for sharing them with us and understanding when they miss a family event because they are helping someone else, Romano said. Medical Director Dr. Ronald Roth acknowledged how a global pandemic has created new challenges for EMS personnel in the field, while providing a new, heightened level of protection for everyone. Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich congratulated the group on their accomplishments and told them that one of the most important services Pittsburgh EMS personnel can provide is compassion. Mayor William Peduto administered the Oath of Office for the new and newly-promoted members, reminding them that they’re part of an organization of leaders, but also part of a team that will be there for them so they can be there for the people of Pittsburgh. As part of the ceremony, District Chief Mike Rogers presented paramedics Romayne Bendig and Taylor Mahoney with the District Chief’s Award for their actions in rescuing a woman who was struck by a vehicle and trapped underneath. The Meritorious Service Medal was awarded to Crew Chief Christy Zalewski for consistently demonstrating outstanding acts of service that reflect rare and exceptional character and an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others. Full press release https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases.html

Today and every day, we remember.

ALERT: River Rescue located the body of a deceased male in the Monongahela River today. More info: https://pittsburghpa.gov/publicsafety/blotterview/846

One year ago today, 13 year old Jordan Duckett collapsed during football practice. Since his passing, his mother Laken has dedicated her life to raising awaren...ess about athletic safety in partnership with our Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS. Today, the Mayor presented a special #Pittsburgh Proclamation in memory of Jordan.