Pittsburgh Paramedics

[Trashtruck]

Hey all,
Does anybody work for or know anything about Pittsburgh EMS? I've researched a bit but as we all know, an insiders view is invaluable. Hopefully, somebody on here is employed, or has been employed by them.

 

[DrParasite]

8 hour shifts, all ALS system, 2 EMS rescues staffed 24/7.

every senior medic trains in rescue, but it takes a retirement to get a FT spot.

if they worked 12s instead of 8s, I would get my medic and apply there.

 

[RocketMedic]

Two trucks only? Do they transport or have private 911 backup?

 

[DrParasite]

no, not ambulance, they have 2 EMS RESCUES http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/ems/rescue_division.htm

if you want to see about Pittsburgh EMS, they have a pretty informative website

http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/ems/

 

[NomadicMedic]

Uh. No. They run ambulances. They currently staff 13 medic units.

http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/ems/ambulance_division.htm

 

[WolfmanHarris]

That doesn't seem like a lot of trucks. Do they just cover the city proper or the entire metro area?

 

[shfd739]

So does Pittsburgh FD do rescue work or is it up to the EMS division?

Looks interesting.

 

[BCMedic]

What does the pay and benefits look like? Website doesn't really go into any detail.

 

[nickhaps]

And I'm guessing the retirement rate isn't that high?

 

[DrParasite]

retirement rate is normal, turnover for the full time Rescue Paramedics is pretty low. not sure how it is for ambulance staff.

If I remember correctly, they just cover the city. 2 Rescues (one north, one south), and 13 ambulances. All rescue techs are firefighter trained, and part of the City (and maybe County) HazMat Team. EMS does most of the rescue operations, and are supported by the FD.

Don't know how well the pay was, but last I checked, it wasn't super spectacular. The biggest advantage I see is that you aren't stuck on an ambulance for your career, have have chances to advance and do other stuff, while maintaining your seniority and pay rate (and pension system).

Check out the website, it has A LOT of info on what they do.

 

[medic550]

They cover the city limits only. As for staffing 8 hour shifts but opportunites for overtimes always exists. They announce the OT over the radio for open shifts for people to call in.