Tell me about Pittsburgh

[actiondaniel]

Hi, I used hang out in Pittsburgh, for months on end, every summer, for many years. That was a long time ago, before I was ever involved in EMS communities. Recently, I've been considering moving there, I miss how much fun I had, how beautiful the city is, and that awesome area of America in general. I'm looking for info on what it's like to be a paramedic there- who medics work for, who does the transporting, who has the 911 contract (like a private company or fire), what pay is like, how you get Pennsylvania/Allegheny certification... Or any head's ups or tips at all.

Best wishes to all.

 

[EMDispatch]

Pittsburgh EMS is a third service in the city. I looked at them several years ago when I got my PA EMT-B. I was told they pretty much exclusively hire Basics and train them up in their system. You also had to be a resident of the city to apply at that time. They do hire some outside medic though. The agency also runs water rescue and a heavy rescue squad. HEMS in the area is Stat Medevac.

Other people know way more about it than me though, and I think there are some providers on here. North of the city and up into Beaver County is an agency called Medic Rescue, they appeared to hold a lot of contracts when I was last out there visiting my wife's family.
http://pittsburghpa.gov/ems/
http://www.statmedevac.com/
http://www.medicrescue.org/

 

[kaisardog]

City of pgh. now hires only paramedics. their pgh. specialty teams like river rescue require paramedic + specialty certs like confined space or swiftwater rescue certs. lots of local agencies within allegheny county hire emt-b s, and you will get a lot of hours, though not a great salary. instructors at local community college EMT courses are all paramedics. Pgh. is a fine place to live, as the cost of living is comparatively low and there are a lot of recreational activities within an hour's drive . in winter, local ski resorts will hire full time patrollers as EMTs if you pass the national ski patrol OEC challenge course.

 

[Bullets]

Was in town recently for the EMSCharts User Conference and i will say a few things

The PA DMAT came to NJ during Sandy and they came from the area around Pgh, and had a couple of Pgh Medics and a ER doc, they were all awesome guys, very professional, knowledgeable and progressive providers. It was a distinct pleasure to work with people who did not ask why i didnt backboard someone who fell from a standing height.

Went to a Pirates game, stadium is beautiful, the city is interesting
Primanti Brothers is this sandwhich shop locals rave about, it was mediocre. Though there was this sweet little hole called NoLa that had a jazz band, few saxophones, a trumpet and a trombone on Market Square. Very good time.

Also, CVS closed at 9pm, so that was weird for someone used to 24hr stores

 

[actiondaniel]

Good start- that uncovers some of the mystery. And p-burgh is such a great town, people in general there are a blast to hang out with, lots of good music and great outdoors action. I'll look into those extra certain and different companies and see what I can dig up. Thanks for the responses.

 

[EpiEMS]

It was a distinct pleasure to work with people who did not ask why i didnt backboard someone who fell from a standing height.

Now that'd be nice!

 

[Ace 227]

Progressive protocols and tons of specialty centers make UPMC a pretty good system to work for. Everyone and their mom is an EMT out here so having your medic and any additional certs can only help. Most EMS in the area(outside city limits) is paid and fire is volunteer so if you're in to that, you have the option.

And Primanti's is hardly even mediocre. I really don't understand the obsession...