How Black Pittsburgh Revolutionized Emergency Healthcare
In the 1960s, sick or injured people would get taken to the hospital in the backseat of a cop car or hearse — if they were picked up at all. It wasn’t until a trailblazing group of Black men from the Hill District started saving lives in their own community that the country began to develop a system for emergency medicine. Known as the Freedom House Ambulance Service, this team of Pittsburghers became the nation’s very first paramedics. Kevin Hazzard, author of “American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America’s First Paramedics,” joins us to talk about the group’s lasting legacy in our city and beyond.
Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why Pittsburghers Love Cleveland
Looking for a low-cost, easy getaway this summer? Look no further than Cleveland! From free art to giant pastrami sandwiches, there's a l...
The Best Indian Food in Pittsburgh
Love Indian food, but want to indulge beyond butter chicken and naan? You're in luck! City Cast contributor Aakanksha Agarwal is joining...
Lion McBaby Face, Catena’s Defeat & Inclusionary Zoning Returns
A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan...
Who Wins Summer in the USA? Pittsburgh Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris,...
Sara Innamorato on Paid Leave, Term Limits, and a Fancy New Hotel
Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara I...
What's On Your Primary Ballot?
It's primary election day! Local voters are being asked to weigh in on one ballot measure: If Pittsburgh loses its print newspapers, shou...
Pittsburgh's Dangerous Drop in Vaccination Rates
Measles is on the rise across the U.S., and experts say outbreaks aren't hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing re...
'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Would Pittsburgh be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more...
Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz
Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his o...
Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?
City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city...