Tensions Between Pittsburgh's Firefighters, Paramedics Escalates

Pittsburgh firefighters and paramedics are fighting a turf battle and the public is caught in the middle; KDKA's Andy Sheehan reports.

[@EMSED4U]

As a paramedic, with over 40 years of experience, I find this childish and pathetic. First of all, the primary focus of the EMS crew should have been patient care. The Fire Department units on scene had the tools, and I am sure the training, to extricate the patient. Why would you call another unit to respond if you already have the needed resources on scene? That is just stupid. Keep the other unit available for other potential calls. TEAM WORK People! That is what this job is all about. This job is no place for your ego. Get over yourself. In my opinion, the right call was made. The whole incident should be dropped and you boys and girls in Pittsburgh need to learn to work together. A turf war will only cause problems and hurt both you and your citizens.

[@reflectionsoftheday3894]

Waa waa! You're right. I worked in HFD & later became an EMT/ambulance chauffer (NOT with HFD). HFD has been cross-training their EMS/Firefighter crews for decades to save money. Each person has the intelligence to do that, but for some IDIOTIC reason, there are still ignorant cities who keep the separation for no good reason other than firefighters/EMS want to stomp their feet, " can't make me do it & I don't want to!" while rolling on the floor & holding their breath until they're blue in the face. Totally infantile & this video clearly shows all of that. Denver Fire & Denver EMS are like this video. They refuse to be cross-trained & Mayor Hancock is too ignorant to know any better. That's standard for this state- they're way more stupid here in Colorado.

[@thenussbaum44]

Why do the Paramedics even have a rescue truck like that? Those are usually in the fire department. The Mayor needs to get this problem resolved because it's really a joke.

[@steelcityrailfan4808]

Yeah, I’ve wondered that myself

[@reflectionsoftheday3894]

I worked in HFD & later became an EMT/ambulance chauffer (NOT with HFD). HFD has been cross-training their EMS/Firefighter crews for decades to save money. Each person has the intelligence to do that, but for some IDIOTIC reason, there are still ignorant cities who keep the separation for no good reason other than firefighters/EMS want to stomp their feet, " can't make me do it & I don't want to!" while rolling on the floor & holding their breath until they're blue in the face. Totally infantile & this video clearly shows all of that. Denver Fire & Denver EMS are like this video. They refuse to be cross-trained & Mayor Hancock is too ignorant to know any better. That's standard for this state- they're way more stupid here in Colorado.

[@YourWifesRealBoyfriend]

They have a rescue truck like that because in that area, they performs rescues. They need the truck to carry the tools.

[@thenussbaum44]

@@YourWifesRealBoyfriend Yeah, I kind of figured that, but that doesn't answer my question.

[@cdcubs8727]

Because Pittsburgh has always done things ass backwards.

[@caomhnoir386]

"Would you rather people who aren't trained" - if the Bureau of Fire isn't trained to use the equipment why do they have it? Seems like the EMS union is just bashing the other department and spreading misinformation.

[@martym.6274]

They wouldn’t have the equipment if they weren’t trained to use it. Sounds like the paramedics have some growing up to do.

[@Big-O43]

@@martym.6274 Truth be told !

[@kymberlyp4056]

It appears both departments need to repeat kindergarten and learn how to work WITH each other.🤦🏼‍♀️

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

As a retired firefighter/engineer, I remember this kind of childish antics between departments and the union. It's a shame that this sort of thing happens when egos take center stage over mutual aid.

[@michaelsheffler5710]

I can guarantee you if that piece of equipment is on that apparatus engine or truck they have drilled with it and they know how to use it properly

[@martym.6274]

Exactly!

[@wesmckinney4915]

Lol this is crazy!! Is the paramedic seriously trying to say that firefighters don’t know how to extricate a victim??

[@thedisabledchef2159]

Yeah, that was a punch in the mouth

[@martym.6274]

It appears to me that the paramedics are represented by a bunch of whiny little babies

[@madmax6571]

@@martym.6274 in this case yes but in most cases Fire are the cry babies

[@madmax6571]

@Johnny’s Bricks yeah sure hose dragger

[@madmax6571]

@Johnny’s Bricks shut up and go wash your car.

[@james8156]

Firefighters do extrications. The EMS does patient care. Firefighters all have training and most are EMT/Paramedic certified. I stand with my brother firefighters on this issue without a doubt but also respect the EMS dept.

[@SK-tr1wo]

Lol 70% of fire are vollies.

[@joshuaknight311]

@@SK-tr1wo right they don't go to ems school

[@madmax6571]

Why don’t you go make a calendar

[@freddy4136]

@@SK-tr1wo in CA all require EMT minimum

[@michaelnoe3907]

In Pennsylvania, patient extrication & rescue is under the Dept of Health via the Bureau of EMS. Voluntary Rescue Services Recognition certification has an application on Office of the State Fire Commissioner site and is a DOH Certification. www.osfc.pa.gov/State%20Fire%20Academy/Certification/Pages/Voluntary-Rescue-Service-Recognition-Program.aspx

[@thedisabledchef2159]

WTF!? Part of FF1 Certification is the use of extrication tools correctly and effectively. Here in Philly, we get crossed trained and every truck company has a hydraulic splitter with 2 separate pieces depending on the size of the job. We even have SOC's (Special Operation Companies), a Heavy Rescue and 2 Squads that do what I know that Paramedics aren't trained or qualified to do. How about having to free someone trapped in the middle of a fire which I know has been me numerous times! This is just ridiculous, and unbelievable and I personally expect for the Bureau to win this.

[@hosedragger-204]

Bear in mind that FF1 training varies from place to place. I'm taking the challenge exam for it here in my state next week and it doesn't cover extrication equipment at all in the requirements

[@unknown1238157]

Well if there is a medical component to an extrication, then listening to the medic on scene is probably in the best interest of the patient. But there is just immaturity on both sides.

[@JeffreyDonaldson-wb5rv]

@@unknown1238157 Actually Paramedics can't extricate if they are required to monitor paitint period. Companies also train on their own . Not all FF1 certification has Jaws of life training. requirement. I didn't have it. but did take a certified state rescue course to learn it and our company also trained on weekend.

[@shadddey5]

This is literally an episode of Rescue Me. Wow.

[@seank7413]

Imagine wanting a child to stay in distress so you can preserve your pride

[@millennial9252]

This will end in a merger of Pittsburgh Fire and EMS. Similar situation with FDNY, where previously EMS was not under the FDNY and it makes sense from chain of command situations where there is a single individual in charge of the call.

[@nuttybeef1222]

Why do the paramedics have a rescue truck and extrication tools? Shouldn’t they just be focusing on patient care and transport?

[@michaelnoe3907]

In Pennsylvania, patient extrication & rescue is under the Dept of Health via the Bureau of EMS. Voluntary Rescue Services Recognition certification has an application on Office of the State Fire Commissioner site, and is a DOH Certification. www.osfc.pa.gov/State%20Fire%20Academy/Certification/Pages/Voluntary-Rescue-Service-Recognition-Program.aspx

[@kristofersmith5476]

Just from these interviews it sounds like the EMS needs to check their egos at the door 🤦 ground zero is a leg stuck in between the playground bars 🤣🤣🤣🤣 GTFOH!

[@mackflickerson6722]

I’m really dumbfounded here. I am almost always against duplication of resources. But in cases like this, both departments have the assets to intervene in certain situations creates a huge safety buffer when difficult incidents or multiple incidents arise. The city has provided both agencies with the tools and (purportedly) the training. Medically directed extrication of moderately to seriously injured patients is an absolute fantastic service to have. So is another group in the wings waiting to provide backup manpower. Now, the bean counters are going to be starkly aware of this blessed cushion created by the duplicate resources, and one of them is going to get cut. Because, what I assume to be a select few insisted upon cutting of their noses to spite their faces.

[@reflectionsoftheday3894]

Exactly & especially when human life is at risk. I worked in HFD & later became an EMT/ambulance chauffer (NOT with HFD). HFD has been cross-training their EMS/Firefighter crews for decades to save money. Each person has the intelligence to do that, but for some IDIOTIC reason, there are still ignorant cities who keep the separation for no good reason other than firefighters/EMS want to stomp their feet, say "You can't make me do it & I don't want to!" while rolling on the floor & holding their breath until they're blue in the face. Totally infantile & this video clearly shows all of that. Denver Fire & Denver EMS are like this video. They refuse to be cross-trained & Mayor Hancock is too ignorant to know any better. That's standard for this state- they're way more stupid here in Colorado. Fyi, Polis & Hancock let the cops torture & kill at will wih no repercussions. The EMTs have jumped on that corrupt wagon train & kill the patients at the scene if the police tell them to.

[@dougcrawford6208]

Sounds to me as if this is a political battle or "I'm in charge here" fighting between both emergency services. Here in Southwest Ohio, fire, rescue and medics are ALL part of the fire department with most members trained in all aspects of emergency situations. One union represents "all" fire department employees. They work together for the victims no matter the incident, situation or emergency. Can't we just all get along for the betterment of your community. Thanks to you all and Godspeed.

[@michaels2153]

All extrication should be done by the Fire Department. Period. The company I work for only carries a halligan and sledgehammer for extrication, and even that's only for emergencies if we really HAVE to force a door quickly.

[@randomaxeofviolence4049]

A lot of people here aren't understanding why this happened. In this case the paramedics have a rescue squad and rescue training, which is much more specific to a situation like extrication than what fire does overall. Technically they are more equipped to handle this. That being said, they were petty assholes in this situation since fire had the equipment on scene and it was a mostly BS call. Perfect example of someone technically being right but still being an asshole.

[@JeffreyDonaldson-wb5rv]

I guess the EMS /Paramedic crews never said about the FD trying to get the patients extricated to be transported to get treatment within the Golden Hour. EMS union should know that. FD does the extrication. period. Of course the Union there supports Biden and Democrats. Can't expect the EMS?PARAMEDI union to do the right thing>? Can we?

[@barefooboy17]

In California,we have Firefighter/Paramedics on the trucks, one Union, none of this Tug Of War bullshit. You better get your act together Pittsburgh, you're costing lives!

[@happyjack880]

It doesn't take a paramedic to rescue a child from playground equipment. Work together or find something else to do.

[@jeremiahsatterlee3940]

As far as who I'd want rescuing me is whoever already had the correct tools and equipment for the situation, I wouldn't want to be on waiting for one crew to get it when the other crew already has it.

[@austinpace5071]

In South Carolina by state statute, any incident where patient care is required, such as an entrapment, the highest level medical provider at the scene is in charge. Although the fire department still handles the extrication that provider has the final say. EMS may not need to necessarily be the ones performing the extrication but they need to have a significant awareness or the processes and techniques and how they may impact the patient.

[@bfdbull7114]

Merge the departments. Johnny and I always played nice with Cap, Chet and the others because we were a TEAM. The thought of waiting for “their” tool to arrive when the FD had one there already, and I’m sure knew how to use it since they had it, is infantile, immature and dangerous. Maybe they should take the EMS equipment away, give it to the FD, and let the EMS department handle EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE like the title states.

[@Kylehikes47]

This is clearly an ego problem for the Paramedic department, Those firefighters get the same if not more training using the jaws of life and so on.... what a joke that the Paramedics are mad that the fire department who did what is in the best interest of the child and safely removed them from the bars rather than waiting 5-10 mins for another medic truck to bring what the fire department already has.

[@unknown1238157]

But in the same token, the medics are the medical authority on scene. My only question is does the firefighters performing rescue operations have any medical training. If not leave it to the medics or wait until they get there, because if you try and remove someone to fast, you can cause more harm than good.

[@betyblue6520]

All Pittsburgh firefighters are medically trained,for reasons like this

[@brucenadeau2172]

@@unknown1238157 how much medical training do you need to know the faster you rescue the victim the less damage is done. waiting 5 to 10 minutes may cause the circulation to be cut to the leg and may damage the leg even causing it to be lost all for pride. The medics can monitor the patient as the firefighter rescues the child.

[@johncapp8221]

Glad to see what my hard tax dollars are going to

[@overthebridgefiremedia]

I just wanna know who this a** of a Vice President of a paramedic agency is fire definitely has more extrication experience than all of the paramedics combined. Personally I think fire should handle fire and rescue and ems/paramedics should handle patient care. 3:16 this John guy says “who do you want coming to rescue you from some type of situation like this somebody who’s probably never done it before or do you want somebody who might arrive a couple of minutes after that but has probably done this count less times through out there career over many decades of doing this” which personally every call is different. No call is ever the same.

[@texandy89]

As a former firefighter I do agree fire should be focused on fire and rescue and ems should focus on patient care and transport. It's common sense It's called fire and rescue for a reason lol it's just ridiculous why does the EMS have that heavy rescue rig when I bet the fire department has a heavy rescue as well EMS trying to play fire department roles

[@neilarmsweak9084]

Paramedics driving around in a heavy rescue is ridiculous. Stick to bringing people to the hospital. Who’s the jack wagon with scruff around his neck? Is he seriously saying that Pittsburgh FF have Hurst tools , but aren’t trained to use them?

[@richardnix3530]

This duplicity is ridiculous and unnecessary. EMS should focus on ALS and transport. EMS doesn't need a "rescue 1" The FD is capable of doing extrication. Both depts need to specialize and work together for the taxpayers. PITT has the good fortune of having the budget $$$ to afford this ? How nice.

[@Steadierpark]

Why does EMS have fire duties and why did the city split suppression and EMS as two departments? If the FD had waited for paramedic units, how is that doing what’s best for the pt? As a paramedic and a suppression officer, I work in a system where suppression units provide EMS….blows my mind how their system works.

[@ambulance_boy3834]

I'm fine with EMS doing rescue as well. Plenty of squads started out like that before the fire department started doing it. How they are handling it however is pathetic. If fire is already there let them do it. They are trained if they have the tools.

[@DominickWalenczak]

I don't get this. My response would have been: "Okay, you guys got this? Cool. Imma gonna go back in service." ✌️

[@heavy7799]

FDNY EMS for 22 years and first of all, why do you have a heavy rescue for EMS? I mean come on…Primary role of EMS is Pt care. We have enough to worry about with that. We have Rescue Medics in 5 Boros and have all kinds of training…rarely used but great to have. We leave the extrication work and removal, for the most part, to the FF and works out very well. Briskest municipal system in country, certainly not the best but we have zero need for a heavy rescue. We have1 Rescue company plus 2 NYPD ESU companies in every boro but Staten Island. Comes down to everyone wanting to have there price of the kingdom. Get over yourselves

[@alexandermakrianis]

Common sense, if the fire department has the equipment needed to perform an extrication rescue on scene then why would you not want them to use it and wait for an EMS unit to bring it? EMS should be there for patient care and transport, seems odd that they are even doing extrication in the first place. Seems even more odd that the two agencies perform this service and fight with each other over it. It's an unnecessary duplication of services.

[@nicholaswood5180]

They guy who was saying that the medics had more experience with doing stuff like this should literally be fired, there’s no such thing as a “paramedic academy” they don’t have hundreds of hours of training the firefighters do, they all require at least 150 hours, he needs more knowledge before opening his mouth

[@ButtThuck]

I've been a firefighter for 5 years and I can say, without a doubt, Paramedic training is MUCH longer than Fire Academy.

[@caomhnoir386]

@@ButtThuck Basic paramedic training doesn't teach you how to properly extricate a victim with the tools. Also, the EMS union is clearly spreading misinformation and bashing the other department when they say "they don't know how to use them" when they have them for a reason.

[@hihfty]

@@caomhnoir386 Coming from a system that has Firefighter/Paramedics across the entire shift this whole system and situation is absurd. Paramedics should asses and transport not be running rescue companies. The only thing i can think of even remotely close to a weird situation like this is NYPD and there ESU truck

[@RandomDogsons]

@@hihfty Pittsburgh EMS has ran rescue operations since the 1970s after the fire department didn't want it/did it poorly. It is not at all a exclusivity to Pittsburgh, it's common in a lot of places in the east coast, specifically PA, NJ, Maryland and to lesser extents Boston and New Orleans. Just like Pittsburgh EMS got a boat and dive team after the fire department was filmed on local news dredging a dead body up with hooks. There's a lot more local history at play than an outsider may think.

[@hihfty]

@@RandomDogsons I have to be honest i know 0 about Pittsburgh and the local politics but its just an insane concept for people in the New England area. Its amazing to me that a Fire Department would even fall to a point where technical services were being taken away. My city actually boarders boston and they do not run a "EMS Rescue" truck. They are a municipally run department much like police and fire. But they are strictly a transport and EMS role. New Orleans runs the same way, they are also mainly a transport role. The model that Pittsburg has is not foreign but that EMS Rescue is. There is not a single major city in New England that operates one either. But there is a forum that can be found on google questioning the existence of EMS based Rescues like these and there is not a lot left. PGFD in maryland absorbed those companies and made them fire stations. It seems like EMS operating Heavy rescues was a normal in the 70s when Fire Departments were strictly worried about fire and nothing else.

[@Airattackmatt]

Wtf... every heard of mutal aid?

[@PuhpPup]

This is so childish! If you cannot be professional and work together, then you should no be working the job at all! You know how to solve this? Put them all under one roof with one commander!

[@chriselms6972]

Why are those services divided in such a large metro area. And Ive never seen EMS command an extrication

[@thedisabledchef2159]

Wait, the paramedic chief said the fire department doesn't have the expertise? Firefighters have to pass a basic course in fire school on extrication and for them to say they never do it, he's delusional! Can the paramedics Don bunker gear and head into a building to rescue trapped occupants with fire and smoke around? Probably not because the "inexperienced" under trained firefighters will have to resort to out of date tactics and strategies to suppress the fire and have a positive search

[@smorris281]

I know this is an old story, but why doesn’t Pittsburgh merge EMS with their Fire Dept like every other city? That should help right off. In any case, Fire extricates and EMS treats the victim. Why is that so hard to understand?

[@LogicShows]

When ambulances run calls out of fire houses, 75% of the time they are firefighters on the truck. Most major cites or counties have ambulance districts etc. different cities see it as more training more expense

[@sassysamurai6534]

Whether it's Fire or EMS that does the extrication is entirely irrelevant. I understand that in EMS, we are trained to do extrication. But for 1, this is Fire's specialty. Extrication is a big part of their job. 2, as an EMT myself. I'd prefer whoever get there first, do what they can until EMS arrives to transport to the hospital. If this is about the glory, then Pittsburgh EMS really needs to revaluate the purpose of their existence.

[@THEFINALHAZARD]

Agree on 2, though for 1... Rescue even now, is handled by pittsburgh EMS. They run two rescue trucks in addition to the ambulances.

[@ramonquintana3824]

Man that’s crazy! when we come on scene we never have that issue we are all one team it’s for the benefit of the patient not the different departments egos

[@DeRocco21]

this is the cities fault for duplicating services

[@mrad.13]

It's a fact that EMS is better equipped to respond to medical emergencies and rescue, but if PBF has the abilities to execute a rescue in a more timely fashion I think they should have free will to do so. So long as the can properly access the situation & not cause harm or danger to the victim

[@byronbirmingham15exp]

It’s literally spreading 2 bars apart and ems is acting like it’s the most major call why would I wait for a another unit to bring a tool that’s on my truck that’s already sitting here, the ems bureau is being petty and the citizens come first this is a shame and that city counts on you guys to be there…. Let it go and be a team I know I’m very late seeing this but hopefully they fixed it

[@centralnewyorkresponses7887]

how do they let this happen? It’s stupid.

[@phillywhateverguy]

Fd extricates. Ems does patient care. Thats how it works most places. But if ems knows what they are doing and get there first. It doesnt matter. Nyc is first come first serve. Its nypd esu and fdny rescues 1through5 that respond.

[@Portagecountyfirstresponders]

In my opinion, the 2 departments should be put together. Pittsburg Fire and EMS. I see no Positives to having 2 separate Departments like this, it will cause scenes like this. Then the depts can work together, and overall would go through more smoothly.

[@ghedeen]

I think consolidation may be good, though 1 possible change from your suggestion. It probably should be "Pittsburgh EMS and Fire" as 80% of the calls are EMS and there should just be a suppression division, cross-train some rescue folks, but keep the focus on the biggest piece of the pie, EMS.

[@DerekFullerWhoIsGovt]

😮

[@brucenadeau2172]

the fire personel are skilled to use the jaws of life paramedics should worry about the patent medical and let the fire rescue personel do the rescue

[@maxhallman1036]

Or why not roll 2 rescues and have 2 teams 1 for purely extraction and the other for extraction and patient care?

[@mikekersey6528]

Give each dept responsibility for opposing halfs of the city for rescue work.

[@jacobstauffer705]

You both are there to do your jobs, it doesn’t matter who gets their first or not. If someone is called to rescue someone then they can do so, there shouldn’t be any complaining on oh the fire department did it first before ems.

[@mattwhipp2651]

There’s a bigger issue here. This is a perfect example of what I’m trying to say.

[@Grafzaaiers]

America is such a ridiculous country it amazes me at least on a weekly basis.

[@jessejacobs2488]

Why On earth do paramedics have a heavy rescue truck. First of all they are all there for the same reason, to preserve life. The issue is very easily solvable. Merge the two departments together, plenty of big cities do it, New York, LA, Chicago. Then everyone is on the same team.

[@terryharris367]

Birmingham

[@robthetinmang1455]

Why do we have two separate organizations? Many cities have Fire and EMS under the same umbrella and they have FF/paramedics on the ambulance. In AZ, an engine or ladder respond with an ambulance in case extra manpower is needed and a paramedic or both from each apparatus will ride in the ambulance to provide help on critical patients so that there's no delay in care and enabling all the care needed to be administered as a team. Working together is what is needed for the public's safety. I've been an EMT on an ambulance and in AZ we worked as a team and no one got butt hurt bc the patient(s) was the focus. The city needs to work to unite the two depts and hopefully merge the two.unions together for the public good. I don't understand why they wouldn't want paramedics on the fire apparatus, if they don't currently mentioned. AsI mentioned, FF/paramedics can provide extra manpower in the ambulance during transport for critical patients, especially if its a load and go so that you're not waiting for another unit or a paramedic supervisor. Besides, do you want to leave an apparatus at a scene of a violent incident while a supervisor rides in the ambulance? Most FDs nowadays recognize that 80-85% of calls in the fire service are for EMS. If you don't adapt to changing landscape, how can you justify better pay and more apparatus and personnel? This is a time where the unions are making things worse and the public, being caught in the middle, are the ones suffering the consequences!!!

[@alfheib]

Okay I'm a firefighter right from the start... For at least 20 years the fire department has been responding to medical calls with EMS flash paramedics... One of those firefighters have medical experience in emergency medicine training... They also have certifications in vehicle extrication and other types of rescue just like the medics assigned to EMS rescue one. And I hate to use this old adage first-come-first-serve.. the year party proper crew how do you quitman to extricate this child they were already their equipment was already pulled out and they should have got the call extricate like they did .. if I am trapped in a vehicle in need Mead extrication I don't care if it's a firefighter or a paramedic extricated me I just want to be extricated.. in some counties to fire department provides extrication and other rescue for their.. in other counties in this area the ambulance service or EMS provider rescue services.. .. and if Samara is the fire department also is EMS provider and rescue provider for their community as well as neighboring communities.. I hope that this has been settled by now I know that this story is is an older one.. but it's continuing issue in a lot of areas in communities ..

[@nickcapilongo88]

It's not childish it's a grievance get over it, which they have the right to file if they think someone else did there work.

[@StephenBradley2317]

Uncle Fester wishes he had been a firefighter.

[@hihfty]

This whole situation is such a joke and a problem exclusive to Pittsburgh. A dedicated EMS Department should not even have a Rescue truck. There are countless other cities that have EMS departments that operate strictly in ambulances and have a medical role. Its absurd how a Paramedic division even worked there way up to the point of having a Rescue rig and even worse is the fact there union president is brain dead.

[@sasquatchexperience5994]

Well think like this when you have a mass incident like a terrorist attack you may need additional rescue rigs I mean it more so just to protect the Public even more so Murrysville Medic 1 has rigs like that and they respond much faster and better to vehicle accidents and other catastrophes i feel they need to work together and get past there different views and see they are Fighting for the same Cause Public Safety

[@unknown1238157]

What’s the difference, when u go to a car accident with a injured pt trapped inside. EMS is in charge anyway, telling the fire department where to cut and how they want to remove the pt. And on the other hand there are plenty of place where EMS runs rescue. Newark NJ, Wayne NJ and North Brunswick NJ are just some examples in NJ where EMS does rescue. Both departments are childish and need to grow up.

[@hihfty]

@@unknown1238157 The disconnect is that in many places across the country FIRE/EMS are run together. The normal in New England is Fire based EMS. And for the few cities that have EMS as a third service it is Unheard of to have your EMS division have a rescue truck. It’s just a strange concept to some people. My department has 400 firefighter/paramedics. You could be on an engine one day and an ambulance the next. These fights in Pittsburg are just strange.

[@terryharris367]

@@sasquatchexperience5994 why departments have heavy rescue units within the fire department

[@timmuller1567]

Where I live, EMS is a private contract. The FD doesn't even respond to medical calls unless the ambulance co. needs a special tool or help carrying someone. 20+ ambulances and thats all they are........ambulances. Works pretty well especially since no one on the FD wants anything to do with EMS. Its funny because the video that popped up before this one was also about an EMS dept. in PA showing off their big rescue rig and all the stuff they have and the first thing I thought was what the hell is the fire dept. for? LOL.

[@mikekersey6528]

How did EMS agency get into rescue work anyway? That's typically the responsibility of Fire Dept.

[@unknown1238157]

More than u think

[@medic2807]

Oh, ffs.

[@barefooboy17]

Here in CA the medics ride the fire trucks! They are so fucked up!

[@danielferstendig]

Pittsburgh ems should be consolidated with Pittsburgh firecompany.

[@RichlandFireBuff]

the guy at 3:17 is an absolute trash can of a public service worker I think it is terrible to belittle a different agency's personnel for any reason especially for a reason like what he said.

[@weatherataglance6075]

Really? These are the people we rely our safety on. A 3 year old is in pain and they are arguing over who can help the child? You could just help the child as a team.

[@tommygallagher2542]

In NYC the fire department runs the heavy rescues but NYPD also has heavy recues. It is a joint operation and they are both trained to do the same thing and work with eachother. The only real difference is NYPD esu are swat teams aswell. Departments need to learn to train together. For car accidents and small entrapments most likely just the fire department will go, but for a major incident the police and fire department are gonna work together. Pittsburgh should train ems and fire together so this doesn’t happen.

[@timmuller1567]

Geez. A city the size of Pittsburgh and there isn't enough people to help so you have to fight over them? If I was on the ambulance and pulled up and the FD said we can handle this, all set. I'd say OK, bye. If I was on the FD and pulled up and EMS said we can handle this, all set. I'd say OK, bye.

[@FUKKelowna]

This is silly and embarrassing to all involved

[@RichardCarlson-dh5uz]

The Chicago Fire Department has the Ambulance coming out of the Fire Station and

[@soundtechstudios1006]

Sounds like a dispatch problem 🤣

[@daniels.5019]

yes because a kid with his leg stuck needs ALS. What a joke. Fire does extrication EMS does PT care.

[@maxhallman1036]

Some departments don't have purely BLS so they roll the nearest unit

[@joshuaknight311]

Ems way more important than firefighters

[@ryanmiller7681]

just make one department wtf

[@merlinsandra4405]

May God provide intellectual, physical and spiritual power and strength to the fire fighter department team-the fire fighter officers, vehicle maintenance group, call center team n overall team. May God empower and bless you all and ur family for the noble work of saving lives while risking one's life and forest fire safety through fire helicopters. Salute to every firefighter!! Amen!!

[@kool-aidman773]

Childish hope it’s still not going on

[@erickaegi629]

I'm glad I don't live in Pittsburgh, If your emergency services are so damned petty you are unreal trouble!!!

[@hwileyiii]

You want a firefighter

[@bethmcqueen9642]

How embarrassing to be so petty. Work as a team or get out of public service. Who cares who got to use the tools (toys).

[@jerrybutler605]

Here's how I see this, Fire/Rescue personnel have the tools to do extrications, fires, etc. EMS have the medical transport side of things. Stop the arguing and stay in your own damn lanes!

[@user-ge2fb9fh2q]

Breach of contract? Do these fuckers think they get paid by the call? Why is that thing in a scarf and womens shirt even making this an issue, who tf cares about using the jaws,all that matters is patient safety. And Pittsburgh paramedics only have 2 rescue trucks for the entire city , but 30 engine/truck companies, why would they wait every single call for one of two rescue rigs especially on a basic call.

[@YourWifesRealBoyfriend]

Merge the two agencies. Done!

[@thatguy6387]

Sounds like the medics need to get over themselves a little. The guy talking for medics is way exaggerating their skills vs the fire dept. PBF has an entire div of special rescue teams. Fire fighters have extrication taught as basic knowledge skills. And just about every fire department on the sand of USA does extrication….I am a firefighter/paramedic dual role, but these medics are way self absorbed here.

[@willmcpherson8097]

"Who do you want coming to rescue you from some type of situation like this. Somebody whos probably never done it before"???????? Really, your telling me Fire doesn't have the resources or expertise to use extrication equipment? Sorry ascot boy, gotta disagree with you on this one. Give your head a shake. Patient care, all day long it should be trained EMS taking the lead, rescue, the fire guys are way more versed, how about we put the patients needs first, and not worry about who did the snipping. Unreal.

[@divegs0902]

Do what other cities have done combine EMS and FD? Problem solved.

[@josefrobbins8781]

Aside from some volunteer departments, Yes! All career Fire Fighters are EMT's, and a majority have earned their Paramedic certification.

[@SittingWithDogs]

Jesus! Get it together for your community

[@RichardCarlson-dh5uz]

Maybe they should watch Chicago Fire and they work great they have all rescue trucks and AMBULANCE

[@dboehm4910]

fire both of the bosses and work together. what I want is harmony and teamwork. put a neutral party in charge of the call and they decided who does what. So childish

[@MrPl0xygen]

Fire did the right thing they where there with the tool to the job. The grievance is useless. Fire was there to free the child without waiting. Medics needed to stay in there scope and provide ALS and Fire to free the child or trapped.

[@davidpayne4315]

Just knock off all the back and forth just work together

[@mattwhipp2651]

Remember the 80’s, 90’s and earlier when it was just about getting the job done? Leave some kid pinned in a playground for a second longer than they need to be because you want to wait for different personnel and equipment to show up when there’s already equipment and personal that can handle it on scene? What the heck is wrong with these people? JUST DO THE JOB!! Leave the stupid shit in the kitchen when you climb on the rig for a job! This is what comes of blurring the lines of what a agency is there for! Fire department should fight fires perform rescue’s ext ext. EMS is there to treat patients ext ext. The whole fire service needs to get back to its roots. No more FF/EMT or FF/Paramedic. No more EMS/Technical rescue or whatever and for 100% sure no more public safety FF/EMT/Police. All these jobs are highly stressful and take many many years of training and experience to become proficient at. These multi roles are asking too much of us. Just being honest. Where does it end? What’s next? FF/EMT/Police/Public works? EMS/ Technical rescue/ Road commission/ Public defender/ Waste management? See my point? America 🇺🇸!!

[@thomaselectronicsrecycling9537]

ems has 0 buisness doing extracation that is the job for the fire department not ems ems handles the medical side and most ems agencies dont have the training the firefighters do ems needs to stick to doing patient care period they dont have the trianing firefighters do im sorry i dont want a paremedic doing extracation as they dont know wtf they doing

[@zadzpad1540]

Grow up & work together. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@TheMusicalMedic]

This is childish

[@mrcrazy051]

firefighters over medics any day

[@stevedenton2999]

If the equipment is on the Truck Co. Or Engine for that matter im pretty sure these men and women train on them. I pretty sure they're extrication certified. If any one person is in distress and the BC who usually is an incident commander of the scence and ordered his Co. to extricate then whats the issue? Sounds like the paragods feelings were hurt and bam made a fuss. Pretty much all calls are BLS anyway. Kid was freed let EMS assess he or she and call it a day... at end of day sounds like ems there needs to grow up or mayor should let fire take ems Over..! One mission one team!

[@josephluera1847]

Come on guys, pee pee battle. Most FF are trained and know.... City has long overdue combine the two and allow the medics to make some serious $$$$$

[@shanewhite9501]

To my fire in EMS brothers and sisters for 26 years I was a fire rescue let me tell you this is b******* would you two quit acting like a bunch of damn kids here's an idea if you do read this please watch Chicago fire you will see they have a rescue truck all they do is fight fires and do the manual labor of getting people unstuck in the paradox just stand back until they are ready to take the patient in hand simple as that let that truck company who does nothing but firefighting and extrication of any sorts including getting people out of machinery fireplaces in the roof let them handle that part and then when they hand the patient to you then you take over unless they request you up there to help take care of the vitals blood pressure 02 the whole thing stand back and let them do their damn job and quit this b******* your bunch of damn grown-ups act like it get it together boys and girls sincerely former volunteer rescue firefighter

[@Maizefire]

Okay this really needs to stop I don't live in Pittsburgh but I've seen other departments you know go through this now I'm not a firefighter nor a paramedic but it's kind of childish to sit there and fight with each other on who has the right to do what and to do it on scene of an incident that's crazy plus I'm pretty sure the fire department has training on using those tools this needs to stop your job is to save lives just work together on doing that it doesn't matter who's doing what just help one another

[@joeburros4878]

The medical team has finally call is the paramedics

[@MoparGuy1625]

When I went to EMT school. They had vehicle extrication in the book. Thought it was odd especially in the area(S Jersey) I work in. Fire does all extrications. Buuuut in Newark NJ, UMDNJ EMS has a rescue as well.

[@jasonwilliams3223]

Looks like dept heads have massive egos. Across this country 90% of all rescues are handled by fire, so EMS can do EMS stuff like pt care.. if EMS is going rescue then who is checking vitals on critical pts during rescue... Go back to sticking ivs EMS and leave rescue to the fire guys