Presented by Dan Berkowitz, M.D., and Marie-Carmelle Elie, M.D., FACEP, FCCM, FAAEM, RDMS

Among the many progressive innovations we can celebrate during Black History Month, one that stands out as having a profound and sustained impact is the contribution to the birth of modern day pre-hospital medicine. 

At a time when pre-hospital medicine was restricted to transport without medical care, in the 1950s, members of the Black community experienced disparities in outcomes due to delays in transport to, and care in hospitals. A biracial group of community leaders approached the charismatic immigrant anesthesiologist Peter Safar, M.D., to share the concept of equipping vehicles to both transport and provide medical care for Black patients in Pittsburgh.  

Safar, who had successfully demonstrated the benefits of artificial resuscitation, spearheaded the training of members of the Black community in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency treatment of patients on the streets and in ambulances enroute to hospitals.

With the funds to purchase ambulances and the training to provide patient care, a group of largely non-college educated Black citizens established the first paramedic service, the Freedom House Ambulance Service. It was a huge success and transformed the care of a marginalized population – creating pride and dignity in the community. It would later become the blueprint for pre-hospital training for the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services.  

While a success, political pressures forced the closure Freedom House based on financial constraints – later supplanted by a much larger citywide program. 

This is a great historical demonstration of physician and community collaboration to advance equity in our communities.