Freedom House: The Forgotten History of EMS

Celebrating National EMS Week

In 1967, twenty-four Black men from Pittsburgh began the world’s first paramedic training program known as Freedom House Ambulance Service. Eight years later, after being named the national standard by a Presidential commission, they were unceremoniously shut down by their own local government. This is the story and legacy of the men who helped create a whole new brand of medicine. Kevin Hazzard will dive into this forgotten part of history, which he focuses on in his new book, American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics.

About Kevin Hazzard

Kevin Hazzard is a journalist, TV writer, and former paramedic. His first book, A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back, was published in 2016. He now writes for film and TV, with work produced by Hulu, CBS, ABC, and Universal. His journalism has been published at 99% Invisible, The Atavist, Men’s Journal, Washington Post, Atlanta Magazine, and elsewhere. He serves on the Governing Board of Global Response Medicine and is a sought-after voice on emergency medicine. He lives in Atlanta.

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