Story perspectives

Freedom House: Unsung Heroes of Pittsburgh's EMS History

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Freedom House Ambulance Service, active in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Pittsburgh, provided advanced emergency medical care before EMS standards existed.
The service was composed mainly of Black working-class individuals.
Freedom House has gained recognition through documentaries and a book highlighting its significant yet overlooked history.
Larry Underwood, a nursing assistant and jitney cabdriver, is 76 and now speaks publicly as interest in Freedom House grows.

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Story summary

Freedom House Ambulance Service, active in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Pittsburgh, provided advanced emergency medical care before EMS standards existed.
The service was composed mainly of Black working-class individuals.
Freedom House has gained recognition through documentaries and a book highlighting its significant yet overlooked history.
Larry Underwood, a nursing assistant and jitney cabdriver, is 76 and now speaks publicly as interest in Freedom House grows.