Long Before ‘The Pitt,’ There Was the Freedom House

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by Campbell Robertson

February 20, 2026

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Freedom House Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh, a trailblazing EMS organization staffed primarily by Black medics, has finally gained the recognition it deserves after decades of being overlooked. This pioneering group of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) revolutionized pre-hospital care in the late 1960s and early 1970s, performing advanced procedures like CPR, IV administration, and EKG transmissions long before these became standard practices. Their work laid the foundation for modern emergency medical services, yet their contributions were all but forgotten until recently. The service emerged during a time of significant social change in Pittsburgh, with most of its staff being Black individuals from working-class backgrounds. These medics were not only highly skilled but also trailblazers in a field that was still evolving. Their efforts helped establish the local EMS systems that eventually replaced Freedom House, yet their role in shaping emergency care was largely erased from history. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the legacy of Freedom House. This shift is partly due to documentaries, books, and even an episode of the Emmy-winning TV show *The Pitt*, which have brought attention to the organization’s contributions. Former employees like Larry Underwood, now 76, have found themselves back in the spotlight after years of their work being forgotten. Underwood, who worked for Freedom House during its peak, has been overwhelmed by the surge in interest and has been invited to speak at numerous events about his experiences. The belated recognition of Freedom House highlights the importance of acknowledging unsung heroes in healthcare and beyond. These Black medics were not only pioneers in their field but also played a critical role in shaping the emergency medical services we know today. Their story is a testament to the resilience and innovation of marginalized communities, often overlooked in historical narratives. As members of Congress push for formal honors, this recognition serves as a reminder of the lasting impact these individuals had on both their local community and the broader field of emergency medicine.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026