Freedom House Ambulance Service

The Freedom House Ambulance Service was founded in 1967 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by activists affiliated with the Freedom House, an organization focused on empowering the African American community. At a time when ambulance services were still segregated, the Freedom House Ambulance Service sought to provide rapid emergency care to underserved black neighborhoods.

The service was operated completely by a brave crew of black EMTs and paramedics. Led by director Cledith Boston, they were the first responders who put their lives on the line during the late 1960s civil unrest. The team courageously waded into violence and chaos to uphold their motto “serving people, not for profit.”

Among the early pioneering activists was 19-year-old Gil Bridges, one of the service’s first volunteer ambulance drivers. Other responders included Willie Ross, who at age 17 was the service’s youngest EMT, and Dr. Cyril Wecht, who provided medical supervision. Despite their youth, they were highly trained and committed to bringing healthcare access to their community.

Facing immense pressure, the team transported thousands of patients while combating resistance from the city’s segregated hospital system. Their perseverance through a turbulent time demonstrated the power of community action and resilience.The Freedom House first responders shepherded the creation of similar services across the country. Their brave example left an inspiring legacy of compassion and dignity in often dehumanizing times. The EMTs and paramedics of the Freedom House Ambulance Service were true pioneers and unsung heroes of the medical civil rights movement.