A first responder driving a Penn Hills ambulance was killed in a two vehicle collision last night.
It happened after 11 p.m. at the intersection of 5th and Morewood avenues in Shadyside.
Pittsburgh Public Safety says the man in the ambulance, who was not a patient, was in cardiac arrest when medics arrived.
He died after being taken to a hospital. Another person in the ambulance was in stable condition after suffering head trauma, cuts to his face and a possible concussion.
White Oak EMS identified the deceased man as Nick Theofilis.
Theofilis worked part time for White Oak EMS.
White Oak says that Theofilis was a full-time paramedic at Penn Hills EMS
"This tragic incident underscores the dangers first responders face each and every day on the job. No call is an ordinary call and paramedics, police, and firefighters put the lives of strangers ahead of their own as they serve their fellow residents without question or hesitation. Pittsburgh Public Safety supports Penn Hills EMS during this extremely difficult time," said Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS responded and transported three patients from the collision.
"As Chief of Pittsburgh EMS, this hits hard. The loss of one of our brothers or sisters in the emergency medical services field is a loss for all of us. The Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS is feeling this deeply. We are reminded of the fragility of life on a daily basis and this tragedy is no exception. We stand with Penn Hills EMS and offer our heartfelt sympathies and ongoing support as the department mourns one of its own," said Pittsburgh EMS Chief Ronald Romano.
There was no patient in the ambulance at the time.
The man driving the other vehicle was also in stable condition, complaining of abdominal pain.