Pittsburgh is dropping its residency requirement for paramedics and EMTs, a move that could help address staffing shortages.
An Allegheny County judge has officially lifted Pittsburgh’s residency requirement for union-represented paramedics and EMTs, allowing them to live anywhere in the county.
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by their union and brings EMS crews in line with city police and firefighters, who also won exemptions.
City EMS has about 10 vacant paramedic positions, and union leaders believe the change will help attract more qualified applicants, reduce forced overtime and address staffing shortages.
