Pittsburgh River Rescue – Pittsburgh, PA

Waterborne Emergency Response

Pittsburgh River Rescue is a specialized joint operation between the Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Stationed at the 115 Federal Street facility near PNC Park on the North Shore, this unit is tasked with patrolling the city’s three major rivers—the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. As a 24/7 operation, River Rescue provides immediate response to water-based emergencies, including boating accidents, bridge jumpers, and swimmers in distress. The unit’s strategic location ensures rapid deployment to any point within the city’s extensive riverfront.

Operational Capabilities

• Joint Staffing: Each River Rescue vessel is staffed by two Paramedic Divers and one Police Officer (helmsman). This unique model allows the unit to perform law enforcement duties and provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical care simultaneously.
• Search and Rescue: The paramedic divers are certified Public Safety Divers, trained for surface and subsurface rescues in various water conditions. They utilize specialized equipment, including side-scan sonar, to locate submerged objects or victims.
• Port Security: Beyond rescue missions, the unit enforces Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and provides security for the Port of Pittsburgh, one of the busiest inland ports in the nation. They also patrol during major aquatic events and fireworks displays.

Equipment and Readiness

The facility houses a fleet of high-performance SeaArk boats equipped for all-weather operations. These vessels serve as mobile ambulances and dive platforms. The unit works closely with other public safety entities, including the Fire Bureau and the U.S. Coast Guard, to coordinate large-scale emergency responses. While the station itself is an active emergency facility and not typically open for public tours without appointment, the presence of River Rescue is a constant reassurance for the recreational boating community and the city at large.