Penn Hills Paramedic Dies After Crashing Ambulance While Suffering Medical Emergency

Nov. 28, 2022—Pittsburgh Public Safety officials have identified the first responder who died after the Penn Hills ambulance he was driving collided with another vehicle in Shadyside while suffering an apparent heart attack, according to authorities.

Paramedic Nicholas A. Theofilis of Penn Hills was driving along 5th and Morewood avenues shortly after 11 p.m. when he suffered a medical emergency and collided with another vehicle, Pittsburgh Public Safety officials said in a news release.

First responders found Theofilis in "life-threatening condition" when they arrived and transported him to a hospital where he later died, authorities said.

A man who was a front-seat passenger in the ambulance suffered a head injury, cuts on his face and a possible concussion, public safely officials said.

He was taken to a hospital by ambulance in stable condition. His name has not been released.

The driver of the vehicle that collided with the medic unit was taken to a hospital for treatment after complaining of stomach pain.

There were no patients in the ambulance at the time of the crash.

"This tragic incident underscores the dangers first responders face each and every day on the job," said Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt.

"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," he said. "Pittsburgh Public Safety supports Penn Hills EMS during this extremely difficult time."

Theofilis obtained his certification as a paramedic from the Penn State Fayette-Eberly Campus, where he studied prehospital care, advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and other emergency medical skills.

He worked full time for the White Oak Emergency Medical Service as an emergency medical technician while studying at Penn State, according to a message posted on social media by the EMS service.

After graduation Theofilis returned "to the community of Penn Hills where he grew up to give-back and serve his fellow community members," White Oak officials wrote in the post. He called White Oak his "second home" and remained on the organization's roster, they wrote.

Pittsburgh EMS Chief Ronald Romano was among numerous public safety officials in the region offering condolences for Theofilis' death.

"As Chief of Pittsburgh EMS, this hits hard," Romano said. "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," Romano said.

Theofilis was a 2017 graduate of Penn Hills High School, according to his Facebook page. He served as a junior firefighter and was a member of the high school's Navy Junior ROTC program.

While public safety officials said appeared that Theofilis died after suffering cardiac arrest, the cause and manner of his death will be determined by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner, police said.

Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tony by email at tlarussa@triblive.com or via Twitter.

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