Escambia County EMS Paramedic Phillip Cook Honored as 2026 Star of Life

Escambia County EMS is proud to announce that Paramedic Phillip Cook has been named a 2026 Star of Life recipient for his service going above and beyond the call of duty involving the long-distance transport of a pediatric trauma patient. Cook was recognized by the Florida Ambulance Association during the Stars of Life ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee.

"I am truly honored and overwhelmed to be recognized as a Star of Life recipient," Cook said. "As a paramedic, I was just doing everything in my power to provide the best possible care to my patient. None of this would've been possible without the support of my coworkers and our administration and their faith in my abilities as a care provider."

On Oct. 27, 2025, Paramedic Cook and his partner, EMT Isabella Gorne, were returning from an interfacility transfer in Panama City when they were requested to assist with the emergent transport of a pediatric trauma patient who required immediate transportation to a hospital specializing in pediatric trauma care.

Due to foggy conditions, air medical transport was unavailable. Recognizing the significance of the situation, Paramedic Cook accepted the request without hesitation. During the transport, Paramedic Cook identified advanced clinical condition changes early and initiated lifesaving medical care to stabilize the patient, while maintaining constant communication with his supervisor and the receiving hospital.

While transporting to Pensacola, the patient's condition required resources unavailable on an ambulance. Acting quickly, Paramedic Cook made the decision to divert the patient to a nearby hospital in Miramar Beach. He remained with the patient while they received care and then safely transported the patient to Pensacola.

Ultimately, the patient survived and was transferred by Escambia County EMS from the hospital to another facility to receive continued care. Paramedic Cook's calm demeanor under pressure and unwavering commitment to patient care directly contributed to the patient's survival.

At the time of the incident, Paramedic Cook's shift partner was new to Escambia County EMS and the EMS profession. Throughout the call, Paramedic Cook provided steady leadership, mentorship and reassurance to EMT Gorne, all while maintaining lifesaving care to a pediatric trauma patient.

"Paramedic Cook's actions exemplify the highest standards of emergency medical services and embody the true meaning of being a Star of Life," EMS Chief Chris Watts said. "From the early detection of rapidly deteriorating conditions of a pediatric trauma patient to clear and timely intervention and reporting that led to appropriate resources being mobilized, Paramedic Cook demonstrated exceptional situational awareness and clinical insight. His prompt and decisive response that day under conditions of limited resources set the foundation for lifesaving care."

Paramedic Cook began his career with Escambia County EMS in 2008 as an EMT. He became a Paramedic in 2012 and advanced to Critical Care Paramedic in 2015. His EMS background includes working as a Pediatric Critical Care Transport Paramedic and Assistant Operations Manager for Lifeguard Ambulance Services, and as a Paramedic and Pediatric Trauma team member at the Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and the Studer Family Children's Hospital. Early in his career, he was awarded a letter of Congressional recognition for excellence in the EMS field.

The Florida Ambulance Association awards the Star of Life to paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers and other EMS professionals who have gone above and beyond when performing their duties, whether they have resuscitated a patient, improved public health, had a positive impact in the community, or showed exception care and compassion.

Paramedic Phillip Cook

Paramedic Cook at the Florida State Capitol

Paramedic Cook accepts the Star of Life award in Tallahassee