When Every Second Counts You Want Paramedic Cook On Your Side

Escambia County EMS is celebrating Paramedic Phillip Cook, who has been named a 2026 Star of Life recipient for his extraordinary service and unwavering commitment to patient care.

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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, an honor reserved for those who exemplify the very best of emergency medical services.

“I am truly honored and overwhelmed to be recognized as a Star of Life recipient,” Cook shared. “As a paramedic, I was simply doing everything I could to provide the best possible care to my patient.

None of this would have been possible without the support of my coworkers and our administration, and their trust in me as a care provider.”

That trust was put to the test on Oct. 27, 2025, when Cook and his partner, EMT Isabella Gorne, were returning from an interfacility transfer in Panama City. While en route, they were asked to assist with the emergent transport of a pediatric trauma patient who urgently needed care at a hospital specializing in pediatric trauma.

With foggy conditions grounding air medical transport, time and options were limited.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Cook accepted the request without hesitation. During the transport, he quickly recognized changes in the patient’s condition, initiated lifesaving interventions, and maintained clear, constant communication with his supervisor and the receiving hospital.

As the ambulance approached Pensacola, it became clear the patient required resources beyond what could be provided in the field.

Acting decisively, Cook diverted to a nearby hospital in Miramar Beach, staying with the patient through stabilization before safely continuing the transport to Pensacola.

Because of these swift, thoughtful decisions, and Cook’s calm presence under immense pressure, the patient survived and was later transferred by Escambia County EMS to another facility for continued care.

Adding to the weight of the moment, EMT Gorne was new both to Escambia County EMS and to the profession itself.

Throughout the call, Cook provided steady leadership, mentorship, and reassurance, guiding his partner with confidence and compassion while never losing focus on the critical needs of the patient.

“Paramedic Cook’s actions exemplify the highest standards of emergency medical services and embody the true meaning of being a Star of Life,” said EMS Chief Chris Watts.

“From early recognition of rapidly deteriorating conditions to clear communication and decisive intervention under limited resources, his situational awareness and clinical insight laid the foundation for lifesaving care.”

Cook began his career with Escambia County EMS in 2008 as an EMT, earning his Paramedic certification in 2012 and advancing to Critical Care Paramedic in 2015.

His extensive background includes serving as a Pediatric Critical Care Transport Paramedic and Assistant Operations Manager for Lifeguard Ambulance Services, as well as a Paramedic and Pediatric Trauma Team member at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Studer Family Children’s Hospital.

Early in his career, he was also recognized with a letter of Congressional commendation for excellence in EMS.

The Florida Ambulance Association’s Star of Life award honors EMS professionals who go above and beyond—those whose skill, compassion, and dedication leave a lasting impact on patients, families, and communities.

For Escambia County EMS, Phillip Cook is a steady presence in moments of chaos, a mentor when it matters most, and a reminder that excellence in emergency care is rooted not just in training, but in heart.