Philip Cook
Critical Care Paramedic
Esambia County EMS

Phillip Cook began his EMS career with Escambia County EMS in 2008 as an Emergency Medical Technician. He became a Paramedic in 2012 and advanced to Critical Care Paramedic in 2015. Early in his career, Phillip was awarded a letter of congressional recognition for excellence in emergency medical services.

In 2017, Phillip served as a Pediatric Critical Care Transport Paramedic with Lifeguard Ambulance Service, where he gained extensive experience caring for critically ill and injured pediatric and neonatal patients. His leadership abilities led to his promotion to Assistant Operations Manager in 2020. He later worked as a Paramedic and Pediatric Trauma Team member at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital and Studer Family Children’s Hospital, participating on the rapid response team before returning full time to Escambia County EMS in 2024.

Phillip’s advanced training and clinical expertise were exemplified during a high-risk interfacility transport of a critically injured 15-year-old trauma patient requiring emergent surgical care. With air transport unavailable due to severe weather and no other agencies able to complete the transfer, Phillip and his partner accepted the mission without hesitation. During the extended ground transport, the patient rapidly deteriorated, requiring blood administration, a needle decompression, medication infusions, and continuous reassessment. Phillip made the critical decision to divert for stabilization before resuming transport to definitive care, where a trauma team was prepared to continue life-saving treatment. The patient ultimately survived and was discharged for continued care.

Throughout the incident, Phillip also served as a calm and steady mentor to his partner, who was new to EMS, providing leadership and reassurance during an extremely high-acuity situation. His clinical skill, decisive judgment, and commitment to both patient care and team support directly contributed to a successful outcome.

Phillip Cook exemplifies the highest standards of emergency medical services through his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those he serves. Escambia County EMS is proud to recognize Phillip Cook as a Star of Life.