Bellevue Fire Fighter To Throw First Pitch At Mariners Game

Phil Pierson, a and paramedic who has taught emergency medical skills around the world, will receive this year's Medic One Foundation's "Spirit of Team Play Award."

Pierson will throw out the first pitch at the Seattle Mariners' Sept. 14 game at Safeco Field, accompanied by a nine-year-old girl he helped save after she suffered life-threatening injuries in a boating accident.

Medic One is a countywide public service agency that supports special training and equipment for select firefighters to provide advanced life support care while a patient is on the way to the hospital. The Team Play Award is presented annually to a Puget Sound paramedic who exemplifies integrity, teamwork and compassion.

Lily James, the Mercer Island girl who will join Pierson on the mound, is an example of Medic One's value. In July 2009, she nearly drowned and her feet were almost severed when an inflatable flew off on her family's boat and she was caught in the tow rope. Paramedics, including Pierson, treated her on the dock of the Mercer Island Beach Club the day of the accident to keep her alive, and a series of surgeries since then have allowed Lily to regain the full use of her feet.

Coworkers nominated Pierson this year and last for his many years providing emergency medical skills and CPR training, both for the public and other paramedics. "His passion for teaching has taken him all over the county, country and even to Africa," noted fellow paramedic Greg Clifford. 
 
Tickets for the Sept. 14 game, which will include the award presentation, may be purchased from the Mariners.

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