Bellevue paramedic honored for efforts to help injured firefighter

When a local firefighter was severely burned fighting a house fire, Bellevue paramedic Paul Hyatt stepped in to help raise needed funds to help the man and his family.

July 12, 2013 3:18 pm
From left: Left to right: Medic One Foundation Boardmember John McGary
From left: Left to right: Medic One Foundation Boardmember John McGary

Paul Hyatt, Bellevue Fire Department paramedic and recipient of the Medic One Foundation’s 2013 Spirit of Team Play Award, threw out the first pitch at the Seattle Mariners game on Thursday, July 11 as he was honored by fellow paramedics for his commitment and service to the community.

He received the Spirit of Team Play award in large part because of his philanthropic efforts benefiting a former local firefighter who was in desperate need of help.

This firefighter had significant healthcare expenses resulting from being severely burned and injured while battling a house fire. As a result of this accident, he began a six-month journey at Harborview Medical Center, recovering from the injuries, as well as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. While in recovery, he and his wife were also expecting a baby.

Hyatt recognized that this firefighter was in desperate need of financial assistance and took the story to his local union where Hyatt was able to raise a significant amount of money for the cause. But he didn’t stop there. He appealed to other agencies and to the Washington State Council of Firefighters for help.

“I am certain that Paul’s compassionate efforts to help this fellow citizen and previous firefighter were nothing short of incredible in the eyes of the beneficiary,” said Bellevue Fire Medic One Captain Chuck Heitz. “For all who have the privilege of working with Paul, it is unanimously agreed upon that Paul sets an example of the highest caliber.”

Sponsored by the Medic One Foundation, Philips Healthcare, and the Seattle Mariners, the Spirit of Team Play award is presented annually to the paramedic who best models the personal and professional behavior consistent with the expectations of both the general public and profession.

“Philips is pleased to join the Medic One Foundation and the Seattle Mariners in awarding the Spirit of Team Play award to Paul Hyatt,” said Bob Peterhans, general manager, Emergency Care & Resuscitation Business, Philips Healthcare. “We all know paramedics like Paul help save lives every day, but it’s important to realize they are also community leaders and support their peers, friends and family in so many other ways.”