9-year-old Lily James to throw out first pitch at M’s game tonight with the paramedic who saved her life

Tonight, 9-year-old Lily James will throw out the first pitch at the Mariners game alongside Phil Pierson, the Medic One paramedic who saved her life.

In July 2009, Lily nearly drowned and her feet were almost severed when an inflatable on her family’s boat flew off and she was caught in the tow rope. A series of surgeries have once again given Lily full-use of her feet, but paramedics including Pierson treating her on the dock of the Mercer Island Beach Club the day of the accident kept her alive.

Paramedic Phil Pierson is also receiving the Medic One Foundation’s “Spirit of Team Play Award” for exemplifying integrity, teamwork and compassion while on the job. Coworkers nominated Pierson this year and last for his many years of providing emergency medical skills and CPR training, both for the public and other paramedics.

Check out coverage of Lily’s story in the Seattle Times and on KOMO 4 News: