Derek Perez-Piris began his career as a firefighter-paramedic at just 15 years old. As he tells it, the day of his first ride-along was the day he knew he was meant for this career. He now serves as a firefighter-paramedic and flight medic for St. Petersburg (Fla.) Fire-Rescue and Bayflite, which provides emergency helicopter services for critically ill and injured patients who need immediate specialized care. Perez-Piris is one of the youngest recorded flight medics at one of the busiest flight divisions in the U.S.
“Since I have known him, his mind-set has never wavered from delivering 100% of himself every time,” says his nominator, Kasey L. Cowser, DDS. “His actions speak for themselves.”
In 2017 Perez-Piris responded to a house fire that changed the way he viewed his role as a paramedic forever. A 6-year-old boy suffered serious burns to 75% percent of his body. He was going to spend Christmas in the hospital that year. Perez-Piris spent weeks planning with Universal Studios to have the boy’s favorite Marvel character surprise him in person at the hospital on Christmas Eve. He also coordinated with local businesses to donate Christmas presents to the boy’s family. When the city of St. Petersburg heard the story, he was presented with the second-highest award ever given by the city.
Perez-Piris has recently discovered a love for volunteering. He’s traveled to Haiti twice in the last two years, volunteering for 14-day stints each time. During his second visit he recruited four other paramedics to educate as many locals and Haitian EMS crews as they could. Perez-Piris taught advanced medical training and educated citizens on CPR and wound sterilization. He helped train Haitian medical teams in emergency trauma, care trauma, flight trauma, and ambulance care.
In one notable case, Perez-Piris convinced a Haitian medical team to fly across Haiti to treat a young boy who was given little chance of survival. He performed medical treatment in transit to the nearest hospital. The boy survived against all odds and has made a full recovery. “Derek’s persistence and advanced knowledge was the reason a life was saved that day,” Cowser says.
On top of his philanthropic services, Perez-Piris initiated and led the first EMS competition team in the St. Petersburg area. This initiative brought the department together and enhanced the team’s medical knowledge and skill sets. During its second year Perez-Piris led the team to multiple national first-place victories, including in the FDNY’s competition. Through the years he’s advised many Florida EMS departments that have reached out about starting their own EMS competition teams.
“Derek truly represents what I believe this award represents,” says Cowser. “Through his ambition, constant quest for knowledge, and reputable accomplishments, he demonstrates how highly deserving he is of this honor and opportunity. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
About Dynarex
Dynarex is a leading medical supply company that provides premium disposable products and durable medical equipment at exceptional value for an unparalleled one-stop shopping experience. Founded in 1967, Dynarex’s guiding principle “We Care Like Family” exemplifies a commitment to outstanding quality and customer service that sets the company apart in the marketplace. Today, Dynarex continues to expand its footprint with warehouse locations throughout the United States and distribution partners in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean Islands, Central America, South America, and the Middle East.