posted November 19, 2025

Flight Team’s Critical Care Skills, Expertise showcased at Statewide EMS Games 

JOHNSTOWN, NY – Nov. 19, 2025 – LifeNet of New York is proud to announce that Flight Paramedic Max Percent and Clinical Base Lead and Flight Nurse Sam Irion of LifeNet 7-2 in Johnstown have taken home the championship cup at the prestigious New York Vital Signs Conference’s EMS Games.

In their competition debut, Percent and Irion showcased their exceptional skills and clinical expertise. Their expert handling of a complex neonatal resuscitation scenario—from advanced airway management and intubation to ventilator setup and ongoing critical care—demonstrated why LifeNet of New York is a leader in critical care transport in the Northeast region.

“This was our first time competing in the EMS Games, and the scenario we faced was both challenging and rewarding,” said Percent. “We were presented with a two-week-old patient diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, already receiving prostaglandin (a medication that regulates functions like inflammation, blood clotting, and pain) and high-flow oxygen. Working together, we successfully intubated the patient and set the appropriate ventilator settings, ultimately stabilizing the patient more effectively than the other teams. I’m incredibly proud of how we performed under pressure and grateful for the opportunity to showcase the advanced skills and teamwork that define LifeNet of New York.” 

The EMS Games, held annually at the New York State Vital Signs Conference, bring together top EMS professionals from across the state to test their knowledge, teamwork, and clinical skills in high-pressure scenarios. LifeNet of New York’s victory highlights the program’s ongoing investment in advanced training and its mission to deliver lifesaving care when every second counts.  

“We are incredibly proud of Max and Sam for their outstanding performance,” said Steve Sculley-Beaman, business manager for LifeNet of New York. “Their success at the EMS Games is a testament to the rigorous training, dedication, and clinical excellence that our teams bring to every mission. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to patients across New York and beyond.” 

Often referred to as “flying ERs,” LifeNet NY delivers rapid, advanced medical care to rural and underserved areas where minutes can mean the difference between life and death. LifeNet of New York 7-2 is one of 12 strategically located bases across the state that operate 24/7/365, forming a comprehensive EMS network.  

Certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) — the highest standards in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry — LifeNet of New York provides hospital-level care during air medical transport, whether from the scene or between medical facilities. Equipped with industry-leading equipment and medical devices, the team can provide specialty care including advanced airway intervention; cardiac and blood flow monitoring; ventilator management; medication administration; and other advanced surgical procedures. On every flight, the team carries and can administer blood in flight or at the scene, further enhancing patient outcomes. 

Because emergency and critical care medicine is constantly changing and improving, ongoing training is an essential part of working in the EMS field. LifeNet of New York is part of Air Methods, the leading emergency air medical service provider in the country. All LifeNet of New York clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew. They receive ongoing advanced training, and every nurse and paramedic has access to Air Methods Ascend, an in-person and online training program that allows clinicians to perform at the top of their licensure. Ascend’s offerings of innovative education programs are designed to help critical care clinicians and emergency medical responders advance their training, help improve emergent patient outcomes, and meet their continuing education needs. Ascend is also available to emergency and medical personnel