posted September 29, 2025

Air Medical Team Reunites with Former Patients, Reflecting on Thousands of Lives Impacted

SIDNEY, NY – September 29, 2025 – LifeNet of New York 7-8, a trusted air medical provider serving the Southern Tier and Catskill regions, proudly celebrated 15 years of lifesaving service with a special event on Saturday, Sept. 27, where more than 60 people were in attendance. Held at the LifeNet NY base at Sidney Municipal Airport, the celebration brought together former patients and their families, community members, local partners, and current and former crew members to mark this important milestone.

Fifteen years ago, LifeNet NY opened its Sidney base to enhance emergency medical services in a region underserved by Level I trauma centers. Since then, the team has cared for thousands of patients, providing critical interventions and giving countless families more tomorrows.

One of those patients is 16-year-old Anielle “AK” McEwan-Lomnicki. Two years ago, McEwan-Lomnicki was walking home from school when she was struck by a drunk driver. Due to poor weather conditions, the Sidney-based LifeNet NY crew was unable to fly. Instead, the flight clinicians joined ground EMS, delivering hospital-level care en route and rendezvousing with sister base Guthrie Air, who then airlifted McEwan-Lomnicki to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

“Time was of the essence,” said Delsa McEwan, McEwan-Lomnicki’s mother. “The bleeding and pressure in her head were so extreme. The trauma center by car is about an hour and a half to two hours away. Doctors told us it would have been a different scenario without these frontline heroes. You can go to the top specialists—but it’s how fast you get there. That’s what saved her.”

Today, she is fully recovered and back to playing sports, aside from the occasional soreness. McEwan-Lomnicki and her parents attended the celebration to personally thank the flight crews who played such a pivotal role in her survival.

Also in attendance were State Senator Peter Oberacker, presenting the Empire Award, and Assemblymembers Chris Tague and Joe Angelino, who presented LifeNet NY with a formal citation recognizing the base as a vital community resource and commending the crews for their dedication and lifesaving service.

“For 15 years, LifeNet of New York has been answering the call when our communities need them most,” said Senator Oberacker. “As a first responder, I know firsthand the critical importance of having partners like LifeNet ready to deliver advanced care when every second counts. Their skill and dedication have saved countless lives, and I’m grateful for the incredible service they provide to our region. Congratulations to the entire LifeNet team on this milestone anniversary.”

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 7-8 is one of 12 strategically located bases across the state that operate 24/7/365, forming a comprehensive EMS network. Each aircraft is staffed by highly trained flight nurses and paramedics and equipped to deliver ICU-level care in flight.

“LifeNet has been more than just a service, it has been a lifeline for our community,” State Assemblymember Angelino. “Their professionalism, compassion, and readiness have made all the difference when emergencies occur. I’m deeply grateful for their commitment to serving our region and proud of the difference they make in saving lives every single day.”

LifeNet NY’s ongoing investment in the region continues to make a profound impact. In 2021, following a new state law allowing air ambulances to carry and administer blood products, every LifeNet base in New York became equipped to carry blood on every transport. In 2022, Air Methods — LifeNet NY’s parent company and the nation’s leading air medical provider — invested $31 million to upgrade aircraft and onboard clinical equipment across New York, including new ventilators, IV pumps, and additional enhancements to patient monitoring systems. Most recently, LifeNet added the AutoPulse® NXT, an automated CPR device that provides continuous chest compressions during flight, allowing clinicians to perform additional lifesaving interventions.

These investments are part of LifeNet NY’s commitment to partnering with local first responders and hospitals to continually improve patient outcomes.

In addition to providing high-quality care, LifeNet NY is in-network with most major insurance providers. Their patient advocacy program also works directly with patients and families, regardless of insurance status, to ensure access to care remains affordable and stress-free. Prepaid memberships are not required with any Air Methods provider.