Nathan Donahue doesn’t believe he would be alive today if LifeNet of New York 7-7 wasn’t based at the Hornell Municipal Airport.
Donahue was involved in a severe ATV accident nearly seven years ago. The LifeNet flight crew delivered critical care and quickly transported him out of Steuben County for additional treatment.
“I don’t remember much about the day, but during my recovery, I was told I had brain swelling due to a TBI (traumatic brain injury),” Donahue said in a release. “Through the care of the first responders, the LifeNet team, and my doctors, I made a good recovery.”
Donahue reunited with that flight crew Sunday as LifeNet celebrated 15 years based in the Hornell area, a decade and a half of providing lifesaving service to communities across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region. The special event brought together local first responders, healthcare partners and community members.
Nathan Donahue, now a Steuben County Sheriff’s Deputy, reunited with Hector Camacho, a LifeNet of New York flight paramedic who was one of two LifeNet clinicians who provided critical care to Donahue when he was involved in a serious ATV accident seven years ago.
Donahue is now a first responder himself, serving as a Steuben County Sheriff’s Deputy and a partner to the LifeNet team. Donahue had been preparing to enter the police academy with hopes of a career in law enforcement before the accident. His injuries initially forced him to put that dream on hold, but he eventually made a full recovery.
“Being involved in similar incidents now through my job, I understand just how much training and experience it takes to do what they do,” said Donahue. “I can’t thank the LifeNet team enough. I can say with 100% certainty, that if it weren’t for their professionalism and care, I wouldn’t be here today.”
The event also kicked off National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week for LifeNet of New York 7-7, which has helped thousands of patients like Donahue during its 15 years of flying out of Hornell.
“Reunions like this bring full circle the impact of our work,” said Hector Camacho, a LifeNet of New York flight paramedic who was one of two LifeNet clinicians who provided critical care to Donahue that day. “It’s a celebration of teamwork, expertise, and the lives saved through our rapid, advanced care.”
LifeNet said its helicopters are often referred to as “flying ERs” that provide rapid critical care access to rural and underserved areas, where minutes can make the difference between life and death.
LifeNet aircraft operate around the clock every day of the year and are staffed by highly trained clinicians who are equipped to deliver ICU-level care in flight, including the ability to administer whole blood, a vital resource in trauma cases.
LifeNet of New York 7-7 is one of 12 air medical bases strategically located across the state, forming a comprehensive EMS network.