To mark the culmination of National EMS Appreciation Week, the Air Evac Lifeteam 107 hosted a special awards ceremony at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) to present the Guardians of Life Award to the LMH Emergency Department and three local first responder agencies: the Newark Fire Department, West Licking Fire Department, and Hanover Fire Department.  The award recognized each organization for outstanding care that was rendered to a highly critical patient leading to an excellent patient outcome.  The emergency response highlighted the seamless handoffs required in modern trauma networks.  
 
“This recognition is a strong validation of our belief that our community Hospital provides excellent care for our patients on the same level of quality that is found in larger cities,” said Licking Memorial Health Systems President & CEO Rob Montagnese.  “Every second matters in critical care.  We are incredibly proud of our Emergency Department staff and our local EMS partners, whose training, composure, and definitive actions led to a successful patient outcome.”
 
The Air Evac Lifeteam 107 is a dedicated helicopter air ambulance base located in St. Louisville, Ohio.  Operating under the parent company Global Medical Response (GMR), the Air Evac 107 provides rapid, critical care air transportation to Licking County and its surrounding regions.
 
Presenting the honor at the conclusion of National EMS Week emphasized the 2026 theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together.”  The Guardians of Life Award is reserved exclusively for medical teams and first responders who demonstrate exceptional clinical collaboration, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to patient advocacy during life-threatening medical emergencies.