Survivor Reunites with LifeNet 7-12 Heroes Who Helped Save His Life

Tom Williams gave thanks to those who helped him beat the clock

Seneca Falls, NY. - August 21, 2026 - After surviving a cardiac arrest while competing in the Musselman Half Triathlon in Geneva, N.Y., Tom Williams, an EMS Director from Queensbury, N.Y., had a special reunion on Thursday with the LifeNet air medical crew who helped save his life.

On July 9, 2023, while competing in the Musselman Half Ironman triathlon in Geneva, N.Y., Tom Williams of Queensbury, N.Y., suffered a cardiac arrest. His wife, Hillary, immediately began CPR with the help of another bystander until fellow racers and EMS crews arrived. Because of the severity of his condition, the LifeNet of New York team transported Tom to a critical care hospital for advanced care.

"I'm just grateful that LifeNet got me to the hospital really quickly," Williams said. "That's why I am able to continue to still be doing things. I got really good on scene care and really rapid transport. That's really huge when you're talking about issues like mine."

LifeNet 7-12 is based in Seneca Falls, a short distance from Geneva, where the triathlon was taking place. He was rapidly transported by ambulance to the waiting helicopter for the flight to Rochester. LifeNet's helicopter functions like a flying ICU, carrying best-in-class flight nurses and paramedics equipped with the medications and tools needed to provide hospital-level care in the air for victims of cardiac, stroke, trauma, and other medical emergencies. LifeNet is part of Air Methods, the nation's leading emergency air medical service provider.

"With bases strategically located across the state, LifeNet of New York is able to quickly bring advanced care to patients facing emergencies like Tom's," said LifeNet of New York Account Executive Amber Hontz. "Seeing Tom thriving today is a powerful reminder of the difference our crews make when every second counts."

In this type of heart attack, every second counts. The rapid response of Williams' wife and bystanders to provide CPR, to the paramedics, to the rapid transport from the LifeNet Team helped not only save Williams's life, but also contributed to his exceptional recovery. He was eager to bring his wife and young son to thank them for the role they played in his positive outcome.

"Being able to actually come back and meet [the crew] who were taking care of me and that I was alive to get to the hospital was a really gratifying experience," said Williams. "Being able to talk to them and thank them and meet them and see who they are is a great experience."

Williams's visit to the base was very meaningful to the crew members who rarely get to hear how their patients recover after being delivered to the hospital. Seeing how well he is doing and celebrating her recovery helped them see firsthand the difference they make to the community. And with his connection to the medical community, being an EMS Director in Eastern New York, he knew that he quality of care he received.

"I work with LifeNet providers on a professional basis and I know the quality they bring to every call and having them to look over me as I was being transported to the hospital was amazing," said Williams. "You know that you're in good hands when you're being taken care of by the LifeNet providers."

Incidents like this can cause concerns about medical expenses, but thanks to the No Surprises Act, which went into effect in 2022, insured patients are protected from unexpected bills. They cannot be charged more than their copay, coinsurance, deductible, or maximum out-of-pocket expenditure-including for emergency air medical transport. The Air Methods patient advocacy program works directly with patients to navigate financial assistance options, regardless of insurance coverage.

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About Air Methods:

Life Net is part of Air Methods (airmethods.com), the nation's leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to approximately 100,000 people every year. With over 45 years of experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company's clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.