Misae Nomiyama is a Flight Paramedic with REACH in Ely, Nevada, whose clinical expertise, adaptability, and commitment to others are reflected in both her patient care and her mentorship of fellow clinicians.

Misae played a critical role during an extraordinary interfacility flight involving a mother in preterm labor who delivered a premature infant aboard the aircraft. Immediately following the delivery, Misae assumed responsibility for the newborn’s care, providing critical assessment, stabilization, and continuous monitoring in the challenging environment of an aircraft.

Throughout the emergency, Misae remained focused on the infant’s rapidly evolving needs, continuing care through the transition to advanced treatment. Her clinical skill and composure helped provide the newborn with essential care during a particularly vulnerable period.

Misae’s commitment to excellence extends beyond individual patient encounters. She serves as a mentor and instructor for new hires, sharing her experience and helping prepare fellow clinicians for the demands of critical care transport. She also demonstrated her willingness to step forward when needed by becoming the only crew member from her program to volunteer for Guardian Flight’s Alaska operation during the 2025 cruise season. She obtained her Alaska license in record time to support that assignment.

Whether caring for a premature newborn thousands of feet in the air, preparing new clinicians for the field, or volunteering to serve in a different operational environment, Misae consistently demonstrates adaptability, initiative, and dedication to others. REACH is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Misae Nomiyama as a Star of Life.

Steven Hardesty is a Flight Nurse and Base Manager with REACH in Ely, Nevada, whose clinical expertise, leadership, and calm decision-making have made an important impact both in the air and throughout his community.

Steven demonstrated exceptional clinical skill during an interfacility flight involving a patient in preterm labor who delivered a premature infant mid-flight. After safely delivering the newborn, Steven and his partner immediately faced the complex challenge of caring for both mother and baby in the confined and demanding environment of an aircraft.

While his partner cared for the newborn, Steven treated the mother and managed postpartum complications. At the same time, he helped coordinate an emergency diversion, ground transportation, and additional air resources to ensure seamless continued care for both patients. His ability to manage a rapidly evolving emergency while coordinating multiple resources was instrumental in achieving a successful outcome for both mother and newborn.

Steven’s leadership extends well beyond individual patient encounters. As the Ely Base Manager, he has worked to strengthen patient care throughout the community by building training partnerships with the local hospital and helping improve processes for stroke, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and trauma response. His efforts have helped strengthen collaboration and preparedness across the local healthcare system.

Whether managing an extraordinary emergency in flight or developing partnerships on the ground, Steven demonstrates the clinical expertise, composure, and leadership essential to critical care transport. REACH is proud to recognize Flight Nurse and Base Manager Steven Hardesty as a Star of Life.

Jamon Smith began his career with Gold Cross Ambulance in February 2010 and quickly distinguished himself as a natural leader among his peers. His dedication and leadership earned him a promotion to Director of Training, where he has played a pivotal role in not only launching Gold Cross Ambulance’s in-house paramedic school, but in every aspect of the training division across multiple service areas throughout Utah.

In addition to his training responsibilities, Jamon represents Gold Cross Ambulance in several key healthcare leadership groups, including the Salt Lake Medical Managers Group, the Protocol Committee, and most recently, as the Intermountain Health Hospital to Home Coordinator.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jamon is a dedicated family man. He and his wife Jen are proud parents to three wonderful children—Lydia, Sawyer, and Maisie. They have also opened their home as foster parents, providing care and support to children in need. He is active in his community, coaching youth lacrosse and serving in a leadership role with his church.

Jamon exemplifies leadership, compassion, and service in every aspect of his life—qualities that make him a deserving recipient of the Star of Life award.

Dan Laguna is being recognized for a lifetime of service that spans both the EMS industry and the military. His life has been compared to a Hollywood movie, filled with early-life hardships overcome and a highly decorated career in the Green Berets. His military service includes combat in Operation Desert Storm and Mogadishu, Somalia, where he participated in the famous “Blackhawk Down” search-and-rescue operation. His autobiography, You Have to Live Hard to Be Hard, has influenced and informed aviation and military operations around the world.

Dan’s distinguished post-military career with REACH Air Medical Services has allowed him to continue influencing pilots across the country with his knowledge, expertise, and example of sacrifice, dedication, and resilience. Having often been in need of medical attention during his combat experience, Dan now views the EMS field as an opportunity to give back for the help he received when he needed it most. His greatest satisfaction comes from being there for others in their time of need.

Ty has been in the EMS industry since he earned his certification in 2001, and he has worked with Gold Cross Ambulance for three years.

Ty was selected as a 2018 Star of Life because of his selfless service to the citizens of his community. He has always demonstrated top-notch clinical skills, but on December 25, 2017, however, they were truly put to the test.

While Ty and his partner were returning to the county from a long-distance transport, they heard the call go out for a 13-year-old cold-water drowning victim. They had just driven by the scene and quickly turned around. The victim was found after he had been underwater for 30 minutes. Ty assisted in bringing the boy out of the water then staring CPR and quickly resuscitating him. The boy has fully recovered, thanks to the skilled response and determination of his rescuers.

When he’s not providing excellent pre-hospital care to the people of Iron County, Utah, Ty enjoys spending time with his wife, Holly, and their four kids, two of whom he adopted from an abusive situation that he had responded to as the Paramedic. He also enjoys woodworking and going camping.