May 12, 2025
Magnolia Ambulance and Lackey Memorial Hospital were jointly honored with the prestigious “Community Guardian” Award by the Mississippi Trauma Care System Foundation for their unified commitment to innovative rural trauma care.
Magnolia Ambulance team members, along with colleagues from Lackey Hospital in Forest, were recognized for their role in a high-acuity response in Scott County, where four critically injured patients received lifesaving care – including the first-even on-scene administration of whole blood in the county. Magnolia Ambulance remains the only ambulance provider in Mississippi with an operational blood program.
The award highlights a year of groundbreaking trauma initiatives by the teams, including the implementation of prehospital IV antibiotics for open fractures, hyperthermia immersion therapy, and the launch of prehospital whole blood capabilities through a partnership with Mississippi Blood Services and the RESCUE program. These programs have significantly reduced mortality and improved outcomes in the region.
“This prestigious award honors those who consistently demonstrate exceptional collaboration, skill, and resilience in delivering life-saving care to individuals affected by trauma. The recipients go beyond their day-to-day responsibilities, working with unwavering commitment and compassion to save lives and improve outcomes,” said Victoria Hickerson, MSN RN CEDP, Trauma Education Coordinator for the Mississippi Trauma Care System Foundation. “The contributions of these individuals have a profound, lasting impact on our community, demonstrating the vital role of trauma care in public health and safety.”
Magnolia Ambulance Service became the first emergency transportation service in Mississippi to establish a blood program, allowing for critical on-scene blood administration. In February 2025, during a severe thunderstorm, Magnolia Ambulance, Lackey Memorial Hospital, and local responders delivered coordinated, life-saving care to four critically injured patients – two adults and two children. This marked the first use of on-scene whole blood in Scott County, made possible by Magnolia’s prehospital blood program and partnership with Mississippi Blood Services.
Law enforcement provided early triage, while hospital staff prepared EMS teams with supplies and support. More than 12 units of blood products were administered on-scene, enabling rapid stabilization. Fourteen emergency procedures were performed in under two hours, and all patients survived.
“It takes a village, and I am so thankful and proud of our team, including our partners – Lakey Memorial Hospital, Forest Police and Fire, the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, and AirCare, as well as the physicians involved. The favorable outcome for our patients reflects our successful collaborative and team approach that drives improved outcomes in trauma care,” said Leigh Ann Goolsby, Vice President of Operations for Magnolia Ambulance.
Pictured: Magnolia team members Mike Sanders and Bridget Watkins accepting the Community Guardian award on behalf of Magnolia Ambulance