Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode, we are joined by Mike Bucari and Sam Schaab from Leonardo Helicopters for a forward-looking conversation about the evolution of air medical services and the aircraft that make lifesaving missions possible. Together, we explore how Leonardo is using patient-centered design, automation, and real-time data transfer in shaping the next generation of EMS aviation.

From balancing payload with performance, to the role of virtual reality training and lessons learned from military innovation, this episode dives into the crucial decisions driving the future of public safety aviation in the U.S. and across the globe.

So, strap in—this one is all about adaptability, innovation, and what’s on the horizon for public safety aviation.

Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts and Metro Aviation.

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with communication specialists Carissima Collins and Toya Jones to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the air medical world. Together, they explore the critical role dispatch and communication professionals play in supporting frontline crews, from guiding missions to managing high-stress incidents.

Through personal stories and candid discussion, Carissima and Toya share their career journeys, the specialized training required, and the emotional weight of their responsibilities. The conversation highlights the complexities of the dispatch process, the necessity of teamwork, and the challenges of making split-second decisions under pressure. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for how communication specialists uphold professionalism, ensure effective coordination, and foster mutual respect among emergency medical services (EMS) and air medical teams.

From navigating real-life incidents to emphasizing the importance of debriefing and cross-disciplinary understanding, this episode underscores how communication truly forms the backbone of safe, efficient, and compassionate patient care.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Night Flight Concepts and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale from the Valor Flight Crew Podcast for an inside look at the demanding world of air medical services. Together, they share firsthand accounts of life on the front lines, where every decision can make a lasting impact on survival. The conversation explores the personal and professional challenges flight crews face — from balancing family life with the unpredictable nature of the job to managing the emotional toll of high-stakes missions.

Listeners will gain valuable insight into the critical importance of mental health resources, the power of cohesive teamwork, and the ways technological advancements — from AI-driven documentation tools to state-of-the-art medical equipment — are transforming the industry. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of the skies, celebrating their unwavering dedication, resilience, and passion for saving lives in even the most extreme conditions.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with someone who brings a rare and powerful perspective to the table—Jason Bazelow, a seasoned helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) provider whose journey has taken him from the back of the aircraft as a paramedic to the hospital bed as a patient.

Jason opens up about the moments that shaped his career—from early inspirations and close calls in the field, to the evolution of medicine and its impact on our patients in flight. This isn’t just a conversation about helicopters and protocols—it’s about people, purpose, and perseverance.

We’ll explore the human side of high-acuity medicine: The toll it takes, the camaraderie that keeps it going, and the emotional depth that often goes unspoken. While we often don’t realize the importance of the care we provide, Jason's powerful story of facing a life-threatening health crisis brings into sharp focus the critical importance of empathy, communication, the medicine we provide, and how it all ties together.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder to never take life for granted and behind every mission is a story worth hearing.

So buckle in—this is one flight you won’t forget.

Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Spectrum Aeromed and Technisonic Industries.

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with someone who brings a rare and powerful perspective to the table—Jason Bazelow, a seasoned helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) provider whose journey has taken him from the back of the aircraft as a paramedic to the hospital bed as a patient.

Jason opens up about the moments that shaped his career—from early inspirations and close calls in the field, to the evolution of medicine and its impact on our patients in flight. This isn’t just a conversation about helicopters and protocols—it’s about people, purpose, and perseverance.

We’ll explore the human side of high-acuity medicine: The toll it takes, the camaraderie that keeps it going, and the emotional depth that often goes unspoken. While we often don’t realize the importance of the care we provide, Jason's powerful story of facing a life-threatening health crisis brings into sharp focus the critical importance of empathy, communication, the medicine we provide, and how it all ties together.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder to never take life for granted and behind every mission is a story worth hearing.

So buckle in—this is one flight you won’t forget.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Coptersafety and Metro Aviation.

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) education leaders Alan Wolfe and Christian Greengrass to examine the ever-changing landscape of air medical and critical care transport.

Together, they explore the role of simulation in sharpening clinical judgment, the value of certification in professional development, and how tailored educational strategies can support diverse learning styles.

The discussion dives deep into the intersection of mentorship, confidence-building, and the growing influence of technology—including artificial intelligence in documentation and training.

Alan and Christian share insights on how structured educational pathways and prep programs can bridge the gap between experience and readiness, especially for clinicians entering air medical services.

This episode sheds light on the financial realities of EMS education, the push for innovation in training delivery, and the importance of adapting our teaching models to grow—and retain—the next generation of flight and critical care clinicians.

Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Spectrum Aeromed and Technisonic.

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) education leaders Alan Wolfe and Christian Greengrass to examine the ever-changing landscape of air medical and critical care transport.

Together, they explore the role of simulation in sharpening clinical judgment, the value of certification in professional development, and how tailored educational strategies can support diverse learning styles.

The discussion dives deep into the intersection of mentorship, confidence-building, and the growing influence of technology—including artificial intelligence in documentation and training.

Alan and Christian share insights on how structured educational pathways and prep programs can bridge the gap between experience and readiness, especially for clinicians entering air medical services.

This episode sheds light on the financial realities of EMS education, the push for innovation in training delivery, and the importance of adapting our teaching models to grow—and retain—the next generation of flight and critical care clinicians.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Coptersafety and Metro Aviation.

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode, we’re diving into the mindset of the resuscitationist, and what it takes to perform under pressure when every second counts.

This week we are joined by Dr. Garrett Cavaliere as we explore how preparation, teamwork, and self-awareness shape outcomes in high-stress environments like flight medicine.

We’ll talk about managing stress responses, the impact of fatigue, the power of mental rehearsal, and the value of debriefing after critical incidents. If you're in the business of saving lives under pressure, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Cavaliere references various studies and graphs, so be sure to head over to our YouTube channel to get the full effect of this conversation.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.