Episode 38 Precision in the Air: The Joint Mission of NJ’s JEMSTAR Program
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 explore another non-traditional helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) program with an inside look at JEMSTAR in New Jersey. This unique program isn’t just any medevac team—these crews blend law enforcement precision with life-saving medical expertise to answer some of the state’s most critical calls. From high-stakes missions and cutting-edge aircraft operations to the teamwork and innovation that keep every patient safe, today’s conversation gives you an all-access pass to the stories, strategies, and people behind public safety aviation in New Jersey. So buckle up as we explore how JEMSTAR’s mission is serving and protecting in more ways than one!Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episode 37 - Response Ready: Concepts for Effective Briefing/Debriefing
Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this live episode from the ECHO Louisville 2025 conference, we sit down with US Army pilot and ECHO Safety Team member Sean Gavin from the New York Air National Guard. Together, we explore the art of briefing and debriefing — what makes them effective, how humility drives accountability, and why learning from every mission, win or loss, matters. There are so many lessons to be learned from each mission and it is important to have open and honest conversations about each flight. Being able to highlight the good, bad or indifferent can help flight crews continue to grow and create a safer environment. From military precision to civilian application, this episode dives into communication, culture, and the leadership mindset that keeps aircrews safe and growing. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Night Flight Concepts.
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Episode 36 - Beyond the FRAT: Redefining Risk in Public Safety Aviation Part 2
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 sit down with Jack Schonely, co-host of The Hangar Z Podcast and respected voice in aviation and public safety, to explore one of the most vital aspects of our profession: Risk management.Together, we dive deep into the human factors that shape decision-making, the balance between leadership and ego, and the importance of a culture where every crew member feels empowered to speak up. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons from Jack’s extensive law enforcement aviation career, this conversation uncovers the difference between simply managing risk—and truly understanding it.From accountability and communication to the continuous pursuit of improvement, this episode challenges us all to rethink what it means to fly safely, lead effectively, and to go beyond the FRAT.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Night Flight Concepts and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episodes 35 Beyond the FRAT: Redefining Risk in Public Safety Aviation Part 1
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 sit down with Jack Schonely, co-host of The Hangar Z Podcast and respected voice in aviation and public safety, to explore one of the most vital aspects of our profession: Risk management.Together, we dive deep into the human factors that shape decision-making, the balance between leadership and ego, and the importance of a culture where every crew member feels empowered to speak up. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons from Jack’s extensive law enforcement aviation career, this conversation uncovers the difference between simply managing risk—and truly understanding it.From accountability and communication to the continuous pursuit of improvement, this episode challenges us all to rethink what it means to fly safely, lead effectively, and to go beyond the FRAT.Thank you to our sponsors Coptersafety, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episode 34 - Complex Care, Clear Skies: Behind Boston MedFlight’s Most Challenging Cases Part 2
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 sit down with two incredible clinicians from Boston MedFlight, Jamie Eastman and Widmac (Wid) Laterion. Together, they take us inside the daily mission and operations of one of the nation’s most respected critical care transport programs.From the challenges of neonatal and pediatric transports to the transition from military service into civilian medicine, Jamie and Wid share amazing insights from their unique journeys. You’ll hear about the training and preparation that keep their teams ready for the most complex cases, including high-fidelity simulation, rigorous onboarding, and the importance of crew resource management.We’ll also explore Boston MedFlight’s transition to the Airbus H145 D3 and how this advanced airframe helps them deliver safe, effective care to critically ill and injured patients. Along the way, our guests reflect on memorable missions, collaboration across Massachusetts healthcare systems, and what it means to be part of a program dedicated to the highest standards of patient care. Thanks for tuning in, let’s get into it!Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Coptersafety and Spectrum Aeromed.
Produced in partnership with ECHO (Every Coast Helicopter Operations), the Valor Flight Crew Podcast promotes the personnel and life-saving equipment behind helicopter air ambulance services.Join hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider for in-depth interviews and expert insights from air medical personnel, pilots, communication specialists, and maintenance crews who play critical roles in airborne emergency response.Both members of the ECHO team, Mike and Blake, have diverse backgrounds in public safety aviation and leadership, allowing them to bring unique perspectives and expertise to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast.
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