Episode 30 - The Evolution of Public Safety Aviation with Leonardo Helicopters 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 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.
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Episode 29 Voices Behind the Mission: a Communication Specialist Perspective
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.
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Episode 28 - Halsey & Valor Flight Crew: Inside the World of Air Medical Rescue
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.
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Episode 27 - Both Sides of the Skids: A HEMS Evolution from Provider to Patient 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, 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.
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Episode 26 - Both Sides of the Skids: A HEMS Evolution from Provider to Patient 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, 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.
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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