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.
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Episode 33 - Complex Care, Clear Skies: Behind Boston MedFlight’s Most Challenging Cases 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 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, Metro Aviation and Technisonic Industries.
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Episode 32 - Blades of Valor: Resilience and Recovery after Tragedy
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 flight nurse Danica Mainridge—a clinician whose story is as inspiring as it is unforgettable. From her path into critical care to the day everything changed in the aftermath of her company’s helicopter crash, Danica takes us inside the split-second decisions, the raw emotions, and the long road of personal recovery that followed.Together, we explore the weight of trauma, the necessity of resilience, and the strength that comes from within. Danica opens up about grief, identity, and what it truly means to care for others while finding healing yourself.And stay tuned till the end as we share how Danica’s courage and dedication earned her the much deserved Blades of Valor Recognition of Service, Courage and Flight award.This is not just a story of survival—it’s a story of courage, purpose, and the unbreakable spirit of a flight clinician.Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Spectrum Aeromed and Technisonic Industries.
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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