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, Blake and Mike sit down with pilots Gene Reynolds and Matt Johnson for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what really makes air ambulance operations run smoothly. It’s all about communication, trust, and teamwork — both in the cockpit and in the back of the aircraft.

They talk through everything from pre-flight briefings and sterile cockpit rules to the ‘Fit for Shift’ mindset that keeps everyone ready for whatever the mission throws at them. Gene and Matt share their take on how training isn’t just a checkbox — it’s something we all need to fully engage in so we’re sharp when it counts.

The crew also dives into the balancing act of managing equipment and weight on the aircraft. Turns out, every pound matters, and it takes solid communication between med crews and pilots to make sure we’re carrying what we need — and leaving behind what we don’t.

Weather challenges, IFR operations, and the pressures pilots face all get some airtime, too. The conversation touches on the cultural shift happening in aviation: focusing on patient care and crew safety over operational pressures. Whether you’re flying, treating, or supporting from the ground, this one’s packed with takeaways on how we can all work better together.

Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Spectrum Aeromed and Vertical Valor magazine.

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, Blake and Mike sit down with pilots Gene Reynolds and Matt Johnson for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what really makes air ambulance operations run smoothly. It’s all about communication, trust, and teamwork — both in the cockpit and in the back of the aircraft.

They talk through everything from pre-flight briefings and sterile cockpit rules to the ‘Fit for Shift’ mindset that keeps everyone ready for whatever the mission throws at them. Gene and Matt share their take on how training isn’t just a checkbox — it’s something we all need to fully engage in so we’re sharp when it counts.

The crew also dives into the balancing act of managing equipment and weight on the aircraft. Turns out, every pound matters, and it takes solid communication between med crews and pilots to make sure we’re carrying what we need — and leaving behind what we don’t.

Weather challenges, IFR operations, and the pressures pilots face all get some airtime, too. The conversation touches on the cultural shift happening in aviation: focusing on patient care and crew safety over operational pressures. Whether you’re flying, treating, or supporting from the ground, this one’s packed with takeaways on how we can all work better together.

Thank you to our sponsors Axnes, Metro Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed.

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, recorded live from the annual Public Safety Aviation Conference in Richmond, Virginia, Blake Shrider and Mike Fidale sit down with a special guest from across the Atlantic: Paula Burke, a paramedic with Ireland’s National Ambulance Service.

Paula shares her unique journey from nursing in Galway to working in Cork City — “the real capital,” as she jokes — and eventually joining Ireland’s National Ambulance Service, where she’s been for the last five years. We dive into how pre-hospital medicine in Ireland differs from the U.S., from limited helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) resources—only two helicopters nationwide— to ground transports for pediatric patients that can be three-hour trips.

Paula walks us through the Irish paramedic education pathway, which is a hybrid of classroom and field training, fully paid for, and culminates in a degree after three years. She also gives us insight into the advanced paramedic role and how Ireland is working toward community-based care and alternative pre-hospital pathways to help reduce unnecessary hospital transports.

We also talk mental health and peer support — something both Ireland and the U.S. EMS communities continue to build on. Paula shares how their Employee Assistance Program and regional peer support systems help providers manage the tough calls, while we compare how Echo’s FAST team is working to normalize mental health conversations here at home.

This conversation was full of laughs, insight, and reminders that while our systems may look different, the mission and challenges are much the same. Paula’s passion for pre-hospital medicine is clear, and she’s already planning on making the trip back next year.

Thanks for listening — and if you ever wondered what EMS looks like on the other side of the world, this one’s for you.

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

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, we sit down with Darren and Deb from the ECHO Flight Crew Assistance and Support Team (FAST) to explore the vital work they’re doing in supporting flight crew members.

They dive into the origins of FAST, its mission to provide peer support, and the crucial role mental health plays in high-stress, high-stakes environments.

Throughout the conversation, the team reflects on personal experiences in flight medicine, the immediate need for support during crises, and the importance of building a strong community for public safety aviation professionals.

Highlighting the many services FAST provides, this episode underscores the significance of proactive mental health strategies, self-care, and reaching out when help is needed.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the past, present, and future of FAST and how it’s expanding to better support the flight crew community.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Vertical Valor Magazine.

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

In this episode, hosts Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale sit down with Steve Soliz from Bell.

Steve takes us through his unique journey—from serving as a medic to becoming a nurse, and now, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of public safety aviation. We dive into the importance of collaboration within the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) industry, the evolving technology that’s driving innovation, and the challenges our crews face on the front lines.

We'll also discuss everything from the complexities of maintaining clinical excellence in a high-stakes environment, to managing the mental health pressures that come with this demanding work.

Plus, we take a look at the global landscape of air medical services, and how data-driven decisions and strategic planning are critical to advancing patient care and safety.

So, whether you’re a seasoned HEMS professional or just starting your career in public safety aviation, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

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

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

In this episode, hosts Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale sit down with Steve Soliz from Bell.

Steve takes us through his unique journey—from serving as a medic to becoming a nurse, and now, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of public safety aviation. We dive into the importance of collaboration within the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) industry, the evolving technology that’s driving innovation, and the challenges our crews face on the front lines.

We'll also discuss everything from the complexities of maintaining clinical excellence in a high-stakes environment, to managing the mental health pressures that come with this demanding work.

Plus, we take a look at the global landscape of air medical services, and how data-driven decisions and strategic planning are critical to advancing patient care and safety.

So, whether you’re a seasoned HEMS professional or just starting your career in public safety aviation, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

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

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

In this two-part episode join hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider for an in depth interview with Rhett Draehn.

Rhett is paramedic, and the current safety director at CareFlite in Texas. His story is nothing short of extraordinary. Back in 2012, Rhett and his crew were involved in a devastating helicopter crash while responding to pick up a patient from a scene call.

Thankfully, all crew members survived, and Rhett is here today to walk us through the moments leading up to the crash, the immediate aftermath, and his long road to recovery – both physically and mentally

But this isn’t just a story of survival. It’s about resilience, the evolution of aviation safety, and the critical role of Crew Resource Management (CRM) in preventing future incidents. Rhett’s insights serve as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility we all have in ensuring safety in the skies.

So buckle in—this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Precision Aviation Group, and Vertical Valor Magazine.

As brief disclaimer to our audience: Listener discretion is advised, as this episode includes discussions of a real-life helicopter crash and its aftermath. We recognize this may be a sensitive topic, and these discussions and personal experiences are shared only to foster learning and awareness surrounding aviation safety in the HEMS industry.

If you or a fellow flight crew member is struggling, know you are not alone. ECHO Flight-crew Assistance & Support Team (FAST) or other peer support groups as well as your local Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/counselling services are here to help.

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

In this two-part episode join hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider for an in depth interview with Rhett Draehn.

Rhett is paramedic, and the current safety director at CareFlite in Texas. His story is nothing short of extraordinary. Back in 2012, Rhett and his crew were involved in a devastating helicopter crash while responding to pick up a patient from a scene call.

Thankfully, all crew members survived, and Rhett is here today to walk us through the moments leading up to the crash, the immediate aftermath, and his long road to recovery – both physically and mentally

But this isn’t just a story of survival. It’s about resilience, the evolution of aviation safety, and the critical role of Crew Resource Management (CRM) in preventing future incidents. Rhett’s insights serve as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility we all have in ensuring safety in the skies.

So buckle in—this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

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

As brief disclaimer to our audience: Listener discretion is advised, as this episode includes discussions of a real-life helicopter crash and its aftermath. We recognize this may be a sensitive topic, and these discussions and personal experiences are shared only to foster learning and awareness surrounding aviation safety in the HEMS industry.

If you or a fellow flight crew member is struggling, know you are not alone. ECHO Flight-crew Assistance & Support Team (FAST) or other peer support groups as well as your local Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/counselling services are here to help.