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.

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.

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

In this special episode, we are joined by Ashley Chitty, ECHO’s marketing director and one of the driving forces behind this year’s much-anticipated ECHO Conference in Louisville!

We’re diving deep into what makes this conference more than just another gathering—how it’s evolved, what keeps the energy alive, and why the ECHO family is unlike anything else in public safety aviation. From world-class education and powerful vendor partnerships to fresh initiatives and a true sense of community, this conversation is your insider look at everything coming your way in Louisville.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be part of something bigger—something that connects, supports, and inspires flight crews across the country—this episode will light that fire. Registration is open, and trust us, you’ll want to be there.

Let’s get into it.

Thank you to our sponsors: Airbus, Night Flight Concepts 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, we dive into the world of simulation training in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) with special guest Jonathan Corolla.

From high-fidelity mannequins to low-cost, high-impact solutions, we explore how simulation is evolving and why it’s critical for preparing crews to perform under pressure. 

Jonathan brings a wealth of experience in crafting realistic scenarios that connect with clinicians and improve outcomes in the field. 

We’ll talk about the challenges of building effective training programs, the power of creative problem-solving, and why advocacy and buy-in are key to making it all work. Whether you’re in the air or on the ground, this conversation is all about training smarter, pushing boundaries, and staying mission-ready.

Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Night Flight Concepts 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, we dive into the world of simulation training in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) with special guest Jonathan Corolla.

From high-fidelity mannequins to low-cost, high-impact solutions, we explore how simulation is evolving and why it’s critical for preparing crews to perform under pressure. 

Jonathan brings a wealth of experience in crafting realistic scenarios that connect with clinicians and improve outcomes in the field. 

We’ll talk about the challenges of building effective training programs, the power of creative problem-solving, and why advocacy and buy-in are key to making it all work. Whether you’re in the air or on the ground, this conversation is all about training smarter, pushing boundaries, and staying mission-ready.

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