The Valor Flight Crew

Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider

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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72 episodes
Updated July 22

Episodes72

Newest first

Apr 23, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 11 ECHO Safety Team - Enhancing Safety across the Industry
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 take you inside the world of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) aviation safety, where we are joined by members of the Echo Safety Team to dive deep into the critical role safety plays in HEMS operations. From exploring the Public Safety Aviation Bill of Rights to tackling emerging issues like laser strikes and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, we’ll cover the latest trends shaping the industry. We’ll also discuss the challenges of “green-on-green” situations, the importance of mentorship and experience, and the strategies that help enhance safety on every mission. This episode emphasizes the significance of fostering a culture of safety—one that prioritizes open dialogue, risk assessment, and collaboration across all levels of the crew. Tune in as we explore how a just culture, ongoing education, and mental health integration, are all essential in building a safer, more transparent public safety aviation community. It’s an insightful conversation you won’t want to miss! Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.
Apr 16, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 10 - Fit for Shift: What Pilots Wish Crews Knew (and Vice Versa!) Part 2
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.
Apr 9, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 9 - Fit for Shift: What Pilots Wish Crews Knew (and Vice Versa!) Part 1
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.
Apr 2, 2025 · 43 min
Episode 8 - Pre-hospital medicine across the pond
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.
Mar 26, 2025 · 57 min
Episode 7 - ECHO FAST: Peer Support for Flight Crews in High-Stress Environments
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.
Mar 19, 2025 · 56 min
Episode 6 - A Global Perspective: Topics and Trends in the HEMS Industry with Steve Soliz Part 2
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.
Mar 12, 2025 · 1 hr
Episode 5 - A Global Perspective: Topics and Trends in the HEMS Industry with Steve Soliz Part 1
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.
Mar 5, 2025 · 54 min
Episode 4 - Surviving the Unthinkable: Rhett Draehn’s Journey Part 2
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.
Feb 26, 2025 · 58 min
Episode 3 - Surviving the Unthinkable: Rhett Draehn’s Journey Part 1
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.
Feb 19, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
Episode 2 - Shaping the Future of Flight Medicine: The Future Flight Crew Program
Welcome to another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by Echo and proudly brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s shaping the future of the air medical industry—the Future Flight Crew (FFC) Program. This initiative has become a game-changer for aspiring flight clinicians, and we have an incredible lineup of guests ready to share their experiences and insights on how this program is making an impact. We’ll start by exploring the origins and evolution of FFC, detailing how it has grown into a pivotal mentorship and educational platform for those looking to enter the world of flight medicine. Past students and instructors will join us to offer firsthand accounts of how this program has influenced their careers, bridging the gap between ground EMS and the high-acuity, high-risk environment of air medical transport. Beyond just clinical skills, FFC emphasizes safety, teamwork, and the culture that defines successful flight teams. We’ll discuss the challenges of delivering high-quality, remote-based education, while ensuring participants are well-prepared for the demanding world of critical care transport. And that’s not all—we’re excited to introduce the Future Flight Leaders Program, an expansion of the initiative designed to develop leadership and professional growth in the air medical field. This new branch will focus on fostering the next generation of industry leaders, ensuring that the values of mentorship, education, and excellence continue to thrive. There’s so much to cover in this episode, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned as we take off into the world of the Future Flight Crew Program! Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Precision Aviation Group and Vertical Valor Magazine.
Feb 12, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Episode 1 - Critical Care in the Wild
Welcome to another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine! In today’s episode we are joined by a true innovator in search-and-rescue and emergency medical services: Miles Randell, president of Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical—better known as TEAAM. Miles brings a wealth of experience as he shares the challenges of delivering life-saving care in the remote wilderness of British Columbia. From the formation of TEAAM, to their fleet of aircraft, resources, and training that keep their operations running, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how they bridge the gaps in pre-hospital care. But this episode isn’t just about logistics and rescues—it’s also about the people. Miles opens up about the critical importance of mental health support for first responders, the personal experiences that shaped TEAAM's supportive culture, and how they’re breaking down stigmas around seeking help. It’s a powerful conversation about resilience, innovation, and the profound impact TEAAM has on communities and lives. So, stay tuned for this exciting episode. Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Precision Aviation Group and Spectrum Aeromed.
Feb 11, 2025 · 32 min
The Valor Flight Crew Podcast Introduction
Vertical HeliCASTS — your Vertical podcast network — is thrilled to announce the launch of The Valor Flight Crew Podcast, with the first episode streaming now. The HeliCASTS podcast network, which launched in the fall of 2023, is part of MHM Publishing’s growing family of multimedia offerings. The Valor Flight Crew Podcast is now the fifth podcast on the HeliCASTS network, alongside The Hangar Z Podcast, hosted by Jon Gray; The Helicopter Podcast, hosted by Halsey Schider; The Real ResQ Podcast, hosted by Jason Quinn, and The Vertical MRO Podcast, hosted by Val Medved. 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. “We’re thrilled to partner with an important organization like ECHO to bring The Valor Flight Crew Podcast to the HeliCASTS network,” said MHM Publishing co-owner Mike Reyno. “This podcast really complements Vertical Valor, which is the only rotorcraft resource dedicated to the public safety and military sectors. “The goal with The Valor Flight Crew Podcast is not only to share captivating stories from the helicopter air ambulance sector, but to explore the major topics and issues impacting that world.” Listeners will 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. Fadale has been involved in the emergency medical services (EMS) field for more than 25 years and currently flies for a progressive hospital-based program where he cares for neonatal, pediatric, and adult populations. His job combines his two greatest passions in life: emergency medicine and helicopters. He has been an active member of ECHO since 2015, serving on the board of directors and the Flight Crew Assistance & Support Team (FAST), as well as assisting with ECHO’s Future Flight Crew initiative and the organization’s annual conference. “I am excited for this next chapter with The Valor Flight Crew Podcast,” said Fadale. “I look forward to highlighting public safety aviation in a different way.” Shrider has spent two decades in the emergency medical services field, currently working dual roles as a flight paramedic and critical care paramedic with two different services. In addition to those roles, he serves as a field training officer, special operations team member, logistics team member, EMS instructor, and an American Heart Association instructor. Shrider has been involved with ECHO for the past four years and is part of the organization’s Future Flight Crew cohort, which offers instruction and mentorship to students who are interested in an air medical transport career. He is passionate about teaching and “striving for a safer, higher level of pre-hospital emergency care.” Fadale and Shrider’s diverse backgrounds in public safety aviation and leadership are sure to bring unique perspectives and expertise to The Valor Flight Crew Podcast.