Shows
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 19 - High Fidelity Simulation on a Low Fidelity Budget Part 1Welcome 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 t...2025-06-2549 min
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 18 - Healthy Providers, Stronger Outcomes: The FIT for Flight Mindset Part 2Welcome 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 Blake and Mike sit down with guests Michelle Kline and Vince Dravecky for a much-needed conversation on wellness in the EMS profession. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked topic of provider health, introducing the FIT for Flight Triad—a holistic approach to fitness that balances nutrition, physical conditioning, and mental health.The episode calls for a cultural shift in EMS: one that moves beyond bu...2025-06-181h 12
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 17 - Healthy Providers, Stronger Outcomes: The FIT for Flight Mindset Part 1Welcome 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 Blake and Mike sit down with guests Michelle Kline and Vince Dravecky for a much-needed conversation on wellness in the EMS profession. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked topic of provider health, introducing the FIT for Flight Triad—a holistic approach to fitness that balances nutrition, physical conditioning, and mental health.The episode calls for a cultural shift in EMS: one that moves beyond bu...2025-06-111h 05
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 16 - Past, Present & Future: ECHO's Blueprint for Supporting Public Safety AviationWelcome 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 Jody Gregory, ECHO president, and Joe Zarek, ECHO vice-president, to discuss the many intricacies of this community-driven organization dedicated to supporting all aspects of public safety aviation.Together, they dive deep into ECHO’s origin story, the values that drive its mission, and the programs making a real difference—from mental health and peer support to safety initiatives, networking, and education. You’ll hea...2025-06-041h 18
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 15 - Maintaining the Mission - Part 2Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Welcome back to another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, where we dive into the people, partnerships, and behind the scenes work that keep our helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operations running. Today, we're talking about a part of the mission that doesn't always get the spotlight, but absolutely deserves it. In this episode, titled “Maintaining the Mission,” we are joined by Faith Ortega, an ANP mechanic with vast experience across general aviation and t...2025-05-281h 07
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 49: Maintaining the mission - Faith Ortega and Valor Flight Crew - Part IIWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In part two of this special collaborative episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we continue our conversation with the Valor Flight Crew Podcast team to bring you a unique perspective from the front lines of helicopter air ambulance operations.This episode features Vertical MRO co-host and experienced maintainer Faith Ortega, who shares her journey working in general aviation and now supporting critical EMS missions. Interviewed by Valor Flight Crew hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider, Faith offers...2025-05-231h 08
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 14 - Maintaining the Mission - Part 1Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Welcome back to another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, where we dive into the people, partnerships, and behind the scenes work that keep our helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operations running. Today, we're talking about a part of the mission that doesn't always get the spotlight, but absolutely deserves it. In this episode, titled “Maintaining the Mission,” we are joined by Faith Ortega, an ANP mechanic with vast experience across general aviation and t...2025-05-211h 04
The Vertical MRO PodcastEpisode 48: Maintaining the mission - Faith Ortega and Valor Flight Crew - Part IWelcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.In this special collaborative episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast, we team up with our colleagues at the Valor Flight Crew Podcast to bring you a unique perspective from the front lines of helicopter air ambulance operations.This episode features Vertical MRO co-host and experienced maintainer Faith Ortega, who shares her journey working in general aviation and now supporting critical EMS missions. Interviewed by Valor Flight Crew hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider, Faith offers a candid...2025-05-161h 05
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 13 ECMO on the Move: Revolutionizing Pre-Hospital Cardiac Care Part 2Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Buckle up as we take you behind the scenes of some cutting-edge advancements in emergency medicine and critical care transport. In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Kevin Rixmann, clinical supervisor at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, to discuss a game-changing innovation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treatment with their mobile ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) program.Together, they explore the evolution of eCPR and ECMO, the critical role of rapid...2025-05-1455 min
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 12 ECMO on the Move: Revolutionizing Pre-Hospital Cardiac Care Part 1 FOR REVIEWWelcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Buckle up as we take you behind the scenes of some cutting-edge advancements in emergency medicine and critical care transport. In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Kevin Rixmann, clinical supervisor at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, to discuss a game-changing innovation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treatment with their mobile ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) program.Together, they explore the evolution of eCPR and ECMO, the critical role of rapid...2025-05-0752 min
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 11 ECHO Safety Team - Enhancing Safety across the IndustryWelcome 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 al...2025-04-231h 16
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 10 - Fit for Shift: What Pilots Wish Crews Knew (and Vice Versa!) Part 2Welcome 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 fo...2025-04-161h 08
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 9 - Fit for Shift: What Pilots Wish Crews Knew (and Vice Versa!) Part 1Welcome 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 fo...2025-04-091h 09
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 8 - Pre-hospital medicine across the pondWelcome 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...2025-04-0244 min
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 7 - ECHO FAST: Peer Support for Flight Crews in High-Stress EnvironmentsWelcome 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 f...2025-03-2658 min
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 6 - A Global Perspective: Topics and Trends in the HEMS Industry with Steve Soliz Part 2Welcome 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 th...2025-03-1957 min
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 5 - A Global Perspective: Topics and Trends in the HEMS Industry with Steve Soliz Part 1Welcome 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 th...2025-03-121h 01
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 4 - Surviving the Unthinkable: Rhett Draehn’s Journey Part 2Welcome 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...2025-03-0555 min
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 3 - Surviving the Unthinkable: Rhett Draehn’s Journey Part 1Welcome 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...2025-02-2659 min
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 2 - Shaping the Future of Flight Medicine: The Future Flight Crew ProgramWelcome 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 grow...2025-02-191h 18
Valor Flight CrewEpisode 1 - Critical Care in the WildWelcome 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 runnin...2025-02-121h 07
Valor Flight CrewThe Valor Flight Crew Podcast IntroductionVertical 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 par...2025-02-1133 min