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

In today’s episode, we sit down with Zane Atencio for a candid, practical conversation about what leadership really looks like on the front lines of emergency medical services. From the back of the ambulance to the flight deck, Zane shares his journey from fire medic to flight medic—and the lessons he’s learned about communication, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with leading from wherever you stand.

Together, we dig into the realities of team dynamics, generational differences in the workforce, and the challenge of orienting new providers in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment. We talk about the power of self-reflection, the importance of recognizing good work, and why a supportive culture—one that allows people to learn from mistakes—can make all the difference for crews and patients alike.

This is a conversation about trust, growth, and the everyday leadership moments that shape the culture of an organization.
So strap in, check your gauges, and join us as we lift into another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast—where leadership isn’t just a title … it’s a mindset carried on every mission.

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 Valor Plus.

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Fox from Big Bear Fire Department for a grounded, real-world conversation about emergency medical services (EMS), aviation, and the communities we serve. From the challenges of aircraft operations in a small, seasonal, tourist town to the life-saving impact of air medical partnerships, Ken shares the realities of delivering critical care where resources are limited but expectations are high.

We talk about the importance of strong relationships between ground and air crews, the evolving balance between scene responses and inter-facility transfers, and how innovations like prehospital blood products are changing patient outcomes. Ken also opens up about the ongoing struggles with retention and burnout in EMS—and why community connection, outreach, and education are more important than ever.

It’s a conversation about teamwork, trust, and the constant push to move patients faster, safer, and smarter—without losing sight of the people behind the mission.

So strap in, check your gauges, and join us as we lift off into another story from the front lines of public safety aviation.

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 Valor Plus.

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Fox from Big Bear Fire Department for a grounded, real-world conversation about emergency medical services (EMS), aviation, and the communities we serve. From the challenges of aircraft operations in a small, seasonal, tourist town to the life-saving impact of air medical partnerships, Ken shares the realities of delivering critical care where resources are limited but expectations are high.

We talk about the importance of strong relationships between ground and air crews, the evolving balance between scene responses and inter-facility transfers, and how innovations like prehospital blood products are changing patient outcomes. Ken also opens up about the ongoing struggles with retention and burnout in EMS—and why community connection, outreach, and education are more important than ever.

It’s a conversation about teamwork, trust, and the constant push to move patients faster, safer, and smarter—without losing sight of the people behind the mission.

So strap in, check your gauges, and join us as we lift off into another story from the front lines of public safety aviation.

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