Episode 29 Voices Behind the Mission: a Communication Specialist Perspective

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 Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with communication specialists Carissima Collins and Toya Jones to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the air medical world. Together, they explore the critical role dispatch and communication professionals play in supporting frontline crews, from guiding missions to managing high-stress incidents.

Through personal stories and candid discussion, Carissima and Toya share their career journeys, the specialized training required, and the emotional weight of their responsibilities. The conversation highlights the complexities of the dispatch process, the necessity of teamwork, and the challenges of making split-second decisions under pressure. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for how communication specialists uphold professionalism, ensure effective coordination, and foster mutual respect among emergency medical services (EMS) and air medical teams.

From navigating real-life incidents to emphasizing the importance of debriefing and cross-disciplinary understanding, this episode underscores how communication truly forms the backbone of safe, efficient, and compassionate patient care.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Night Flight Concepts and Precision Aviation Group.