The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast Saturday Morning Coffee Talk (11/29/25)
4 snips
Nov 29, 2025 In a lively discussion, Mike reflects on working during Thanksgiving, highlighting a notably quiet shift. He revisits pressing safety concerns in helicopter emergency medical services, arguing for improved transparency and better training. Mike critiques the industry’s pressures leading to accidents, comparing U.S. crash rates to international standards. He passionately advocates for strict safety protocols while discussing the impact of student training and professionalism in the field. In a call for reform, he emphasizes the importance of using chest straps and critiques the ineffectiveness of C-collars.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
HEMS Utilization Drives Unseen Risk
- Mike Caroncio argues HEMS utilization often prioritizes convenience or marketing over safety, creating systemic risk.
- He calls for public scrutiny of flights and honest discussion about misuse driving crashes.
Prefer Two Pilots And Two Engines
- Avoid single-pilot, single-engine HEMS flights when possible and prefer two pilots and two engines.
- Mike Caroncio says he personally will not fly on single-pilot helicopters due to higher fatality associations.
U.S. HEMS Has Disproportionate Fatal Risk
- U.S. HEMS accident and fatality rates exceed several other countries, linked to system differences.
- Caroncio notes EMS has fewer accidents per flight hour, but accidents are likelier fatal.
