What It Takes to Fly EMS: The Story of former Ornge Pilot Dave “Chops” Phillips

Host Rob Daniels sits down with Dave “Chops” Phillips, a veteran Helicopter EMS pilot with the Ontario Air Ambulance, now known as Ornge. In this conversation, Dave shares what life is really like inside the world of air ambulance operations. He talks about the pressure of critical calls at 5000 feet, the teamwork required to respond to medical emergencies, and the emotional impact of helping people on the toughest days of their lives. Dave also reflects on the moments that changed him, the lessons he learned from patients and families, and how years in emergency aviation shaped his understanding of compassion, resilience, and service. This episode offers a rare and human look at helicopter EMS and the people who show up when it matters most.