As has been the history of STAT MedEvac, the organization has again led the way in developing the next level of technology in the critical care transport arena. STAT MedEvac's leadership, board of directors and flight crews helped to develop the Airbus H135 helicopter. STAT MedEvac now has multiple H135 aircraft on line and it is the state-of-the-art aircraft for the industry. Thanks to STAT MedEvac Master Pilot, Andrew Montenaro, MedEvac 16, for joining the podcast.

In our first episode of 2026, it seems fitting to hear from James Houser, President and CEO of the UPMC Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. / STAT MedEvac. It has long been the legacy of STAT MedEvac to create and innovate change within the air medical and ground critical care transport industry. Jim discusses this legacy, including STAT MedEvac's role in the innovation of the Airbus H135 aircraft, which features advanced Airbus Helionix avionics.

Dr. Paul Paris, Medical Director Emeritus, the Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation, has been known to many in Western Pennsylvana in various roles. An EM physician at UPMC - Presbyterian, an on-line medical director to many of the EMS providers, a mentor to EM residents and researchers and, the hand-picked leader to take over the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania from it's original creator, Dr. Ron Stewart.

Dr. Paris was recently recognized by PEMF as the 2025 Ronald D. Stewart Excellence Award. We took a few minutes to talk about his career and how he feels about the impact he has had on many EMS careers.