Inside the World of Air Rescue Training: A Conversation with Mike Martin
ir rescue is an indispensable pillar of emergency response and encompasses the rapid deployment of highly skilled teams to provide life-saving assistance in situations where access is limited, and time is of the essence. Air Rescue Training isn’t just about skill—it’s about survival. No one knows this better than Mike Martin, Vice President of Training at Air Rescue Systems (ARS). With a career that started as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army and evolved into a deep expertise in hoist operations, Mike has dedicated his life to refining the way Search and Rescue (SAR) teams train and operate. We sat down with him to talk about his journey, the evolution of rescue training, and what it takes to prepare for high-risk missions.
A Passion for Rescue
Q: How did you get into air rescue?
“I started as a Combat Medic in the Army, and early on, I had the chance to move into a Flight Paramedic role with the Utah National Guard MEDEVAC. From that moment, I was hooked. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping save lives.”
That passion eventually led him to ARS, but not before years of searching for the most effective training methodologies. “When I was helping develop my local rescue hoist program, I started looking outside the Army’s standard procedures. That’s when I found ARS. Their approach was so innovative and thorough that I knew I had to be a part of it.”
As VP of Training, Mike oversees a comprehensive program that covers everything from Rescue Hoist to Short Haul and Fast Rope operations. But what truly sets ARS apart?
“We don’t just teach tips and tricks,” Mike explains. “We build a foundational, scientific understanding of aerodynamics. Knowing hoist physics and rotor flow mechanics means teams aren’t just going through the motions—they understand why things work the way they do. That knowledge leads to safer, more efficient rescues.”
Another key factor? Integrated training. “A lot of programs separate pilots from operators and rescuers. We train as a team, just like they’ll operate in the field. Rescue missions demand seamless crew coordination, and that starts in training.”
Mike’s approach to training was shaped by both successes and hard lessons. One of the most defining moments of his career came when he had to investigate a fatal hoist rescue incident.
“It was one of the toughest experiences of my life. But through that investigation, we identified serious training gaps—ones that could lead to more tragedies if left unaddressed. That experience fundamentally changed how I develop training programs. It reinforced the need for constant improvement.”
Among the most important shifts he’s seen in recent years, video review stands out at the top.
“We record multiple perspectives of every training session. Seeing yourself in action gives you the most objective, constructive feedback possible. It’s a game-changer for skill development.”
Breaking Industry Barriers
One of the biggest challenges in air rescue training is overcoming resistance to change.
“There’s a dangerous mindset of ‘this is how we’ve always done it.’ Our industry is high-risk and sticking to outdated methods just because they’re familiar is a recipe for disaster.” But there’s also an incredible willingness to improve. “At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal: saving lives. That shared purpose makes it easier to push for innovation.”
And while technology—like virtual reality and AI—continues to evolve, Mike is clear that nothing replaces real-world experience. “Simulations are great, especially for newer aircrews, but you can’t replace the feel of an actual hoist operation. The key is finding the right balance.”
The Future of Air Rescue Training
Looking ahead, Mike sees a major challenge on the horizon: attrition.
“The experienced aircrews are retiring, and we need to make sure the next generation is ready to step up. That’s why standardization across the industry is so important. We need to make sure everyone is operating at the highest level.”
For those coming up in the field, his advice is simple:
1. Never discredit others’ experience.
2. Never discredit your own experience.
3. Always assume there’s a better way to do things.
“These rules apply to me just as much as they do to my students,” he says. “Growth never stops.”
Mike stays passionate about Air Rescue Training, stemming from one simple statement.
“Saving lives. That’s it. As I’ve moved away from operational roles, my focus has shifted to ‘helping people who help people.’ The better our training, the better our chances of bringing someone home safely.”
“You don’t train until you get it right. You train until you can’t get it wrong.”
In a profession where precision and preparedness can determine life-or-death outcomes, that mindset makes all the difference. Mike doesn’t leave anything to chance and that’s the difference he is bringing to the ARS team.
