EP-171 Tropic Air Rescue - Tony Marinello

Are you planning a cruising trip to the Bahamas? While the islands are beautiful, medical infrastructure can be scarce. In this episode, we sit down with Tony Marinello, a retired New York State Trooper and the founder of Tropic Air Rescue, to discuss a critical safety gap for sailors and travelers in the Bahamas. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Danger Gap: Tony explains that once you go east of the U.S., you are essentially in a "third-world country" regarding medical care. With only three hospitals across 700 islands, getting help for a stroke, heart attack, or trauma can be life-threatening. Why Helicopters Matter: Unlike fixed-wing airplanes that require airports and ambulance transfers, Tropic Air Rescue utilizes helicopters to fly directly from the scene of the injury to trauma centers in Florida. They are the only operator with medical teams standing by 24/7, ready to launch immediately. Affordable Peace of Mind: We break down the membership model. For roughly $500 a month per couple, members receive immediate evacuation services without upfront payment, as the company bills your insurance directly. Entrepreneurial Insights: Tony shares his journey of identifying a massive market gap—the complete lack of helicopter air ambulances in the Bahamas—and offers advice on validating business ideas. Whether you are sailing, boating, or vacationing in the Bahamas, this is a service you need to know about before you leave the dock. Links & Resources: Tropic Air Rescue: tropicairrescue.com Keywords: Bahamas Sailing, Tropic Air Rescue, Emergency Medical Transport, Helicopter Rescue, Bahamas Cruising, Travel Safety, Medical Evacuation, Entrepreneurship, Boating Safety. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the like button and subscribe! Email: sailingtheeast@gmail.com Happy Sailing! Bela and Mike