Dennis, checklists are only used by conscious people. We had them for pre-flight and flight operations. Some folks used them, others had them in their hands...
Really dont need a checklist after a few trips IF you have any sense. When flying medivac when emergency alarm sounded one pilot would start everything without the checklist and the other after getting him/herself strapped in etc would review the others actions to ensure he was complete in his steps. Then the other would strap in and complete reading the checklist. Good pilots had no issues, but some did.............. even when using the checklist.