The Real ResQ Podcast - podcast cover

The Real ResQ Podcast

The Real ResQ is the ultimate podcast for inspiring stories of everyday heroes who risk their lives ”so others may live.” Join experienced Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #500, Jason Quinn, and guests from around the world as they share firsthand accounts of high-pressure situations and the bravery required to navigate them. From the simple standard medevac to the dark and stormy night rescues, they are entertaining and fun to listen to. Each episode is packed with riveting stories, insightful interviews, and expert analysis, giving you an immersive experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Here, we go behind the scenes of these amazing rescues. We get an inside look and listen to all the good and the bad of these everyday heroes. Whether you’re a first responder or simply fascinated by the world of rescue work, ”The Real ResQ” is a must-listen. Subscribe now and join us on this unforgettable journey of courage, heroism, and hope.

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Episodes

Episode 233: Matt Nightingale and his SAR K9 Morag with The Penrith Mountain Rescue Team Member in the UK

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Matt Nightingale, a volunteer search and rescue dog handler from the UK. Matt shares his inspiring journey from being a physics teacher to dedicating his time to volunteer search and rescue work. At the heart of his story is Morag—a once-troubled stray border collie who transformed into a fully qualified search dog. He recounts how their partnership began, the training process, and their very first rescue together. Matt opens ...

Jul 02, 20251 hr 16 min

Episode 232: Jeff Danner U. S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer 305

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast , host Jason Quinn sits down with United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #305, Jeff Danner. From his early days growing up in Ocean City, Maryland, to navigating the challenges of Coast Guard boot camp and rescue swimmer school, Jeff shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He recounts his intense first rescue mission involving a capsized tugboat and four people in the water, along with several other unforgettable missions throughout his time ...

Jun 25, 20251 hr 49 min

Episode 231: Phoenix Arizona Police and Fire Air Rescue Unit

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast , host Jason Quinn is joined by an outstanding crew from the Phoenix Police Department and Phoenix Fire Department for a behind-the-scenes look at their aviation and rescue operations. Each member shares their unique journey into public service, giving listeners insight into the passion and dedication that drives their careers. The team dives into the technical aspects of their work, from becoming a crew chief in special operations to the collaboration be...

Jun 18, 20251 hr 16 min

Episode 230: Dan Molthen - U.S. Coast Guard Pilot (Retired)

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast , host Jason Quinn welcomes Dan Molthen, a decorated Coast Guard aviator, for an unforgettable conversation filled with heroism, humility, and hard-earned wisdom. Molthen shares his incredible journey from aspiring pilot to Coast Guard legend, recounting several dramatic rescue missions. These missions earned him five Achievement Medals, seven Commendation medals, two Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. Throughout the episode, Molthen reflect...

Jun 11, 20253 hr 57 min

Episode 229: Wayne Tunick (Call Sign ‘Great Tuntini,’ a.k.a. GT) Pilot and Ret. Captain from U.S. Navy

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast , host Jason Quinn sits down with retired U.S. Navy Captain and pilot Wayne Tunick for a powerful and insightful conversation. Tunick shares his journey into military aviation, recounting the path that led him to become a Navy pilot. He opens up about his firsthand experience during the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon and the profound impact it had on him. One of the most gripping stories he shares is of a helicopter crash he survived—an incident that reshap...

Jun 04, 20251 hr 41 min

Episode 228: Mark Tappan and his K9 Mattis

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn has an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Mark Tappan, a respected K9 handler and law enforcement officer, who shares his incredible journey—from dreaming of being a game show host to becoming a nationally recognized K9 officer. Mark takes us through the story of how he was paired with his K9 partner, Mattis, and the unbreakable bond they developed while working side by side. He shares gripping stories from the field, including hig...

May 28, 20251 hr 37 min

Episode 227: Drew Sinclair U. S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #700

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes Drew Sinclair, retired U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer No. 700, to share his incredible journey through the ranks of military service and beyond. From growing up as part of an Army family to earning his place among the elite as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, Sinclair recounts the milestones and life-changing moments that shaped his career. He walks us through his very first rescue—a dramatic case where a car plunged off a bridge,...

May 21, 20251 hr 38 min

Episode 226: John B Hall (Call Sign: Sticks) - prior USCG pilot, paramedic and current RN

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with John Hall, a former U.S. Coast Guard pilot and current registered nurse. Hall’s remarkable journey begins at the Merchant Marine Academy, where he chose to earn his EMT certification. A decision that set the stage for a life of service. He recalls his first traumatic call as an EMT and shares a few standout moments from his Academy days that shaped his path forward. He then dives into what inspired his move to continue to ...

May 14, 20253 hr 20 min

ASTerisk: Dr. Ryan Dowdy, Ex-NASA and Creator of ReadyBAR

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Dr. Ryan Dowdy, a food scientist with experience working at NASA and the creator of ReadyBAR. Dr. Dowdey discusses the intricacies of food science, particularly in relation to space missions, the challenges of creating nutritious and safe food for astronauts, and the importance of variety and dietary preferences in space. Dr. Dowdy shares insights on food preservation, packaging, and the ongoing efforts to improve the food men...

May 07, 20251 hr 14 min

Episode 225: Garrett Spires - Firefighter Paramedic

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Garrett Spires, a firefighter, paramedic, and motorsport rescue specialist. Spires' journey into emergency services began in a remarkable way—long before he ever wore a uniform. As a teenager, he and his father performed CPR during a critical emergency, ultimately saving a life. That defining moment not only earned him recognition from a local college but also set him on the path to a career in public service. He goes on to ...

Apr 30, 20251 hr 10 min

Episode 224: Shane Daw - General Manager, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter (Sydney)

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Shane Daw, the general manager of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service in Sydney, Australia. Daw takes us through his incredible journey, starting as a junior lifeguard and rising up to lead one of the busiest and most respected helicopter rescue services in the country. He reflects on more than two decades of service, recounting some of the most memorable and intense rescues he’s been part of—beginning with his very ...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 10 min

Episode 223: Harry Harrison - Penrith Mountain Rescue Team Member and Swift Water Rescue Instructor (Volunteer)

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn chats with Harry Harrison, a dedicated volunteer with the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team in the UK. Harrison who is by trade a Paediatric Physiotherapist, takes us into the heart of the Lake District, where he’s spent years responding to emergencies in one of the UK’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes. He shares powerful and memorable rescue stories that reflect both the challenges and rewards of mountain rescue work. He revisits major ...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 59 min

Spotlight: Air Rescue Systems (ARS) Expansion with Mike Martin VP of Training Operations

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes back Mike Martin, the newly appointed Vice President of Training Operations at Air Rescue Systems (ARS). Martin provides an in-depth industry update, shedding light on ARS's growth, evolving capabilities, and future plans. As he steps into his leadership role, he discusses what expansion means for the company and how they are adapting to meet the increasing demands of the industry. Additionally, Martin highlights the strength of...

Apr 09, 202552 min

Episode 222: Mike Martin Critical Care Flight Paramedic for Utah National Guard

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Mike Martin, a critical care flight medic with the Utah National Guard. Martin takes us through his journey in combat medicine, sharing his first deployment with a MEDEVAC unit and the intense experiences that earned him an Air Medal for his exceptional service. He recounts his very first call in the field—treating two critically injured patients with blast wounds to the face. With the help of his crew chief, both patients s...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 39 min

Episode 221: David McColl, Pilot and Safety Professional - Field Emergency Action Plans: Bucket Truck Fall 23JAN2024 Presentation - Live at VERTICON 2025

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes David McColl, a pilot and safety professional, to share a powerful firsthand account of an incident that reshaped his entire company's emergency response plan. McColl recounts a critical event involving a powerline bucket truck that tipped over, leaving two severely injured workers stranded in the marshland. As challenges mounted throughout the rescue operation, the team had to adapt quickly to overcome unexpected obstacles. Thr...

Mar 26, 202549 min

ASTerisk: The SR3 Rescue Concepts Debrief Live at VERTICON 2025

In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn joins SR3 Rescue Concepts for their second annual "Debrief," kicking off the week of VERTICON with a special podcast takeover. Throughout the episode, industry professionals drop in to join the conversation, bringing a mix of insights, stories, and plenty of laughs. With the energy high and the excitement building for the week ahead, this recording sets the tone for an unforgettable VERTICON experience. Enjoy! This episode is po...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 21 min

Never Forget: Craig Dunbar, USCG Rescue Swimmer #125

In this episode of the Real ResQ Podcast, Jason Quinn and guests, Steve Ober, Joe Beyer, George Cavallo, Joe Burns and Olaf Leavelle come together to remember their fellow Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #125, Craig Dunbar. Through heartfelt stories and shared memories, they celebrate Dunbar’s unwavering determination, competitive nature, and the deep bonds formed during their time in training and service. From their first encounters with him to the challenges of Rescue Swimmer school, they reflect o...

Mar 05, 202556 min

Episode 220: Dan Leary, Life Flight Pilot and Chris Pfingsten, Life Flight Paramedic

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes back Dan Leary and introduces Chris Pfingsten, as they share an incredible rescue story—one they were both involved in without even realizing it. Leary and Pfingsten first crossed paths during a critical mission when a patient fell approximately 20 feet into a ravine and creek bed. At the time, the two were working for separate agencies. Pfingsten, responding with a local agency, was one of the first on scene. Recognizing the di...

Feb 26, 20251 hr 4 min

Episode 219: Matt High USCG Rescue Swimmer #431

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Matt High, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #431. High shares his journey into the Coast Guard, from his initial training to his first rescue mission. A rescue of a few guys stuck on a spit of land in the middle of a river. He dives into career-defining moments, being an instructor at Rescue Swimmer A-School to additional unforgettable rescues. They discuss the evolution of the rescue swimmer program, the impact of manpower s...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 26 min

Episode 218: Jeff “Spanky” Peterson US Air Force Pilot

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Jeff “Spanky” Peterson, a pilot with the United States Air Force. Spanky was one of the pilots who played a critical role in the daring rescue of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell after Operation Red Wings took a devastating turn. This rescue was immortalized in Luttrell's book “Lone Survivor,” and brought to the big screen in the film of the same name. We dive into the details of the rescue mission to save Luttrell, the challenges fa...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 56 min

Episode 217: Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Henry 1 Helicopter

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with the crew of “Henry 1,” the busy Bell 407 from Sonoma County Sheriff’s OfficeHelicopter Unit. The crew includes Chris Haas, Nigel Cooper, Larry Matelli, and Jamal Cook. Recorded live on location in Sonoma County, California, right outside their hangar and in front of their Bell 407, the team shares insights into their unique role with the county’s all-purpose helicopter. Henry 1 handles everything from law enforcement and f...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 31 min

Episode 216: Oliver Kreuzer, Swiss and US Citizen a SAR Flight Paramedic with Air Zermatt and US Air Force PJ (Pararescue)

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Oliver Kreuzer, a SAR Flight Paramedic with Air Zermatt and US Air Force PJ (Pararescue). Kreuzer shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the mountains of Switzerland to becoming a highly skilled rescue medic and pararescue specialist. He discusses his dual citizenship, military training, and experiences with Air Zermatt, highlighting the challenges and motivations that drove him to excel in his field. Kreuzer reflect...

Jan 29, 20251 hr 12 min

Episode 215: Joe Burns, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #123 and Retired NYPD Captain

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Joe Burns, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #123 and retired NYPD captain with 21 years of service. Burns recounts his journey from joining the Coast Guard to becoming a Rescue Swimmer, sharing two memorable rescues from his four-year Coast Guard career. The conversation shifts to his time with the NYPD in Brooklyn, where he reflects on significant experiences, including 9/11. Burns discusses the challenges of policing in New Y...

Jan 22, 20251 hr 8 min

ASTerisk with Karaline Hume Crisis Worker For 988 and Child Abuse Advocate

In this episode of the Real ResQ Podcast, Jason Quinn interviews Karaline Hume, a crisis worker for 988 Crisis Lifeline. Hume discusses the importance of advocacy, the challenges faced in crisis management, and the profound impact of her work on individuals in distress. She emphasizes the need for awareness around mental health issues and the critical role of support systems for both those in crisis and the workers who assist them. Hume and Quinn dive into the nuances of mental health crisis, em...

Jan 15, 202556 min

Episode 214: Miles Randell, Paramedic, Co-Founder and President of TEAAM in Canada

In this episode of the Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Miles Randell, an advanced life support paramedic and co-founder of Team Aeromedical. Miles shares his journey into paramedicine, detailing a life-changing rescue operation during a severe winter storm that led him to leave his career as a carpet salesman. He recounts his first solo call as a paramedic, the challenges faced in emergency services, and his experiences with North Shore Rescue. The conversation highlights the unpr...

Jan 08, 20251 hr 29 min

Episode 213: Andy French, U.S. Army Physician Assistant

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Andy French, a U.S. Army Physician Assistant. Andy discusses the journey from a military upbringing to his experiences in the Army, the impact of 9/11 on his career choices, and his transition to becoming a Physician Assistant. French shares his unique experiences in emergency medicine, including challenges faced after Physician Assistant school and memorable medical calls that shaped his career. The conversation highlights ...

Jan 02, 20251 hr 41 min

Episode 212: Rick 'Mac' McElrath U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #17

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Rick McElrath, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #17. McElrath shares his journey working as a Coast Guard Aviation Survivalman (ASM) before the Rescue Swimmer program was established. He shares a memorable C-130 Hercules mission where he dropped a pump to a distressed boat taking on water. He reflects on Navy Rescue Swimmer School and his assignment to Astoria, Oregon, where he flew his first mission as a Rescue Swimmer, resp...

Dec 26, 20242 hr 27 min

Episode 211: Robert E. Lee, U.S. Coast Guard Flight Mech

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Robert E. Lee, a former United States Coast Guard flight mechanic. Lee shares his experiences during his time in Clearwater, Florida, starting with his first rescue. He recounts responding to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, describing the challenges and dangers of these missions, including dealing with survivors who didn’t want to be rescued and witnessing the storms’ devastation. He also discusses two other standout r...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 34 min

Episode 210: John Green US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #111

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by John Green, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #111. Green, a former United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer, shares his experiences and stories from his time in the service. He discussed his background, how he became a rescue swimmer, and his most memorable experiences as a rescue swimmer. Green’s first rescue involved spotting a survivor of an aircraft crash in shark-infested waters, deploying into the water, and rescuing th...

Dec 11, 20241 hr 57 min

Episode 209: FROST – Recorded Live at the Las Cruces, New Mexico Air and Space Expo

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn joins the FROST team as they prepare for operations at the Las Cruces Air & Space Expo in New Mexico. Featuring Joe Sarber, Bob Yanacsek, Tim Spencer, Matthew Hall, Luke Lansdell, Cory Britt, and Lori Evans, the team shares their FROST journey. As the conversation unfolds, they recount memorable rescue stories, including an airport injury, a man stuck in a tree, a cat rescue, the Oklahoma City bombing, and a tree trapping a woman in ...

Dec 04, 20241 hr 29 min
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