In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Graham McGinnis, USCG Rescue Swimmer #869. Throughout this conversation, we get a glimpse at what a diverse career you can have in the Coast Guard. As a current RS serving in the USCG, Graham brings us through cases beginning with his first station in New Orleans and through to his current station in Humboldt Bay. We talk about hurricanes, powerlines, animals, wildfires and much more during this engaging episode. Earning an Air Medal and a Disti...
Jul 02, 2021•2 hr 16 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, Matt Hardgrove joins us to recap his journey through his career as a pilot for the USCG. From serving in the big city to stints in rural parts of the USA, Matt has seen his share of cases, some even when he was 'off duty'. Are you ever really off duty when you're called to serve? Earning several Air Medals, Matt has unfortunately yet fortunately seen his fair share of MAJOR hurricanes. Listen in as we discuss one epic story to another! Enjoy! https://www.faceboo...
Jun 28, 2021•50 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we talk to Sergio Cosme who does a job so wild and crazy that speaking to him truly just cannot paint an accurate picture of what he does on a daily basis. From Santa Cruz, Portugal, Sergio joins us to talk about his life working with surfers and massive waves all from his jet ski in Nazare, Portugal. Listen in as Sergio talks to us about the danger, the training, and the skills needed to work in this environment. Check out this link for a better visual that all...
Jun 24, 2021•1 hr 45 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Al Yates USCG RS #157, who also happens to be one of my very own A-School Instructors. This interview contains both hilarious and sombering stories. From accidentally signing up to go to swimmer school to stories of tragedy, Alan talks of some very memorable moments in his career. Listen in as we talk about small cases, unique cases, cases that became scenarios in A-School and the case that earned Alan an Air Medal. Enjoy! https://www.facebook.c...
Jun 20, 2021•58 min
“Even if the hopes you started out with are dashed, hope still has to be maintained.” In this episode of The Real ResQ, Davitt Ward from the Irish Coast Guard joins us to talk about his 22 year career as a rescueman. We discuss the importance of staying focused, continuously learning, never letting your guard down, and always being ready to make those important split decisions. Davitt recaps cases involving crazy waves and rip roaring tides, injured fishermen, a boat stuck on a cliff, and even a...
Jun 16, 2021•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Ryan Ross, member of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department. Over the past two decades, Ryan has worked in both the aviation department of Sac-Metro Fire Dept as well as on the ground working in the trucks. Ryan talks about the variety of cases seen in Sacramento as they provide one of the only helicopter services north of the grapevine in California. Throughout this episode, Ryan and I talk about hoists to waterfalls, nearly maxing out the...
Jun 12, 2021•57 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, Caleb Flippin, USCG RS #663 joins us for a fun conversation about his time as a swimmer. As a young swimmer, one of the lessons that we all have to learn is that we must speak up during a mission when our voice is warranted. Using his voice in the helicopter helped save the life of a man that they had been trying to locate. USCG Rescue Swimmers are typically stationed by water so Caleb and I had an interesting conversation about a case out of Missouri that earne...
Jun 08, 2021•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Chris Deacon, a highly experienced and personable paramedic from Auckland, New Zealand. Throughout this fascinating conversation, Chris shares stories from his 29-year career working as an intensive care medic. Chris has seen just about everything that a medic, on the ground and in the air, can see with his time on the job. We discuss car accidents, boating accidents, exceptionally rare accidents, and even unparalleled accidents that include gir...
Jun 04, 2021•59 min
In this special Memorial Day episode of The Real ResQ, we reflect and honor some of those fallen while serving The United States of America. This episode is dedicated to the crew of the 6505, and more specifically my friend, David L. Skimin USCG RS #409. Military men, women, and their families all know the dangers of our job and what ultimately could be on the line. Military men and women prepare, train and stand ready for the call to serve. On Memorial Day, we remember those who were called out...
May 31, 2021•36 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Tom Moore, a retired Boatswain's Mate for the USCG. In Tom's 31 years in the Coast Guard, he has witnessed and experienced a multitude of cases. Listen as Tom and I recap the importance, necessity, and benefits of cross training Boats and Aviation and how this partnership has impacted search and rescue for the USCG. Tom also tells stories of a few memorable moments in his career, beginning with his first call for a boat stuck on a jetty to a tim...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 24 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, Jeff Tunks, USCG RS #46 joins us for an engaging and outstanding conversation about his time as a swimmer. He reminds us, “God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the call.” Jeff has some amazing rescues, earning him the title of the very first USCG RS to ever receive a Distinguished Flying Cross. Listen in as we discuss a case with an interesting twist when his team was launched out to rescue a father and his young son in the wild waters of Sitka, Alaska. ...
May 23, 2021•1 hr 38 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we have the privilege of speaking to Dan Antle and John Valentino from the Seminole County Florida Sheriff's Department. These two bring a unique perspective to the table. As law enforcement, they work on the ground as well as in the air through their aviation division. They work alongside firefighters and provide search and rescue for a large portion of the Orlando Florida area. Listen as Dan and John tell experiences that include lost hikers, accidents from je...
May 19, 2021•1 hr
In this episode of The Real ResQ, Brad Corkins joins us to talk about his long career working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations. With a career that includes Local Law Enforcement, the Army, and the aviation division of Border Patrol, Brad has seen it all. Listen in as he discusses cases that range from nearly maxing out the hoist cable for a rescue to countless rescues brought on by the demanding Hurricane Harvey.
May 15, 2021•37 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, Shannon Scaff, USCG Rescue Swimmer #437 joins the podcast to discuss 3, intense and jaw dropping missions that earned him two Air Medals and one Distinguished Flying Cross. Shannon recaps being launched out during Hurricane Floyd to a site where over 100 civilians waited for rescue. He then details being sent to rescue two people who needed saving, but not without their dog who just so happened to be strapped into a life vest. Finally, in a case so difficult tha...
May 11, 2021•1 hr 44 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Steph Maier from Travis County STARFlight, Austin, Texas. During this conversation, we go from laughing at wild and crazy rescues to a somber retelling of tragedy striking one of their own. Listen in as Steph and I talk about swift water rescues and flash floods. We get into victims being hoisted to safety with pets in backpacks and being launched to a capsized boat. This episode reminds us that although many rescues end well and give us the sat...
May 07, 2021•1 hr 27 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, seasoned Hoist Operator and one of my respected mentors, Pat Barber joins us to discuss lessons and experiences throughout his USCG career and beyond. Whether the case was an overturned boat, a delirious and hypothermic patient, or a firefighter in distress. Pat talks about his mindset and processes to analyze how to better assist and prepare for the day the alarm sounds. Pat and I reminisce and retell the story of being sent out to the disabled cruise liner tha...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 18 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, USCG Rescue Swimmer #368, Mario Vittone recaps a case that was so dramatic, it earned him The Distinguished Flying Cross. In this energetic and engaging conversation, Mario and I talk about the training and dialogue that goes into search and rescue and how when the alarm goes off, more times than not, nothing goes according to plan. What do you do when one of the people you're about to hoist is only 4 months old? Listen in to hear the details of this crazy rescu...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr 11 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Kim Germishuys, a Hoist Operator and Rescue Swimmer from South Africa. Currently working in Northern Germany, Kim recaps how she got into search and rescue. She details her impressive road to becoming a rescueman (or rescuewoman) and speaks of the research, training, and tactics learned to get her to where she is today. In her nearly two decade career, Kim has worked in treacherous ocean currents that have thrown boats into rocks, taken on 8 met...
Apr 25, 2021•1 hr 52 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we have the unique opportunity to hear a rescue story that happened only 2 weeks prior to the release of this episode. Alvin Fyhn and Hans Jonas take us into the action where they and their aircrews saved an entire vessel and every member on board. We talk about all the different dynamics of this rescue and how each time they went out, there was a different obstacle to overcome. They talk about procedures that are used normally for mountain rescue and how they i...
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 3 min
This is The ASTerisk, specifically set up with capital AST designated for Aviation Survival Technician. In this episode of the ASTerisk, we take a look to how and why the USCG Rescue Swimmer program began. We discuss all the training a USCG Rescue Swimmer has to go through, from putting your name on the "A" School list, to attending school, to become a swimmer, to the training thereafter. We go into a little of my own history and experience in AST "A" School and getting fully qualified as a USCG...
Apr 17, 2021•47 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by George Cavallo, USCG Rescue Swimmer #122. George retells a gnarly rescue mission where an airplane crashed into the water off of California's Mendocino Coast. Having to deal with natural elements - ocean currents, cold temperatures, a full moon, and ocean animals - mixed with large amounts of jet fuel that he could not evade, this was a difficult and solemn mission. George talks about the aftermath of the mission and befriending the lone survivo...
Apr 13, 2021•1 hr 3 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we have Rob Munday, a Helicopter Hoist Operator and Instructor with Blackcomb Helicopters, and Hoist Program Coordinator at SR3 Rescue Concepts - Rob takes us through cliff rescues with less than ideal landing areas, rising waters that trap hikers, and a capsized police boat. Each scenario requires communication and collaboration with several different departments from various first responder programs he’s worked with in Australia, and Canada. In addition to spe...
Apr 09, 2021•1 hr 24 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tony Webber from the San Diego Sheriff's - Aviation Division. Tony brings the unique perspective to search and rescue as both a pilot and a hoist operator. Listen as he describes a cliff rescue, a gunman causing havoc opening fire in public, and how the Santa Ana winds can create disastrous wildfires impacting the environment and not only those who live in the area, but those sent out to fight it.
Apr 05, 2021•49 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ; USCG RS #39 Steve Hathaway talks about the first ever rescue made by a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer in Sitka, Alaska. He details old school Coast Guard and the hurdles that the first Rescue Swimmers went through to get the program where it is today. The history, knowledge, and experiences that Steve brings to the podcast is fascinating to hear.
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, we engage in conversation with two crewmembers from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. Dave Callen is a pilot and John Thayer is a rescue man and together, they are members of the LVMPD Rescue Team. Launched out for what they think is a routine rescue, Dave and John detail arriving on scene to find a situation that was much more involved than expected.
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, USCG RS #318 Brian Laubenstein joins us to talk about rescues from the Northeast to the Gulf Coast. He discusses several cases during our time together. Join us as Laubo describes waves bigger than his house, having to bear hug a survivor from the water all the way to the cabin, and being lowered nearly 200ft into a quarry.
Mar 25, 2021•57 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, Derek Everitt from Dublin, Ireland joins us to talk about an unprecedented snowstorm that crippled parts of Ireland for several days. The calls for help seemed never ending as Derek and crew were launched out multiple times, back to back, to assist in the recovery of victims in need of urgent medical treatment. From a 12 week old baby to an 81 year old female, Derek walks us through the multiple rescues, which had him and his team recognized as Europe's Goodrich...
Mar 25, 2021•50 min
USCG RS #760, Brett Bates is on this episode of The Real ResQ. Brett has served in the search and rescue capacity for over a decade. His rescues have earned him recognition and awards, but most importantly, they have saved many lives. Brett is prior Coast Guard and a current firefighter in the state of California. He walks us through several big cases that he has had in both careers, speaking humbly about "being in the right place at the right time."
Mar 25, 2021•55 min
My lovely bride joins me as I recap for her my very first SAR case. It took me over five years to begin telling her what I have done. After a lot of conversation, we finally put it to a recording. In this episode, I recap my first case as a Rescue Swimmer standing duty up in Kodiak, Alaska. We were launched out to the Bering Sea, where a crewman aboard a fishing vessel was in dire need of a MedEvac. Upon arrival to the scene, with 60 knot winds and 30 foot seas, I was instantly humbled by the po...
Mar 25, 2021•29 min
Welcome to The RealResQ Podcast! My name is Jason Quinn, USCG RS #500. This short clip is the launching point to our show. Here, I introduce myself, give a brief background of my career, and explain how this podcast came to be. https://www.facebook.com/therealresq https://www.instagram.com/therealresq/
Mar 25, 2021•4 min
