In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Daniel Backus, a pilot with the Tennessee National Guard. Backus shares his journey from a small Tennessee town to Army helicopter pilot. He talks about his transition into search and rescue, including early training and insights from his first rescue mission. He discusses the intensity of real-life rescues, including memorable missions during the 2022 Kentucky floods and a checkride that unexpectedly became a real rescue. T...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 57 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Danielle Snyder, a U.S. Forest Service Landscape Architect, volunteer firefighter, and member of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Team with the Sitka, Alaska Fire Department. Living in Sitka, Alaska, Snyder is a Coast Guard “Air Station Fan Girl”! She shares her experiences with search and rescue in Sitka, Alaska. She works with the local department, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard. She recalls her first rescue, searching for an ...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 49 min
In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn connects with Nick Demogines from Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch. Recorded live at the European Rotors event in Amsterdam at the Vertical booth, this episode offers an exclusive look at the company's new structure following its recent acquisition by Onboard Systems. Demogines dives into some field-submitted questions from operators who use their hoist systems, discusses insights for the User Conference, and shares exciting upda...
Nov 13, 2024•43 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Bob Pasquale and Jen Miller, co-founders of Beacon Rescue and their mission to provide aid during disasters. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of communication in emergency situations, and the logistical challenges they face while coordinating resources. Bob and Jen highlight stories from their recent efforts in North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, the need for proper aid distribution, and their plans for future...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with a group of Coast Guard members, active and retired, who volunteered responding to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. They talk about their motivations for volunteering, the challenges they faced during their rescue missions, and the camaraderie among various rescue teams. They share personal anecdotes, including their experiences in different helicopters, the logistics of their operations, a...
Nov 03, 2024•59 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with volunteer civilian helicopter pilots Gus Olberding, Caleb McNaughton, and Wesley Rhoads. They talk about their experiences during the rescue efforts following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. They cover how they got involved, emotional rescue stories, and the challenges they faced while helping those in need. As volunteers, they share heartwarming and sometimes humorous anecdotes, highlighting the resilience of the...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes his father, Marty Quinn. As a steeplejack and owner of Higher Ground Restoration, Marty answered the call for help in storm-ravaged Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Equipped with cases of water, gallons of fuel, a generator, extension cords, chainsaws, and more, he spent five days cutting trees, clearing paths, and restoring power —bringing hope and relief to those trapped in the chaos. His unwavering support broug...
Oct 23, 2024•34 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with an incredible group of volunteers at the Harley Davidson Asheville Dealership. These dedicated individuals stepped up to assist the Western North Carolina community in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation. Joining Jason are David Seaton and Luke Knight from Seaton Flying Services, Blake Woodward of Guardian Aero, Michelle Story, a flight nurse, Jeremy Snarski from the Civilian Crisis Response Team, and Adam Smith of ...
Oct 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Matt McSwain, Director of Operations for Operation Helo, and Andy Petree, civilian pilot, who were instrumental in the rescue efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. McSwain shares the incredible story of how they mobilized a large-scale response by creating a non-profit to fund, support, and manage the coordination of over 100 helicopters and 230 pilots. With more than 400 mis...
Oct 16, 2024•57 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, special guest host Melissa Quinn is joined by Jason Quinn, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #500. We opened the floor to our listeners, asking for their questions and any rescue stories they have been curious to hear. The result? An episode packed with heartfelt stories, emotional rescues, and insightful behind-the-scenes details. Jason shares some of his most memorable and challenging rescues, including a dramatic four-wheeler accident, a surf rescue, an...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 29 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Tony Puglia, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #499. Puglia and Quinn graduated together from the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer “A” School, Class 10-00. In this episode, they catch up and reflect on Puglia’s impressive career in the USCG. Starting at his first unit post-swimmer school in Hawaii, Puglia shares the story of his first rescue, where he had to perform CPR on a victim in the water. We also touch on his end-of-tour...
Oct 02, 2024•4 hr 14 min
In this ‘Spotlight’ episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with three key members of the BluedropUSA Training and Simulation team based out of Orlando, Florida. We had the unique opportunity to explore the cutting-edge work Bluedrop is doing to revolutionize helicopter rescue training through advanced virtual reality (VR) simulation technology. The team walks us through how they create immersive, real-world training scenarios by simulating a variety of scenes, weather condi...
Sep 25, 2024•58 min
In this special ASTerisks episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes back Dave Weber, experienced National Park Climbing Ranger and flight paramedic. With his time divided between the rugged landscapes of Teton National Park in Wyoming and Denali National Park in Alaska, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation. Fresh off the 4th Annual Helicopter Hoist Operator (HHO) Symposium and Goodrich User Conference in Baden-Baden, Germany, Weber and I took the...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 32 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Joe Sarber and Bob Yanacsek, founders of FROST. FROST is a company that provides Fast Response Operational Safety Teams (FROST) for airshows. They specialize in creating a safe environment and providing immediate support in case of incidents or emergencies. The team consists of first responders and firefighters who are trained in aircraft rescue and firefighting. The team strategically sets up their equipment and vehicles ne...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Joe Sarber, a firefighter from Georgia. They discuss Sarber's journey to becoming a firefighter. He shares a story about his first structure fire and all the rookie mistakes he made. He also discusses the challenges and lessons he learned from these experiences, highlighting the importance of teamwork and continuous learning in the fire service. Sarber tells about a rescue he and his team pulled out of an active fire. They h...
Sep 04, 2024•50 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by James Murad, a firefighter paramedic from Florida. Murad discusses receiving the PuroClean Superhero Award and the surprise of being nominated for a national award. We also recount his first significant calls, including a cardiac alert and a trauma code. He emphasizes the importance of thorough assessments and the need to expose patients to properly treat them. Murad shares a particularly challenging call involving a motor v...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 11 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by an entire U.S. Coast Guard Crew: Pilots Ryan O’Neill and Adam Ownbey; flight mechanic Peter Gaudet; and Spencer Manson, Rescue Swimmer No. 999. The crew recounts their experience of saving six lives during a rescue mission. Facing challenging conditions, including hurricane-force winds and 20-foot seas, as they located a disabled sailboat with six people on board. The crew had to devise a plan to hoist the rescue swimmer, Sp...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 17 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Adam Sustachek, a United States Coast Guard flight mechanic. He shares his experiences and rescues during his 25-year career in the Coast Guard. Sustachek discusses his background and how he joined the military. He talks about his time stationed in various locations, including Sitka, Alaska, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He recounts his first rescue and the challenges he faced during the mission. He also shares the details of ...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 50 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Curt Newport, a deep ocean search and recovery expert in salvaging wreckage from underwater incidents. Newport discusses his background growing up in a military family and how he got into diving and deep water recovery. He recounts his first salvage operation after Air India Flight 182 went down off the coast of Ireland in 1985. He also talks about his involvement in the recovery of fragments from the Challenger space shuttle and TW...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 20 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by John Whiddon, a former United States Coast Guard pilot. Whiddon shares experiences and stories from his career. He talks about his journey to becoming a pilot and the training that he received from experienced veterans. He recounts his first rescue as a pilot, which involved the famous band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He also shares a humorous story about an incident involving a relief tube in the cockpit. Whiddon also discusses his time in Ala...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 24 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Sean Daniell, a Canadian SARTech (search-and-rescue technician). They discuss Daniell’s background, his training as a SARTech, and some of the intense experiences he has had in the field. Daniell shares stories of rescues, survival training, and his work as a paramedic. He highlights the physical and mental challenges faced by SARTechs and the importance of their role in saving lives. Daniell discusses his training as a SARTech and ...
Jul 24, 2024•2 hr 45 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Luke Johnson, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #766. Johnson shares many of his experiences and rescues. While stationed in Puerto Rico, he recounts a rescue mission involving 34 illegal immigrants, who had been abandoned by smugglers on Isla Monito. Johnson also describes a cruise ship rescue where he hoisted an elderly heart attack victim from the ship. Additionally, he shares a unique experience of being left on Palomino Island af...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined once again by Harry Knight, former Navy Rescue Swimmer. In this part of the conversation, Jason and Harry discuss Harry's passion for CPR and his extensive volunteer work. Harry shares his personal experiences with CPR and how it has made a significant impact on people's lives. He also talks about the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal that he received for his volunteer service. Despite going through tough times, Harry turned...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 58 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Ryan Beard, a flight mechanic in the United States Coast Guard. Beard recounts his first rescue mission, where he and his crew saved two sailors whose sailboat had run aground on the Galveston, Texas, jetty. This successful rescue earned him an achievement medal and the USCG District 8 Rescue of the Year award. Another notable rescue involved a medevac of a crew member with a critical blast injury. Beard’s disciplined crew resource ...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 41 min
In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is Live from EURORSA 2024. He sits down with Jesper Rintza and Martin Ravn, two rescue swimmers from the Danish Royal Air Force. They give an insider's perspective, discussing how they do the job of a Rescue Swimmer. First, both Rintza and Ravn tell a memorable rescue that stands out to each of them. For Rintza, it was a rescue of two Olympian female sailors who went missing. After over an hour of searching, they located the women. The ...
Jun 28, 2024•51 min
In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is LIVE from DECERT 2024. He is joined by five of the first six U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers: Steve Ober (01), Kelly Gordon (02), Rick Woolford (03), Butch Flythe (05), and Larry Farmer (06). This historic gathering brings together the pioneers who laid the foundation for the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program. Join us as these trailblazers share their incredible stories and memorable moments from the early days of the program. From...
Jun 22, 2024•1 hr 37 min
In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by the team from Travis County Starflight, Texas - Dr. Taylor Ratcliff, Associate Medical Director, and Brandon Solomon, Flight Paramedic, Hoist Operator, and Rescue Specialist. As we kick off the summer season, we explore the innovative techniques developed by Travis County StarFlight to combat exertional heat stroke in the field. Join us as we uncover their groundbreaking solution, which utilizes ice, cold water, and chilled...
Jun 16, 2024•53 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Martin Lehmann, Danish Air Force Rescue Swimmer from Rescue Squadron 722. Martin shares thrilling accounts of his missions, starting with his first, where he was still in the qualification phase and was hoisted into the bush to retrieve an elderly man. He vividly recalls rescuing two children swept away from shore in a dinghy, and being hoisted onto a burning vessel to save the sailors before it was too late. In the last mission he ...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 10 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Larry Farmer, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer 06. Farmer, the godfather of the United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program, shares his journey from joining the Coast Guard to becoming an Aviation Survivalman (ASM) and what it took to help build the Swimmer program. He talks about his first search-and-rescue case as an ASM, which involved retrieving a deceased individual from the water and delivering him to Mexican auth...
Jun 04, 2024•2 hr 29 min
In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Matthew Fithian, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer 04. Fithian shares his experiences and career journey in this podcast episode. He discusses his upbringing, joining the Coast Guard, and various assignments and rescues. Our stories explore moments from his time in boot camp, his work as a flight mechanic, to him becoming Rescue Swimmer 04. Fithian recounts his experiences with helicopter water platform pickups and a rescue w...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 35 min
