The Real ResQ Podcast

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...

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 spotti...

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 inj...

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 memorabl...

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 th...

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...

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 N...

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 a...

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 volu...

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 r...

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 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 lear...

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 expo...

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 disa...

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 re...

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 a...

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 s...

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 SARTec...

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 v...