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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 their grueling training experiences to their first rescues, each recounts the challenges and triumphs that defined their careers. Listen in as they reminisce about the camaraderie, the life-saving missions, and the evolution of the program that set the standard for excellence in search-and-rescue operations.
This episode is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of the original Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Their stories not only highlight their personal heroism but also the enduring legacy of the program they helped establish. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the legends of the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer community. Enjoy!
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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 IV fluids to rapidly cool patients in remote and challenging environments.
Our guests explain their method in detail, presenting compelling evidence of their operational success rates. We cover the basics of recognizing and treating heat stroke, the severe effects it has on the body, and the critical need for rapid cooling. You'll learn about the use of ice in patient care and the development of a rapid cooling system that can be hoisted in to save lives.
The goal of this episode is to disseminate this life-saving information to as many people and agencies as possible. The method Travis County StarFlight has developed is applicable at any level of medical care, making it a vital tool for first responders and medical professionals alike. Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights and practical solutions for treating heat stroke in the field. Enjoy!
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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 brings us through, he was hoisted onto a sinking fishing vessel to try and help save it.
Martin’s bravery and quick thinking in these high-pressure situations are commendable. As a rescue swimmer in the Danish Air Force, he shares his experiences and insights into their search-and-rescue operations. They use the EH101 helicopter, a variant of the Leonardo AW101. The Danish Air Force covers a vast coastline and provides medevacs from various islands to hospitals in Denmark. They also support the police and participate in international missions. Martin emphasizes the importance of taking it slow and maintaining a calm mindset during high-pressure situations. Enjoy!
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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 authorities. Farmer also describes the process of performing platform pickups, where the H3 helicopter lands on water and taxis to the survivor.
He shares a harrowing rescue mission 220 miles off the coast of San Diego, where the helicopter had to navigate through thick fog to reach a distressed crew member on a freighter. This earned him an Air Medal.
Farmer talks about his heroic actions following a plane crashing into the building he was in. With burning jet fuel and chemical explosions, his dedication to rescuing survivors and doing what he could to help earned him a Coast Guard Medal.
Larry's commitment to the rescue swimmer program and his role in shaping its future are discussed, along with the reason that he decided to attend the Navy Rescue Swimmer School. Farmer also explains the resistance and challenges faced in implementing the rescue swimmer program in the U.S. Coast Guard.
He talks about the pushback from changing the existing protocol and the difficulties in standardizing the program. Despite the obstacles, the program has been successful in saving lives and has gained recognition from other services worldwide.
We closed out our conversation with some great advice: Never quit during the dark days, and stay true to oneself. Enjoy!
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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 where he was hoisted down to a vessel for a victim who had lost his arm. He also mentions the Marine Electric incident and the search for pirates.
Fithian's episode highlights his experiences as a rescue swimmer. We talk about the challenges of being hoisted from a strop and the relief of using harnesses. Matthew shares his memories of going to rescue swimmer school and the determination he had to not quit. He also recounts a daring rescue where he rescued 43 people and a dog from flood waters in Roanoke, VA. Matthew's bravery and dedication earned him an Air Medal for this rescue.
Fithian also talks about his transition to civilian life, working as a truck driver, and his involvement in organizations like the Moose Lodge and Disabled American Veterans. Matthew emphasizes the importance of advancing in one's career and not staying idle. Enjoy!
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In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Kelly Gordon, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer No. 02.
Gordon shares his journey to becoming a rescue swimmer and talks about the early days of the rescue swimmer program. He talks about his experience in the Coast Guard, including close calls and significant events while flying in Astoria, Oregon.
When talking about the earlier days of the rescue swimmer program, Gordon discusses the initial training and implementation of the program, including the challenges they faced with the equipment and the design flaws they encountered. He mentions the evaluation of wetsuits and the exposure exercises they underwent to test their effectiveness in cold water.
He recalls the excitement of their first rescue and the ones that followed. He recounts a rescue where he had to get four people away from a sinking boat in rough waves.
Another memorable rescue he describes is the medevac of a fisherman with a punctured scrotum. Gordon also had a story detailing a body recovery from a boat that sank with four people on board.
Gordon discusses the growth of the rescue swimmer program and the impact of the Jeff Tunks rescue of The Bluebird (The Real ResQ Episode 18). He also talks about his retirement from the Coast Guard and his transition to civilian life. He shares various assignments, qualifications, and experiences, including his time as one of the first five rescue swimmers. Gordon emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment, putting things in perspective, and appreciating the small things in life. Enjoy!
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00:00 Introduction and technical instructions
02:59 Kelly's background and journey to becoming a rescue swimmer
08:06 Experiences in Astoria, Oregon
25:57 Implementing the Underwater Escape Rebreather (UER) Program
29:12 Training as a NAOPSPEE instructor
32:44 Training and implementing the program
36:17 Coast Guard's lack of a swim program
41:49 First Coasties to attend Navy Rescue Swimmer School
54:09 Evaluating the effectiveness of wetsuits
59:26 Swimming independent from the helicopter
01:02:32 The first rescues
01:05:11 The challenges of being a rescue swimmer
01:14:13 Memorable rescues
01:28:16 The impact of the Jeff Tunks rescue
01:45:00 Advice and looking forward to the reunion
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In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by James Dahmer, rescue medic.
Dahmer shares his background and talks about how he got into search-and-rescue (SAR). He also recounts some of his most memorable rescues, including a fatal resuscitation in the Tantalus Range, and a rescue where he had to perform CPR on a longline.
This conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of SAR work in treacherous mountain environments. They discuss various incidents and challenges Dahmer has faced in his many rescue roles. These stories include a flight to rescue a patient in cold weather, the use of intraosseous (IO) and intravenous (IV) access, preventing IV from freezing in extreme temperatures, a large dockyard fire, a severe half torso laceration, and a major concussion case.
In this conversation, Dahmer shares his experiences and insights as a paramedic, hoist rescue specialist, ropes rescue technician, and ski patrol member. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and psychology of patients in pre-hospital medicine. Dahmer also discusses the challenges and creativity required in rope rescues and the physical demands of high-stress situations. He highlights the value of training and mentoring in the field, plus the need to pass on knowledge to the next generation and share stories in the SAR community. Enjoy!
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00:00 Introduction and Background
02:52 James' Journey into Search and Rescue
09:43 James' First Rescue
28:49 Resuscitation on a Long Line
33:19 Flight to the South
36:12 CPR Basics in Cold Weather
39:37 Intraosseous (IO) and IV Access
42:29 Preventing IV Freezing
46:32 Squamish Dockyard Fire
52:12 Half Torso Laceration
59:25 Major Concussion
01:01:50 Treating Hypothermia and Stroke Symptoms
01:04:07 Helicopter Rescue and Landing
01:05:27 Recovery and Gratitude
01:06:43 The Importance of Recognition
01:07:09 The Role of Mentors and Training
01:09:29 The Practice of Medicine and Trying New Techniques
01:11:59 Realistic Training and Pushing Boundaries
01:14:18 The Balancing Act of Risk and Rescue
01:15:30 The Limitations of Helicopter Rescue
01:19:22 Progressive Training and Building Skills
01:25:19 The Loneliness of Air Operations
01:27:22 The Speed and Efficiency of Helicopter Rescue
01:30:03 The Challenges of Helicopter Rescue in Canada
01:35:16 Triple Fatality at Shannon Falls
01:41:00 The Importance of Context and Psychology in Pre-hospital Medicine
01:43:18 The Challenges of Rope Rescue and the Need for Creativity
01:49:25 The Intensity and Physical Demands of High-Stress Rescues
01:56:40 The Value of Training and Mentoring
02:01:41 The Jelly Newton Piñata and the Importance of Sharing Stories
02:08:38 Train Your Replacement and Be a Genuine Mentor
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In this episode of The Real ResQ, guest Tombo Jones chats with host Jason Quinn. Jones is a former United States Army pilot and Coast Guard pilot, currently director of the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership.
Jones shares his journey from the U.S. Army to the U.S.Coast Guard. His first duty station in the Coast Guard was Savannah, Georgia. He shares his first call out experience, a challenging and nerve-racking mission in heavy fog. At one point, he and his crew had to divert to make an emergency landing at Charleston International Airport due to low fuel and a reported fire on the initial runway. Jones then shares another humorous story out of Savannah about finding two boaters whose boat sank and having to leave them with a radio, then returning hours later for the rescue.
He speaks briefly about Mobile, Alabama, and then his twilight tour in Humboldt Bay, California. There, he recounts a specific medevac rescue mission on Feb. 6, 2015, which earned him a Letter of Commendation. He had to navigate severe weather and low visibility to save a patient's life. Jones reflects on the lessons learned from this mission and the importance of considering magnetic variation in flight planning. He also shares about a second rescue out of Humboldt Bay that earned him an Achievement Medal. Here, a distressed sailor was injured and needed an immediate medevac off the fishing vessel.
Jones discusses an embarrassing mistake that he made as a crew member and emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and learning from mistakes. He also talks about the challenges of flying in difficult conditions and the differences between Federal Aviation Administration regulations and Coast Guard operations. Jones concludes by offering advice on making wise decisions in high-pressure situations. Enjoy!
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In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Gwenny Lawson, a flight nurse and lead instructor for Impact EMS.
Lawson discusses her background and journey into nursing, as well as some impactful patient encounters. She emphasizes the importance of being present for patients and their families during critical moments. She also highlights the ripple effect that medical professionals have on their communities.
One of the stories Lawson shares is about a traumatic arrest and the successful return of spontaneous circulation. She shares two more remarkable stories that stand out to her. The first story involves a LifeNet flight to Omaha where they had to resuscitate a patient who suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. The second story involves landing on a sandbar and walking through a river to pick up a patient who was not able to be carried out of the area.
Our next story takes place in Haiti, where Lawson volunteers with an organization called HERO. She describes the challenges and rewards of providing medical care in a developing country.
Lawson then goes on to share her experiences as a flight nurse and educator. She also emphasizes the importance of slowing down and being intentional with patient care. She highlights the value of continuous learning and the need to carry the right equipment. Overall, Lawson's advice is to always keep learning and be open to the idea of being wrong.
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Gwenny Lawson’s Book - BUT WHY?: Going Beyond the What So You Can Understand the Why of Critical Care Transport
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In Part 2 of this two-part series, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ is joined by Kristin Gousse and Jeremy Urekew from the Powell County, Kentucky search-and-rescue team.
We talk about a story involving four hikers who were stranded atop Courthouse Rock due to rapid changing weather conditions. The rescue team considered various options, including a climb up and rescue of the hikers using ropes. Ultimately, they decided a helicopter was the best option. The rescue gained national attention and was featured on Good Morning America.
They get into another rescue that happened two days prior to our recording. This is the first time the full story had been released. An off road vehicle had taken a plunge down a cliffside and had a woman injured and stuck at the crash. A full team spent hours in the dark to get her out.
The rest of the conversation covers the importance of training and experience, the desire to be first on the scene, respecting other rescuers, challenges faced during rescues, lessons learned, international rope rescue competitions, and advice for rescuers. Enjoy!
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In Part 1 of this two-part series, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ is joined by Kristin Gousse and Jeremy Urekew from the Powell County, Kentucky search-and-rescue team.
Gousse and Urekew share their first rescue experiences and their passion for technical rescue. They also mention their involvement in the 2022 flood rescues. They focus on the search-and-rescue efforts during a flood in Breathitt County, Kentucky. They recount their experiences rescuing a family stranded in their home, searching for a missing person, and dealing with the challenges of contaminated flood water.
They also discuss the coordination and challenges of conducting search-and-rescue operations in mountainous terrain. Additionally, they share stories of rescuing a person who fell off a cliff and a dog stuck on a ledge. Enjoy!
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In this episode of The Real ResQ this will be another one of our Vertical Helicasts Mash-Up episodes with Jon Gray from The Hangar Z Podcast and Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast.
In this episode we introduce our newest Vertical host, Val Medved, who will be hosting the new Vertical MRO Podcast—the first episode drops today.
The Vertical MRO Podcast explores the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The episodes feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will share valuable industry insight, knowledge and stories that will inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers.
To find out more about the Vertical MRO Podcast go to VerticalHelicasts.com.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Ashlee Leppert, U.S. Coast Guard flight mech veteran, author, inspirational speaker, and certified life coach.
Leppert discusses her motivation for joining the Coast Guard and her journey to becoming a flight mechanic. She speaks about many of her rescues, including a drug interdiction and migrant operation which earned her a Letter Of Commendation.
She earned a second Letter of Commendation for rescuing two elderly persons in the water. Leppert goes on to discuss a third Letter of Commendation which she earned for her maintenance work and involvement during the 2012 Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Finally, she discusses her fourth Letter of Commendation, earned for rescuing a distressed kayaker, which also made the local news.
As we go further into Leppert’s career, we get into a complex nighttime rescue of a 90-year-old man on a 65-foot sailing vessel. This rescue earned her a Coast Guard Achievement Medal. Next, we get into what Leppert did during the rescue efforts of Hurricane Harvey. These efforts earned her an Air Medal and a trip to Washington, D.C., to be a part of President Trump's 2018 State of The Union Speech.
We conclude our conversation with what she's doing now. Leppert talks about writing the book, The Hurricane Within, so that she could share her story. In addition to writing a book, she has become a life coach to help others overcome their struggles. Her advice emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself in order to be a leader in all aspects of life. She is currently a public speaker and a life coach. Enjoy!
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In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Rick Woolford, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer 03.
Woolford, being one of the first five rescue swimmers in the U.S. Coast Guard, shares his journey from joining the Coast Guard to becoming a rescue swimmer. He discusses his background in water activities and law enforcement, as well as his experience in Navy Rescue Swimmer School.
Woolford shares his experiences with equipment and training as the rescue swimmer program continued to grow. He remembers his first rescue as a rescue swimmer, and it just so happened to be the very first rescue of a rescue swimmer since the program's inception. It was a daytime rescue out of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. A person was in the water and couldn't get into the basket, which required Woolford to get into the water.
Woolford went on to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) and flight school while serving as a pilot in Alaska. He recalls a rescue mission in Canada where he and his crew saved nine people from the icy waters and rocky shore. This rescue earned him a Coast Guard Commendation Medal and an Ian Fraser Award from Canada.
Woolford also talks about his time as a helicopter instructor and the importance of training new students. He shares stories from his life in Alaska and from his career as an air ambulance pilot.
We also touch on the gear and equipment used by rescue swimmers, including the famous Rolex watches. We finish our conversation with some good advice where Woolford emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health for rescue swimmers and highlights the legacy of the rescue swimmer program. Enjoy!
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In Part 2 of this two-part series, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ is joined by Wryan Webb, a United States Coast Guard pilot.
Webb was deployed down to Houston,Texas, from Traverse City, Michigan, for the relief efforts of Hurricane Harvey. While there, he earned an Air Medal for his efforts for the rescue of 29 survivors and six dogs. After that particular deployment, he discusses a few calls that stand out to him during the rest of his time in Traverse City. Next, he is brought into his current unit of Sitka, Alaska. A story that stood out to him was a medevac of a young lady who gave birth to a premature baby and needed a higher level of care.
Webb also discusses the challenges and rewards of being a pilot, as well as his passion for photography. They finish their conversation off with a great piece of advice about continuing to learn and the importance of taking care of each other. Enjoy!
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In Part 1 of this two-part series, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ is joined by Wryan Webb, a United States Coast Guard pilot.
Growing up in the middle of Texas, nowhere near water, Webb found himself wanting to blend his goals of being in aviation, being around water, and working search-and-rescue. With his very first rescue earning him a Coast Guard Commendation Medal for responding to an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) from the 40-foot trimaran and its four survivors 60 miles offshore.
We continued our conversation discussing a few more rescues that stood out to him while he was stationed in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Webb shares a story about two F-18 Hornets that crashed and left four pilots in the water. Other stories include a flight to Bermuda for a rescue that was beyond Bermuda, a submarine that they had to rendezvous with, and a sailboat that was taking on water. Enjoy!
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In Part 2 of this two-part episode, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ is joined by Jason Ramos, a retired firefighter, smoke jumper, author of Smokejumper, and so much more.
Ramos recounts some memorable fire jumps, including a close encounter with a boulder. He shares various stories from his career as a smokejumper. He talks about getting lost in the wilderness and the importance of never leaving your gear behind. He also shares funny anecdotes about calling radio stations from remote locations and requesting songs to help keep morale up on scene.
Ramos discusses the unique experiences of being part of a Helitack Crew and the thrill of initial attack. He also opens up about the traumatic events he has witnessed and the impact of PTSD on his life. Additionally, he shares his encounters with Bigfoot and the importance of survival skills and foraging in the wilderness.
Ramos recounts his last jump and the challenges he faced, including dealing with whooping cough and a back injury. He emphasizes the importance of listening and communication in all aspects of life.
Finally, Ramos shares lessons that he learned as a firefighter and smoke jumper and relates it to his current work, which is his current role as a drone pilot. He discusses the advancements in drone technology for search and rescue operations. Enjoy!
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In Part 1 of this two-part episode, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ is joined by Jason Ramos, a retired firefighter, smoke jumper, author of Smokejumper, and so much more.
Ramos shares his experiences and insights. He discusses his background, including his various roles in the fire service. Ramos recalls his early days as a volunteer firefighter and the intense and challenging calls he responded to. Additionally, he shares stories of memorable calls that left a lasting impression on him.
Next we talk a little bit about the training and delve into the challenges to become a smokejumper. Ramos shares his experiences during his first job, jumping into an area with a bunch of rocks all over the field. This is where it all began for him and his crew as they battled the fire for the next couple days.
We divert a bit into a few other topics where Ramos discusses different scenarios on scene, such as, “What happens if you land in a tree?” or, “What happens if you have an injury when you are in a scene?” In addition, we get an insider look into a few extra skills that smokejumpers learn. Enjoy!
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In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Thomas “Buck” Beaudry, U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) Rescue Swimmer 175.
At a young age, Beaudry planned to be a firefighter like his brother. However, as life seems to go, his path changed when he failed one of the tests. This became “a blessing in disguise,” as it led him to joining the Coast Guard and becoming a rescue swimmer.
Throughout this conversation, they talk about his amazing 29 year career in the USCG, including his first rescue: A medevac off of a large Japanese ship that was 300 miles off shore. Then they get into more of his rescue stories that earned him an Achievement Medal for multiple rescues that occurred over a short period of time in Cape Cod. He received a Coast Guard Commendation Medal for a man stuck on a barge in big seas and 80-knot winds. Next, they get into his Air Medal case, where he worked with another swimmer to rescue six people in 20-foot seas and 40-knot winds. Lastly, they get into the emotional rescue of a father and son who were in the water due to their canoe flipping over. Following the rescue, the crew went to visit the family in the hospital and received a letter from the family thanking them. Enjoy!
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In Part 2 of this two-part episode, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ is joined by retired U.S. Coast Guard flight mechanic Phillip Powell. Powell continues to share his experiences and challenges in hoisting and rescuing people during his time in the Coast Guard.
Powell also talks about Internal Communications Systems (ICS) failure and the ICS boots he developed to prevent water intrusion. He recounts his experience during Hurricane Harvey and the challenges the Coast Guard faced in conducting search-and-rescue operations.
Powell discusses various aspects of helicopter rescue operations. He emphasizes the responsibility of the flight mechanic in ensuring the wellbeing of Coast Guard swimmers, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the field. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the challenges and best practices of helicopter rescue operations. Enjoy!
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SecurComs ICS Boots
- Vis mere
