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  • 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 updates on Pegasus, their next-generation hoist. This conversation marks the start of exciting developments for the Onboard Systems team. Enjoy!

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  • 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 innovations to improve disaster response.

    We also chatted about their preparation and response in Florida as Hurricane Milton was scheduled to do some serious damage. They discuss the logistics and personal stories behind disaster response efforts, emphasizing the importance of self-sustainability, community involvement, and the use of technology in aiding those affected by disasters.

    They share impactful anecdotes, highlight the role of faith-based organizations, and outline their ongoing support initiatives and fundraising efforts to assist communities in need. Enjoy!

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  • 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, and the overwhelming support from the community. They highlight the resilience of communities and the collective effort to help those in need, emphasizing the impact of individual contributions and the spirit of teamwork. Enjoy!

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  • 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 community and the importance of volunteerism in disaster relief efforts. They discuss the challenges faced during evacuations, particularly at a nursing home, and highlight the importance of community support and coordination in disaster response efforts. We emphasize the role of volunteers and how big or small actions can help those in need, showcasing the resilience and generosity of the human spirit in times of crisis. Enjoy!

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  • 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 brought a sense of calm in the midst of the hurricane's aftermath. Tune in for this heartfelt conversation about service, resilience, and family. Enjoy!

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  • 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 Savage Freedoms. Each of them took time out of their busy schedules to help those in need, offering critical support during the relief efforts.

    Recorded on the tailgate of a Seaton Flying Services truck amidst ongoing operations, we dive into their personal experiences, challenges, and the impact they’ve made on the ground. Listen in to hear how this team of volunteers is making a real difference in Western NC. Enjoy!

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  • 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 missions flown each day, their efforts resulted in the rescue and assistance of over 400 people.

    Petree dives into the unique collaboration between civilian pilots and local and state governments, highlighting the power of local community partnerships in disaster relief. Tune in to hear the firsthand experiences and challenges these heroes faced while saving lives on the front lines of Hurricane Helene. Enjoy!

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  • 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, and a CPR situation where the patient’s wife was standing behind him the entire time.

    One question dove into Jason’s training experiences, and he reveals the story behind Rule #12: Always Pack A Knife. They also talk about the unpredictable things that can happen during training and how it shapes a rescue swimmer's mindset.

    When asked about his most stressful rescue, Jason recounts a high-pressure mission in the Gulf of Mexico, where he was the hoist operator during a particularly intense flight.

    They also tackled some fun and lighthearted questions, such as:

    “Do I prefer being the one hoisting or the guy on the hook?”

    “Is there a difference in adrenaline levels between live missions and training?”

    “What’s a funny or unexpected moment from one of my missions that always makes me laugh?”

    “Do I have any pre-mission rituals or good luck charms?”

    This episode offers a mix of gripping rescue stories, personal reflections, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a candid Q&A session that gives you a deeper look into the life of a rescue swimmer. Enjoy!

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  • 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 Letter of Commendation, which highlights his role in saving 14 lives.

    Moving to his next unit in Humboldt Bay, California, Puglia recalls a dramatic rescue of three fishermen who were swept out to sea by powerful currents, as well as a rescue involving two men on a sailboat that capsized right next to him.

    Next, we dive into his time at HITRON in Jacksonville, Florida, where he encountered some unique challenges, including discovering a semi-submersible vessel loaded with contraband and a thrilling pursuit that ended with the engines of a "go-fast" boat being shot out.

    Puglia then takes us back to Hawaii, where he earned an Achievement Medal and was involved in multiple rescues. One standout was saving three fishermen whose boat capsized and drifted out to sea, earning him a Letter of Commendation for rescuing eight survivors from a sunken vessel.

    Finally, we wrap up Puglia's last assignment in Sitka, Alaska, where he conducted numerous rescues. He discusses a particularly noteworthy rescue that earned him another Letter of Commendation, as well as his third and fourth Coast Guard Achievement Medals. He also talks about a significant plane crash that garnered major news attention and shares the story of his final rescue mission before retiring. Enjoy!

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  • 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 conditions, aircraft, and equipment. These simulations are designed to provide aircrews with hands-on experience in realistic rescue operations.

    Throughout the episode, we dive into the system's impressive capabilities, which allow every member of an aircrew—from pilots to rescue specialists and aerial gunners—to participate in diverse scenarios. Whether it's search-and-rescue (SAR), combat search-and-rescue (CSAR), or aerial gunner training, Bluedrop’s VR technology is reshaping the way teams prepare for critical missions.

    This conversation will also connect with an article that will be published in Vertical Valor’s Fall issue, where Bluedrop's innovations are highlighted even further. Make sure to look out for the Fall issue, dropping later this month.

    Join us as we take a closer look at the future of helicopter rescue training. Enjoy!

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  • 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 opportunity to sit down and capture one of his insightful presentations on Team Dynamics. Having delivered this talk at various conferences and venues, Dave's expertise in the field is well-established, and this time we wanted to bring it directly to our listeners.

    What makes this episode particularly special is the personal touch Dave adds to the conversation. He tells a real-life rescue story in which he and his teammate played a pivotal role. His firsthand account serves as a powerful proof of concept for how effective team dynamics can be in high-pressure situations. Whether you're part of a rescue team, work in a corporate setting, or lead any group, this episode offers valuable insights you can apply to your own team.

    This is an engaging and educational discussion on how to strengthen team performance and enhance collaboration in any environment. Enjoy!

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  • 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 near the runway to ensure a quick response time. FROST also acts as a consultant to local fire departments, providing them with extraction plans and guidance on handling aircraft-related incidents. The team travels to airshows across the United States and has a close-knit relationship with the performers and other industry professionals.

    FROST has responded to various incidents at airshows, including a plane that accidentally shut off its engine mid-air, a plane swap gone wrong, and a crowd member who had a stroke and hit his head. They have also been recognized with two awards: the Pinnacle Award for Service Providers in the International Council of Air Shows (ICAST) in 2018, and the Des Barker Safety Award in 2022. Enjoy!

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  • 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 had to go into the house, find the victim, and pull the victim to safety. They accomplished this task and their rescue earned him a Public Safety Appreciation Award from the Paulding County Board of Commissioners.

    Sarber talks in great detail about the trench rescue call he responded to as a firefighter. He describes the challenges and dangers involved in it and the specialized training required to execute these types of rescues.

    Sarber explains how they called in a neighboring county's department with a semi truck setup for trench rescue to assist. He recounts the process of shoring up the walls and using a vacuum truck to remove dirt around the patient. The rescue involved cutting holes in the walls of two houses under construction to create a lifting point.

    We conclude our conversation with Sarber expressing the impact of the experience on him and his desire to learn more about trench rescues. Enjoy!

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  • 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 vehicle crash on the Fourth of July, where multiple children were injured. He reflects on the emotional impact of losing a patient and the difficulty of comforting the family in such situations.

    Murad shares a few more intense and memorable experiences from his career as a firefighter. A young girl suffered internal bleeding and became a trauma alert and a building collapsed in Surfside, Florida, where he was involved in the recovery efforts. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating where you are in your career while still striving for growth and advancement. Enjoy!

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  • 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, Spencer, down to the water and then onto the moving sailboat. The team worked together to overcome the obstacles and successfully rescued all the survivors.

    The crew members were recognized for their heroic actions and awarded Air Medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

    Spencer recounts his experience of being hoisted in the water and his struggle to climb onto a passing sailboat. The helicopter crew had their own concerns about fuel and the decision to send the rescue basket to retrieve Spencer.

    Once the crew successfully hoisted Spencer and a survivor from the water, they made their way back to shore; however, the rescue did not end there. As soon as they landed, the crew needed to prepare to go back out to help rescue the remaining people on the boat.

    The crew discusses details of the rescue operation and reflects on what they would do differently if they ever found themselves once again in a similar situation. They talk about the challenges of communication and coordination with multiple assets involved in the rescue.

    The crew emphasizes the importance of training outside of their comfort zones and practicing new techniques. They also highlight the need to carefully consider the risks and benefits of disconnecting the swimmer from the hoist cable. Overall, the team shares their experiences and lessons learned from the rescue. Enjoy!

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  • 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 a daring night rescue in severe weather conditions, which earned him a Coast Guard Commendation Medal.

    We discuss his experiences during Hurricane Katrina and his deployment to New Orleans. He talks about the challenges they faced, including the long flight from San Diego to Louisiana, and the limited tools and facilities they had. He also describes the devastation they witnessed and the rescue missions they conducted, including finding an elderly man who had been stranded in his flooded house. He emphasizes the resilience of the people of Louisiana and the support they received from the local community.

    Sustachek recounts a rescue mission where they had to navigate treacherous conditions to save three fishermen stranded on rocks, and one where he had to rescue a group of people stranded on a foggy island.

    Sustachek also discusses the emotional toll of losing colleagues in helicopter accidents and the importance of maintaining a high level of vigilance and preparedness in the field. He emphasizes the opportunities for personal and professional growth in the Coast Guard and encourages others to step outside their comfort zones. Enjoy!

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  • 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 TWA Flight 800.

    Newport's book, 'Ready to Dive,' provides detailed accounts of his various operations. Working on recovery missions for military aircraft and torpedoes. The challenges of working in the Gulf Stream and the current and weather conditions they had to navigate. He also shares anecdotes about his time on the recovery ships.

    Newport also mentions his involvement in the recovery of a C-2A Greyhound aircraft in the Philippine Sea and the difficulties they encountered in recovering the remains of the flight crew. He shares stories of crashes and the difficulties of recovering wreckage from the ocean floor. Newport also mentions his interest in racing and his experiences as a racing driver. Enjoy!

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  • 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 Alaska and the challenging rescues he was involved in. These rescues earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his heroic actions. One of the first missions involved the rescue of 20 survivors from a stricken passenger vessel that had caught fire in the Gulf of Alaska. Despite challenging weather conditions and limited visibility, he skillfully guided the helicopter to safely hoist the survivors to safety.

    Our conversation continues with a story where Whidden and his crew faced extreme weather conditions and saved two lives from the fishing vessel Bluebird. As we discuss this mission, he highlights the challenges of hovering over the ocean at night and the importance of having a rescue swimmer. Whiddon emphasizes the role of faith and divine intervention in the successful outcome of the mission. The crew received numerous awards and recognition for their heroic actions. John also discusses the importance of creating a safe environment for pilots and aircrew to seek help when needed. Enjoy!

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  • 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 his experiences in the field. He talks about the importance of acclimatizing to the cold and learning survival skills in the Arctic. He also shares his training in diving, water survival, and parachuting.

    Daniell recounts his first rescue mission, which involved a plane crash, and discusses the challenging and sometimes gruesome aspects of search-and-rescue operations. He discusses his progression as a SARTech and the responsibilities that come with different roles. He shares a rescue mission that haunted him and reflects on the experience of pronouncing someone dead. He also talks about his training at the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) in Astoria, Oregon, and the valuable skills he learned there. He mentions the camaraderie between Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers and the importance of specialized training.

    In this final part of the conversation, Daniell talks about a rescue mission in the mountains where they had to perform a vehicle extraction and rope rescue. He also shares a training scenario in Okanagan Lake where they ended up getting stuck in the mud. Daniell discusses the importance of cross-training with other countries and shares his experiences working with the Swiss, and also the country of Iceland. He concludes by talking about his own injuries and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Enjoy!

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  • 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 after rescuing a fisherman. Stranded on the island, he was forced to row a boat back to shore in the Caribbean. Another story focuses on a more intense rescue operation where Johnson saved three lives after a boat capsized in rough waters.

    We had fun talking about his experiences working in Hollywood, participating in the Amazing Race, and training with NASA. He also discusses his transition out of the Coast Guard and his current career in safety and risk management.

    Johnson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of military skills in the civilian world and being open to new opportunities. He also highlights the significance of CPR training and the potential to save lives in emergency situations. Enjoy!

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