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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Collins Aerospace, Switlik, and Ready Swimmer.

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