The Real ResQ Podcast

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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Bluedrop, Breeze-Eastern, Ready Swimmer and Spectorlab.

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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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Spectrolab and Breeze-Eastern.

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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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Spectorlab and Ready Swimmer.

Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Collins Aerospace, PAG and Bell.

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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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ:  Breeze-Eastern, Spectrolab and Ready Swimmer.

Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ:  Switlik, Breeze-Eastern, and Axnes.

Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

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

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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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ:  Spectrolab, Axnes and PAG.

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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!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ:  Spectrolab, Ready Swimmer and The Real ResQ Store.

Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.