In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Matt High, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #431. 

High shares his journey into the Coast Guard, from his initial training to his first rescue mission. A rescue of a few guys stuck on a spit of land in the middle of a river.  He dives into career-defining moments, being an instructor at Rescue Swimmer A-School to additional unforgettable rescues. 

They discuss the evolution of the rescue swimmer program, the impact of manpower shortages, and the camaraderie that comes with the job. High also shares humorous anecdotes and the invaluable lessons he’s learned—both in the water and as an instructor—emphasizing the importance of mentorship and passing down knowledge. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Jeff “Spanky” Peterson, a pilot with the United States Air Force.

Spanky was one of the pilots who played a critical role in the daring rescue of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell after Operation Red Wings took a devastating turn. This rescue was immortalized in Luttrell's book “Lone Survivor,” and brought to the big screen in the film of the same name.

We dive into the details of the rescue mission to save Luttrell, the challenges faced during the operation, and the emotional toll it took on the crew. Spanky recounts the events leading up to the mission, the search for survivors, and the eventual rescue, providing a gripping insight into military operations and the bravery of those involved. 

After hearing this incredible story, Spanky reflects on his extensive experience in helicopter rescue operations, discussing advancements in equipment, other various rescue missions, and the challenges faced during these operations. He reflects on specific incidents, including rescuing stranded hikers, responding to firefighters struck by lightning, and more. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with the crew of “Henry 1,” the busy Bell 407 from Sonoma County Sheriff’s OfficeHelicopter Unit. 

The crew includes Chris Haas, Nigel Cooper, Larry Matelli, and Jamal Cook.

Recorded live on location in Sonoma County, California, right outside their hangar and in front of their Bell 407, the team shares insights into their unique role  with the county’s all-purpose helicopter. Henry 1 handles everything from law enforcement and firefighting to medevac support and search-and-rescue, covering a diverse and challenging region that includes wine country, rugged hills, rocky coastal cliffs, and cold waters.

The crew reflects on some of their most memorable rescue calls. Haas recalls his very first day with Henry 1, responding to a plane crash, followed immediately by a mountain bike accident. Cooper shares his experience rescuing individuals whose vessel overturned off the Sonoma coast. Matelli talks about a cliff jumper recovery, while Cook recounts a water rescue involving an overturned kayak.

The team also dives into some of their most notable rescues that gained public attention, including:

• A dramatic cliff rescue that made national headlines, featured by NBC News and the Today Show.
• Three separate mountain bike accidents in different locations within a single 24-hour period, covered by The Press Democrat.
• A boat crash on the rocks with a deceased person onboard, reported by KRON4.
• A rescue featured in Road and Track magazine, where a car had plunged off Highway 1.
• A series of five rescues on the Russian River in California, highlighted on Patch.com.

There’s much more to the story of Sonoma County Sheriff’s Henry 1. You can learn more about their operations in the Spring 2025 Mega Issue of Vertical Valor. For additional insight into their law enforcement and public safety missions, check out Jon Gray’s interview with the team on The Hangar Z Podcast, Part 1 and Part 2. There is a short YouTube video on Sonoma County on the Vertical YouTube channel. And to see their rescue operations in action, watch the documentary where Jason Quinn joins them for two days of training.

Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Oliver Kreuzer, a SAR Flight Paramedic with Air Zermatt and US Air Force PJ (Pararescue).

Kreuzer shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the mountains of Switzerland to becoming a highly skilled rescue medic and pararescue specialist.  He discusses his dual citizenship, military training, and experiences with Air Zermatt, highlighting the challenges and motivations that drove him to excel in his field. 

Kreuzer reflects on his first rescue experiences, the technical aspects of helicopter rescues, and the importance of teamwork and mentorship in high-stakes situations. He shares insights into the world of mountain rescue operations in Zermatt, Switzerland. 

He discusses the importance of local expertise, the dynamics of helicopter rescues, and the challenges posed by weather conditions. Oliver emphasizes the need for thorough training and preparation for aspiring rescuers, drawing from his own experiences in both Swiss and U.S. military contexts. He concludes with motivational advice for those looking to pursue a career in rescue operations, highlighting the value of persistence and continuous learning. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Joe Burns, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #123 and retired NYPD captain with 21 years of service.

Burns recounts his journey from joining the Coast Guard to becoming a Rescue Swimmer, sharing two memorable rescues from his four-year Coast Guard career.

The conversation shifts to his time with the NYPD in Brooklyn, where he reflects on significant experiences, including 9/11. Burns discusses the challenges of policing in New York City, the importance of training, and the toll of stress on first responders. He highlights the value of continuous training and balancing instinct with preparation in high-pressure situations. Enjoy!

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In this episode of the Real ResQ Podcast, Jason Quinn interviews Karaline Hume, a crisis worker for 988 Crisis Lifeline. 

Hume discusses the importance of advocacy, the challenges faced in crisis management, and the profound impact of her work on individuals in distress. She emphasizes the need for awareness around mental health issues and the critical role of support systems for both those in crisis and the workers who assist them. 

Hume and Quinn dive into the nuances of mental health crisis, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and research in providing support. They discuss the varying definitions of crisis, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and the stigma surrounding mental health that often prevents individuals from seeking help. 

Hume shares her personal journey through mental health struggles and highlights the significance of community resources and support systems. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for those looking to get involved in crisis support work and the importance of believing in oneself. Enjoy!

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In this episode of the Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Miles Randell, an advanced life support paramedic and co-founder of Team Aeromedical. 

Miles shares his journey into paramedicine, detailing a life-changing rescue operation during a severe winter storm that led him to leave his career as a carpet salesman. He recounts his first solo call as a paramedic, the challenges faced in emergency services, and his experiences with North Shore Rescue.

The conversation highlights the unpredictability and excitement of working in emergency services, as well as the camaraderie and humor that often accompany such intense situations. Randell shares heartfelt stories about his experiences in emergency services, particularly focusing on the legacy of Tim Jones, a beloved figure in mountain medicine who tragically passed away during a rescue operation. The discussion transitions into the challenges faced by paramedics, including policy changes that impact their ability to respond effectively. 

Finally, we hear the miraculous rescue story of Christine Newman, who was revived after being trapped in a tree well for hours, showcasing the power of teamwork and determination in life-saving situations. 

During this conversation, Miles Randell shares his profound experiences in wilderness medicine, detailing a life-saving rescue that left a lasting impact on him and the community. He discusses the recognition received for their efforts, the establishment of Team Aeromedical, and the challenges faced in providing air ambulance services in remote areas. The conversation also touches on the importance of teamwork, mental health, and the innovative funding models necessary for sustaining such critical services. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Andy French, a U.S. Army Physician Assistant. 

Andy discusses the journey from a military upbringing to his experiences in the Army, the impact of 9/11 on his career choices, and his transition to becoming a Physician Assistant.

French shares his unique experiences in emergency medicine, including challenges faced after Physician Assistant school and memorable medical calls that shaped his career. The conversation highlights the importance of learning from mistakes and the rewarding nature of working in emergency medicine.

Some of the stories shared include a home oxygen explosion, a shooting incident, and a remarkable rescue mission known as Operation Pineapple Express, which aimed to evacuate an Afghan interpreter during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. 

French emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, the value of teamwork in medicine, and the need for compassion and support for those who have risked their lives to assist U.S. forces. Enjoy!

Support Khan's Family Reunification Journey

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Rick McElrath, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #17.

McElrath shares his journey working as a Coast Guard Aviation Survivalman (ASM) before the Rescue Swimmer program was established. He shares a memorable C-130 Hercules mission where he dropped a pump to a distressed boat taking on water. He reflects on Navy Rescue Swimmer School and his assignment to Astoria, Oregon, where he flew his first mission as a Rescue Swimmer, responding to a missing person in a remote cabin.

The conversation covers more rescues out of Astoria before moving to his time in Clearwater, Florida, where he primarily flew law enforcement missions. He shares one of his standout stories from this duty station.

McElrath then takes us to Sitka, Alaska, recounting several memorable rescues, including those that earned him prestigious awards. He dives into the challenges of rescuing in treacherous weather, the emotional toll of saving lives, and the vital role of teamwork.

He concludes by reflecting on his career and the transition to civilian life, offering valuable advice to the next generation of rescue professionals. Enjoy!

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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’t want to be rescued and witnessing the storms’ devastation.

He also discusses two other standout rescues in Clearwater: One involving two men found in the water after their boat sank, and another with the unique twist of being able to drive the survivor home.

From there, Lee reflects on his time in Houston, sharing insights on the camaraderie with different pilots and his transition back to Houston for a twilight tour. He also recalls a heroic car accident rescue that earned him the Puro Clean Award. Enjoy!

Fight for Frontline Foundation (F4)

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