In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Shane Daw, the general manager of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service in Sydney, Australia.

Daw takes us through his incredible journey, starting as a junior lifeguard and rising  up to lead one of the busiest and most respected helicopter rescue services in the country. He reflects on more than two decades of service, recounting some of the most memorable and intense rescues he’s been part of—beginning with his very first callout at 13 years old, responding to two swimmers swept away by a rip current.

The conversation is filled with gripping rescue stories, from ocean incidents to complex land-based missions. Daw also highlights the heroic actions of the team he works alongside, sharing incredible moments that showcase the courage, commitment, and coordination involved in every life-saving mission.

Beyond the rescues, Daw opens up about leadership, resilience, and the personal values that have shaped his career. He leaves us with heartfelt advice on chasing your dreams, staying passionate, and making a difference in your community. Enjoy!

Checking out the Vertical Valor Spring 2025 edition and read more about WestPac Lifesaver Rescue helicopter service.

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn chats with Harry Harrison, a dedicated volunteer with the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team in the UK.

Harrison who is by trade a Paediatric Physiotherapist, takes us into the heart of the Lake District, where he’s spent years responding to emergencies in one of the UK’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes. He shares powerful and memorable rescue stories that reflect both the challenges and rewards of mountain rescue work.

He revisits major flood responses from 2005 through 2015, illustrating how emergency response in the UK has evolved over time. Harry also recalls a few particularly gripping incidents—one involving a dangerous polybagging mishap and another featuring a dramatic, rugby-style tackle to save a woman in crisis.

Harrison emphasizes the critical role of mental health awareness within the rescue community. He shares personal insights from the field and discusses how preparation, training, and local support networks play a vital role in every successful mission.

This episode is filled with incredible stories, valuable lessons, and a look into the strong sense of camaraderie and service that drives mountain rescue teams. Enjoy!

To donate and help support Penrith Mountain Rescue Team

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes back Mike Martin, the newly appointed Vice President of Training Operations at Air Rescue Systems (ARS).

Martin provides an in-depth industry update, shedding light on ARS's growth, evolving capabilities, and future plans. As he steps into his leadership role, he discusses what expansion means for the company and how they are adapting to meet the increasing demands of the industry.

Additionally, Martin highlights the strength of the ARS team, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds and expertise each member brings to the table. From instructors with extensive operational experience to specialists in cutting-edge rescue techniques, he explains how their combined knowledge is shaping the future of ARS training programs.

Whether you're in the rescue industry, aviation, or just passionate about life-saving operations, this episode is packed with insights into the direction of ARS. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Mike Martin, a critical care flight medic with the Utah National Guard.

Martin takes us through his journey in combat medicine, sharing his first deployment with a MEDEVAC unit and the intense experiences that earned him an Air Medal for his exceptional service. He recounts his very first call in the field—treating two critically injured patients with blast wounds to the face. With the help of his crew chief, both patients survived due to their rapid response and teamwork under pressure.

Beyond combat, Martin dives into his experiences in firefighting and rescue operations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the tactics used in battling wildfires and executing high-risk rescues. He breaks down some of the most challenging incidents he's faced, including a dramatic climber rescue and his work assisting firefighting operations in California. His stories highlight the unpredictability of wildfires, the importance of preparation, and the dedication that fuels those in emergency response.

Throughout our conversation, Martin reflects on his career, sharing additional unique rescues and valuable lessons learned along the way. He closes with insightful advice for aspiring rescuers and a personal perspective on the impact of their work.

This episode is packed with incredible stories and firsthand experiences from a career dedicated to saving lives. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes David McColl, a pilot and safety professional, to share a powerful firsthand account of an incident that reshaped his entire company's emergency response plan.

McColl recounts a critical event involving a powerline bucket truck that tipped over, leaving two severely injured workers stranded in the marshland. As challenges mounted throughout the rescue operation, the team had to adapt quickly to overcome unexpected obstacles. Through this detailed debrief, McColl highlights the lessons learned and the proactive steps his company has taken to improve training, preparedness, and response protocols. He also offers valuable advice for organizations looking to strengthen their own safety programs.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in emergency response, aviation, or workplace safety. Enjoy!

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In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn joins SR3 Rescue Concepts for their second annual "Debrief," kicking off the week of VERTICON with a special podcast takeover. Throughout the episode, industry professionals drop in to join the conversation, bringing a mix of insights, stories, and plenty of laughs. With the energy high and the excitement building for the week ahead, this recording sets the tone for an unforgettable VERTICON experience.  Enjoy!

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In this episode of the Real ResQ Podcast, Jason Quinn and guests, Steve Ober, Joe Beyer, George Cavallo, Joe Burns and Olaf Leavelle come together to remember their fellow Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #125, Craig Dunbar. 

Through heartfelt stories and shared memories, they celebrate Dunbar’s unwavering determination, competitive nature, and the deep bonds formed during their time in training and service. From their first encounters with him to the challenges of Rescue Swimmer school, they reflect on the moments that defined his character and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

The conversation is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a deep sense of camaraderie as they recall the experiences that brought them together. Whether it was training side by side, pushing each other to be better, or simply sharing lighthearted moments, they highlight the friendships and brotherhood forged through their careers.

This episode is a tribute to a remarkable teammate and friend, celebrating his legacy and the connections that endure long after the mission ends. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes back Dan Leary and introduces Chris Pfingsten, as they share an incredible rescue story—one they were both involved in without even realizing it.

Leary and Pfingsten first crossed paths during a critical mission when a patient fell approximately 20 feet into a ravine and creek bed. At the time, the two were working for separate agencies. Pfingsten, responding with a local agency, was one of the first on scene. Recognizing the difficulty of the extraction, he called for additional support—the U.S. Coast Guard. Unbeknownst to him, Leary, who was flying with the Coast Guard at the time, was the pilot on duty.

Together, they recount the rescue from their unique perspectives, detailing their roles from the moment the call came in to the successful extraction of the patient.

What makes this story even more remarkable? They now work for the same company—yet neither had realized the other was involved in that very rescue. Reliving the mission together, they connect the dots, leading to this episode. Enjoy!

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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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