The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Danielle Snyder, a U.S. Forest Service Landscape Architect, volunteer firefighter, and member of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Team with the Sitka, Alaska Fire Department.

Living in Sitka, Alaska, Snyder is a Coast Guard “Air Station Fan Girl”! She shares her experiences with search and rescue in Sitka, Alaska. She works with the local department, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.  

She recalls her first rescue, searching for an overdue kayaker, and the challenges of searching in the dark. She also discusses a memorable rescue on Bear Mountain, where she rappelled down the steep slope to rescue stranded hunters. The rescue lasted nearly 24 hours and involved navigating through dense vegetation and rappelling into a waterfall. 

Next, we discuss a plane crash in downtown Sitka where the plane crashed into a house, but miraculously, the owner of the house had left just half an hour earlier. There is also a second story of a plane crash on a nearby mountain where the Coast Guard flew the SAR team up to the scene. 

Snyder also shares the story of a team member who passed away while hiking on Mount Verstovia. She emphasizes the importance of mental health support for rescue teams and recommends resources like the Responder Alliance. She also recommends the book The Culture Code. The conversation ends on a positive note, highlighting the joy of helping others, the camaraderie within the team, and the importance of teamwork. In addition, there is a need for individuals to show up and be willing to do the job, regardless of their perceived weaknesses. Enjoy!

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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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