In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Luke Bowman, Chief Pilot for the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), to explore the thrilling and demanding world of helicopter search and rescue operations throughout Utah.

From adrenaline-charged missions in Utah’s rugged backcountry to heartfelt stories of survival and teamwork, Bowman shares his journey from small-town beginnings to becoming a key leader in life-saving aviation. He pulls back the curtain on the complexities of helicopter rescues—from navigating the high Uintas to threading through the narrow canyons of Zion National Park—where every mission is a balance of skill, preparation, and trust.

Bowman discusses the importance of continuous training, the emotional impact of bringing closure to families, and the profound sense of purpose that comes with every call. His stories reveal the courage, precision, and humanity behind every hoist and every flight.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or part of the SAR community, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the dedication and resilience that define search and rescue. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn talks with Will Coble reflects on his time as a lifeguard, sharing memorable rescues, lessons learned, and the profound impact of his time on the beach.

Coble dives into both the serious and rewarding sides of lifeguarding, discussing the importance of training, vigilance, and safety awareness in saving lives. Through his stories, he highlights the quick thinking and composure required in high-pressure situations, as well as the camaraderie and growth that come from working in such a demanding environment.

He also offers practical advice for aspiring lifeguards, emphasizing the value of preparedness, teamwork, and learning from every experience.

This episode shines a light on the discipline, responsibility, and personal development that come with serving on the front lines of beach safety — a true look at what it means to watch over others so they can enjoy the ocean safely. Enjoy!

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In this ALERT episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Cory VanBuskirk, Artak Arakelian, and Nick Demogines, leaders from Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch to deliver an important industry update for all Onboard Systems users.

They address the challenges inherited from Collins/Goodrich and outline the solutions and improvements currently being implemented to fix them. The discussion dives deep into leadership dynamics, operational challenges, and the critical importance of maintaining customer trust through times of major change.

The guests pull back the curtain on the acquisition process, sharing honest insights about inventory struggles, communication hurdles, and the key steps being taken to restore confidence and improve service delivery. They also detail the company’s ongoing investments in facilities, people, and parts—all aimed at reducing lead times and strengthening global support for the operators and rescuers who depend on their equipment.

The conversation expands into the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) side of the business, touching on rapid facility setup, effective hiring and training practices, and the integration of AI for quality assurance.

Looking forward, the Onboard Systems team shares their vision for the future, including the development of the new Pegasus hoist, and reaffirms their commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence across the industry.

This episode offers a rare inside look at what it takes to lead a global aviation support company through transformation—while never losing sight of the mission: keeping rescuers ready and aircraft operational when it matters most. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Brendan Sloan, a British cave rescue medical officer, about his remarkable experiences in one of the most unique and challenging rescue environments.

Sloan provides an inside look at the volunteer structure of cave rescue teams in the UK, the medical responsibilities that come with the role, and the extensive training required for volunteers. He recounts his first cave rescue experience, as well as the difficulties rescuers face underground—ranging from medical decision-making in confined spaces to unexpected situations like animal rescues.

Sloan explains some of the most notable rescues he has been part of, including the Titan Shaft rescue and the massive OFD cave rescue, which involved more than 250 people. He highlights the importance of teamwork, preparation, and safety, while also addressing the psychological challenges of rescue work and the need to protect mental health for responders.

Sloan closes with advice for both cavers and rescuers, emphasizing the value of training, resilience, and self-care when working in high-stakes environments.

This episode is a fascinating dive—literally and figuratively—into the world of cave rescue, filled with insights, lessons, and stories that underscore the dedication of those who risk everything beneath the surface to save others. Enjoy!

www.derbyshirecro.org.uk - DCRO

www.smwcrt.org - SMWCRT

www.caverescue.org.uk - BCRC

Donate to Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation

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In February 1983, tragedy struck in the North Atlantic when the bulk carrier SS Marine Electric rolled over, claiming thirty-one lives. Helicopters arrived but could only watch as exhausted sailors slipped away, unable to climb into rescue baskets. Out of that loss came a promise: the Coast Guard would never again stand by when survivors couldn’t save themselves. That promise gave birth to the Helicopter Rescue Swimmer program.

Since 1985, only about 1,125 men and women have earned the title U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer — a one-in-ten-million chance against the average U.S. population. They are the rarest of the rare. For four decades, Rescue Swimmers have faced the impossible: hurricanes, shipwrecks, plane crashes, floods, and mountains — wherever disaster struck, they answered.

But the story is about more than rescues. It’s about a brotherhood forged in struggle. From the early days, when the program fought for survival, to A-School, qualification, and duty, every generation has carried the battles forward. Together, they sharpened training, advanced techniques, and built one of the most elite rescue pipelines in the world — a program recognized across the globe.

This 40th Anniversary tribute blends archival footage, survivor testimony, and the voices of the swimmers themselves. It honors the thousands of lives saved, the families made whole, and the Rescue Swimmers we’ve lost along the way.

This is more than a story of heroics. It is the legacy of one of the greatest jobs in the world — a calling that lasts a lifetime. Always ready. So Others May Live.

Check out the video on our YouTube Channel.

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Nate Christensen, Captain of the Tremonton Fire Department and 1st Captain of the Box Elder County Search and Rescue Team. 

Known for his extraordinary achievements despite working with two artificial legs, Christensen’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering leadership in the face of adversity. His detailed recounting of a silo rescue, where teamwork and problem-solving and the dangers of confined spaces and collapsing materials. Technical analogies come to life as he breaks down the evolving tactics and safety protocols that shaped this operation—a textbook display of strategy meeting raw determination.

Christensen shares an unforgettable bus rescue, a scenario in a winter storm. His narrative unfolds with a strategic lens; he shares the real-time decisions, interagency collaborations, and moments when split-second leadership made all the difference. Through these international-caliber case studies, you’ll get a window into modern SAR benchmarks and cross-disciplinary innovation.

Beyond the headline rescues, Christensen reflects on the underlying principles that shape his career—from mentoring rookies during high-intensity training evolutions to championing a culture that values emotional support and mental health for first responders. His approach to community building and inclusivity in emergency services is both pragmatic and visionary, rooted in personal experience and a drive to elevate the entire field.

Throughout the episode, Jason and Christensen discuss the deeper meaning behind rescue work, the importance of continuous learning, and the global best practices driving technical and human excellence in public safety. Whether you’re an operations leader or a podcast enthusiast, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and the authentic spirit that defines SAR professionals worldwide. Enjoy!

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In this engaging episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Darell “Top Fin” Gelakoska, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #281, whose remarkable career is now captured in the memoir TOP FIN: Tales of Courage and Chaos from a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer written by fellow Rescue Swimmer #122, George Cavallo.

Together, we explore Gelakoska’s journey through the Coast Guard — from the origins of his nickname “Top Fin” to the rescues that defined his career. The discussion sheds light on significant missions, the evolution of rescue techniques, and the development of critical survival equipment like the Emergency Recovery Device (ERD) and Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (HEEDS 3).

Beyond the technical side, the conversation highlights the power of storytelling in preserving the legacy of rescue swimmers and honoring the history of their missions. Gelakoska shares meaningful insights into the mental health challenges of the job, the importance of teamwork and camaraderie, and the need to recognize the sacrifices and heroic acts of those who serve.

Packed with history, innovation, humor, and personal reflection, this episode offers a compelling look at both the professional and human side of rescue swimming — a must-listen for anyone inspired by courage, resilience, and service. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Javier Lozano, from Avincis, decorated Spanish Air Force pilot and commander of Valencia’s maritime rescue helicopter unit.

Lozano and his crew earned the Vertical Valor Blades of Valor recognition for their involvement with the Valencia floods. A night rescue carried out in poor weather conditions and an urban environment with unmarked obstacles like cranes, antennas, and high-voltage cables.The helicopter managed to rescue up to a dozen people and a dog.

Lozano takes us through his remarkable journey — from his early dreams as a fighter pilot to leading complex SAR missions across Spain. Drawing from over three decades in aviation, he shares dramatic stories of storm-stricken rescues, creative saves involving pets, and the profound challenges faced during catastrophic urban flood operations.

The conversation explores the technical and emotional demands of emergency aviation: how improvisation, rigorous preparation, and adaptability become essential when lives hang in the balance. Lozano reflects on the camaraderie within rescue teams, the importance of quick-thinking in unpredictable scenarios, and the powerful human bonds formed in moments of crisis.

He also offers invaluable lessons for aspiring pilots and rescue professionals, emphasizing the need for continuous training, collaborative teamwork, and unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.

This is much more than a recounting of missions — it’s an exploration of what it means to serve, adapt, and lead under extreme pressure, shining a spotlight on the heart, ingenuity, and tenacity at the core of search and rescue. 

Read more about the other Blades of Valor recipients in the Fall Mega issue of Vertical Valor, coming out in November 2025. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn records in person with Kurt Revels, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #243.

Revels takes us through his journey from the grueling days of Rescue Swimmer School to the intensity of real-world missions across multiple duty stations, including Chicago-Illinois, Mobile-Alabama, Kodiak-Alaska and Traverse City-Michigan. He shares stories of his first rescue, daring cliff operations, and missions in rough seas, all while reflecting on the lessons learned and the resilience demanded of every swimmer.

Revels highlights the camaraderie and mentorship that define the Coast Guard community, from training through deployments. He also touched on the more unique aspects of service—everything from "Unidentified Floating Objects” to trampolines adrift.

As Revels reflects on his final deployments and the shift into civilian life, he emphasizes the importance of carrying forward the legacy of service through mentorship, while also pursuing personal growth, fitness, and adventure. His stories shed light not only on the technical skill and bravery of rescue swimmers, but also on the emotional toll and profound impact of their missions—both on those saved and those doing the saving. Enjoy!

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In this gripping episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with the crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater to recount an unforgettable two-week deployment out of Great Inagua, Bahamas—a mission set that tested their skills, resourcefulness, and endurance.

Within just 17 hours, the crew rescued eight lives across two separate cases, ultimately saving nine lives in total during the deployment. Their extraordinary efforts earned international recognition from both the Government of the Bahamas and France.

The first mission began with a medevac call from a research vessel. Shortly after, the crew launched again to respond to a distress call for two Bahamian men adrift at sea for six days without food or water. Then, less than 24 hours later, they were airborne once more, answering an EPIRB alert from the sailing vessel De Gallant.

Through each mission, the crew demonstrated unshakable teamwork, ingenuity, and commitment. From treating dehydration at sea to hoisting survivors from stormy waters, these rescues showcase not only the courage and technical skill of Coast Guard aviators, but also their relentless dedication to the creed: “Always Ready.”

Read more about this crew and the other Blades of Valor recipients in the Fall Mega Issue of Vertical Valor, coming out in November 2025. Enjoy!

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