In this episode of The Real ResQ, we have the privilege of speaking to Dan Antle and John Valentino from the Seminole County Florida Sheriff's Department.  These two bring a unique perspective to the table.  As law enforcement, they work on the ground as well as in the air through their aviation division.  They work alongside firefighters and provide search and rescue for a large portion of the Orlando Florida area.  Listen as Dan and John tell experiences that include lost hikers, accidents from jet skis and how covid has increased the number of calls, including the severity of some of the cases.  This episode would not be complete without a quick mention of the gators that make appearances in their missions. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Real ResQ, Brad Corkins joins us to talk about his long career working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations.  With a career that includes Local Law Enforcement, the Army, and the aviation division of Border Patrol, Brad has seen it all.  Listen in as he discusses cases that range from nearly maxing out the hoist cable for a rescue to countless rescues brought on by the demanding Hurricane Harvey.

In this episode of The Real ResQ, Shannon Scaff, USCG Rescue Swimmer #437 joins the podcast to discuss 3, intense and jaw dropping missions that earned him two Air Medals and one Distinguished Flying Cross.  Shannon recaps being launched out during Hurricane Floyd to a site where over 100 civilians waited for rescue.  He then details being sent to rescue two people who needed saving, but not without their dog who just so happened to be strapped into a life vest.  Finally, in a case so difficult that it required two Rescue Swimmers on board, Shannon speaks of a boat taking on water in 60 foot seas, at 3am in January.  Faith, determination, strategy, and strength were all needed to save the lives of those in distress, as well as all of the crew on board.  Enjoy!

In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Steph Maier from Travis County STARFlight, Austin, Texas.  During this conversation, we go from laughing at wild and crazy rescues to a somber retelling of tragedy striking one of their own.  Listen in as Steph and I talk about swift water rescues and flash floods. We get into victims being hoisted to safety with pets in backpacks and being launched to a capsized boat.  This episode reminds us that although many rescues end well and give us the satisfaction of helping others in their time of need, there is a dark side to what we do.  Enjoy!

In this episode of The Real ResQ, seasoned Hoist Operator and one of my respected mentors, Pat Barber joins us to discuss lessons and experiences throughout his USCG career and beyond.  Whether the case was an overturned boat, a delirious and hypothermic patient, or a firefighter in distress. Pat talks about his mindset and processes to analyze how to better assist and prepare for the day the alarm sounds.  Pat and I reminisce and retell the story of being sent out to the disabled cruise liner that made headlines when it was stuck in the Gulf of Mexico.  Listen in to the knowledgeable and eye opening stories told by my friend, Pat Barber. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Real ResQ, USCG Rescue Swimmer #368, Mario Vittone recaps a case that was so dramatic, it earned him The Distinguished Flying Cross.  In this energetic and engaging conversation, Mario and I talk about the training and dialogue that goes into search and rescue and how when the alarm goes off, more times than not, nothing goes according to plan.  What do you do when one of the people you're about to hoist is only 4 months old? Listen in to hear the details of this crazy rescue. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Kim Germishuys, a Hoist Operator and Rescue Swimmer from South Africa.  Currently working in Northern Germany, Kim recaps how she got into search and rescue.  She details her impressive road to becoming a rescueman (or rescuewoman) and speaks of the research, training, and tactics learned to get her to where she is today.  In her nearly two decade career, Kim has worked in treacherous ocean currents that have thrown boats into rocks, taken on 8 meter waves in a rigid inflatable boat, learned the value of teamwork and what it feels like to be on the receiving end of static electricity from the helicopter.  This is one badass lady who has many stories to tell and looks forward to the calls that have yet to come. Listen in as Kim recaps some of her gnarliest rescues throughout her career. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Real ResQ, we have the unique opportunity to hear a rescue story that happened only 2 weeks prior to the release of this episode.  Alvin Fyhn and Hans Jonas take us into the action where they and their aircrews saved an entire vessel and every member on board.  We talk about all the different dynamics of this rescue and how each time they went out, there was a different obstacle to overcome.  They talk about procedures that are used normally for mountain rescue and how they implemented them onto the ship in high seas.  They even joke that as each of them were backup for the other, both wanted to get in on the action.  Enjoy!

This is The ASTerisk, specifically set up with capital AST designated for Aviation Survival Technician. 

In this episode of the ASTerisk, we take a look to how and why the USCG Rescue Swimmer program began.  We discuss all the training a USCG Rescue Swimmer has to go through, from putting your name on the "A" School list, to attending school, to become a swimmer, to the training thereafter.  We go into a little of my own history and experience in AST "A" School and getting fully qualified as a USCG Rescue Swimmer.  Enjoy!

In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by George Cavallo, USCG Rescue Swimmer #122. George retells a gnarly rescue mission where an airplane crashed into the water off of California's Mendocino Coast.  Having to deal with natural elements - ocean currents, cold temperatures, a full moon, and ocean animals - mixed with large amounts of jet fuel that he could not evade, this was a difficult and solemn mission.  George talks about the aftermath of the mission and befriending the lone survivor of the crash.  This is one episode that you don't want to miss. Enjoy!