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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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 video clips (cliff and water rescue training, mountain bike rescue training and hillside rescue training) 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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