In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Andy French, a U.S. Army Physician Assistant. 

Andy discusses the journey from a military upbringing to his experiences in the Army, the impact of 9/11 on his career choices, and his transition to becoming a Physician Assistant.

French shares his unique experiences in emergency medicine, including challenges faced after Physician Assistant school and memorable medical calls that shaped his career. The conversation highlights the importance of learning from mistakes and the rewarding nature of working in emergency medicine.

Some of the stories shared include a home oxygen explosion, a shooting incident, and a remarkable rescue mission known as Operation Pineapple Express, which aimed to evacuate an Afghan interpreter during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. 

French emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, the value of teamwork in medicine, and the need for compassion and support for those who have risked their lives to assist U.S. forces. Enjoy!

Support Khan's Family Reunification Journey

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Rick McElrath, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #17.

McElrath shares his journey working as a Coast Guard Aviation Survivalman (ASM) before the Rescue Swimmer program was established. He shares a memorable C-130 Hercules mission where he dropped a pump to a distressed boat taking on water. He reflects on Navy Rescue Swimmer School and his assignment to Astoria, Oregon, where he flew his first mission as a Rescue Swimmer, responding to a missing person in a remote cabin.

The conversation covers more rescues out of Astoria before moving to his time in Clearwater, Florida, where he primarily flew law enforcement missions. He shares one of his standout stories from this duty station.

McElrath then takes us to Sitka, Alaska, recounting several memorable rescues, including those that earned him prestigious awards. He dives into the challenges of rescuing in treacherous weather, the emotional toll of saving lives, and the vital role of teamwork.

He concludes by reflecting on his career and the transition to civilian life, offering valuable advice to the next generation of rescue professionals. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Robert E. Lee, a former United States Coast Guard flight mechanic.

Lee shares his experiences during his time in Clearwater, Florida, starting with his first rescue. He recounts responding to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, describing the challenges and dangers of these missions, including dealing with survivors who didn’t want to be rescued and witnessing the storms’ devastation.

He also discusses two other standout rescues in Clearwater: One involving two men found in the water after their boat sank, and another with the unique twist of being able to drive the survivor home.

From there, Lee reflects on his time in Houston, sharing insights on the camaraderie with different pilots and his transition back to Houston for a twilight tour. He also recalls a heroic car accident rescue that earned him the Puro Clean Award. Enjoy!

Fight for Frontline Foundation (F4)

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by John Green, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #111.  

Green, a former United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer, shares his experiences and stories from his time in the service. He discussed his background, how he became a rescue swimmer, and his most memorable experiences as a rescue swimmer.

Green’s first rescue involved spotting a survivor of an aircraft crash in shark-infested waters, deploying into the water, and rescuing the unconscious survivor. John's heroic and selfless actions saved the survivor's life. 

For the rest of our conversation we go over multiple rescues that Green was involved with during his Coast Guard career.  Rescues that earned him multiple Letter of Commendation awards as well as a Distinguished Flying Cross. A rescue where he and his crew saved 51 people from a rig explosion, earning recognition in books and magazines.   

Overall, Greens's stories highlight the bravery, teamwork, and dedication of Coast Guard rescue swimmers. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn joins the FROST team as they prepare for operations at the Las Cruces Air & Space Expo in New Mexico. Featuring Joe Sarber, Bob Yanacsek, Tim Spencer, Matthew Hall, Luke Lansdell, Cory Britt, and Lori Evans, the team shares their FROST journey.

As the conversation unfolds, they recount memorable rescue stories, including an airport injury, a man stuck in a tree, a cat rescue, the Oklahoma City bombing, and a tree trapping a woman in her bed.

The episode wraps up with final thoughts and a message from the Air Boss. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Daniel Backus, a pilot with the Tennessee National Guard.

Backus shares his journey from a small Tennessee town to Army helicopter pilot. He talks about his transition into search and rescue, including early training and insights from his first rescue mission. He discusses the intensity of real-life rescues, including memorable missions during the 2022 Kentucky floods and a checkride that unexpectedly became a real rescue.

The episode also dives into the teamwork required in wildfire missions, the role of medevac services, and the importance of mutual aid in emergency responses. Backus recalls personal experiences, like a significant aircraft incident and the vital support of maintenance teams in crisis. He wraps up with reflections on mental health, community, and the value of expressing support within aviation. Enjoy!

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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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