The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Canadian Armed Forces Search and Rescue Technicians Matthew Sebo and Connor Twomey. Both Sebo and Twomey came to the SARTech community after already serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Matt spent 11 years in the Armoured Corps—including a deployment alongside his brother—before deciding he wanted to move away from fighting and toward a career focused on helping people. Connor began as a reservist medic before discovering the SARTech trade and realizing it combined the medicine, challenge, and specialized rescue work he was looking for. The centerpiece of the episode is a September 2025 plane crash in remote northern Manitoba. Five people were believed to be aboard, the crash site was deep in the wilderness, and reaching it by conventional means wasn't an option. Four SARTechs loaded their equipment aboard a Hercules and headed north. Arriving in complete darkness, the team parachuted into a nearby lake carrying roughly 100 pounds of equipment in addition to their parachutes, then pushed through thick muskeg and boreal forest toward the burning wreckage. When they reached the crash site, they discovered one survivor—a badly injured 20-year-old pilot. With hypothermia setting in, the SARTechs began advanced medical treatment while simultaneously developing a plan to get him out. What follows is an extraordinary chain of rescue: treating the survivor in the wilderness, carrying him through difficult terrain, moving into deep water to reach a hovering helicopter, transferring him back to the Hercules, and ultimately getting him to definitive medical care. Connor also shares another operational parachute rescue involving a helicopter crash in the Canadian wilderness—another mission where a pilot survived against incredible odds. Throughout the episode, Sebo and Twomey talk about preparation, teamwork, lessons learned, the realities of operational parachuting, and what it means to be a SARTech when the only way to reach someone in trouble is to jump out of an airplane and go get them. Enjoy! Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Switlik https://switlik.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Greg Hudson, a Canadian Armed Forces Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech), to talk about his journey into one of the most unique rescue jobs in the world. After nearly a decade in the Army, Hudson discovered the SAR Tech world, completed selection and training, and began a career that would have him parachuting from airplanes, hoisting from helicopters, providing advanced medical care, and operating everywhere from the Canadian wilderness to the North Atlantic. Hudson shares stories from his time at 413 Squadron in Greenwood, 424 Squadron in Trenton, and 103 Squadron in Gander—including his first rescue from a cruise ship, searches for downed aircraft, missions to fishing vessels, and the realities of operating in some of Canada's most remote environments. The centerpiece of the episode is the rescue of the MSC Baltic III. With the vessel disabled and drifting toward shore in brutal conditions, Hudson and the crew launched to find 20 people onboard, several injured. Hudson takes us onto the ice-covered deck, inside the damaged ship, and through the triage and hoisting operation as the crew worked to get everyone off safely. There are plenty of laughs along the way, too—including a rescue mission to a fishing boat trapped in the ice whose crew needed food, water…and was very concerned that the SAR Techs not forget the cigarettes. Throughout the conversation, Hudson emphasizes the value of sharing experiences—the good decisions, the mistakes, and the lessons learned—so the next rescuer can approach the job a little better prepared. From parachutes and hoists to medicine, teamwork, and life aboard a rescue squadron, this episode is an awesome look inside the world of a Canadian SAR Tech. Enjoy! We have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Mathew Neri, Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue pilot and as of this recording, the Commanding Officer of 103 Search and Rescue Squadron in Gander, Newfoundland. Neri takes us inside the world of Canadian search and rescue, where missions can stretch hundreds of miles offshore or deep into the remote Arctic. Flying the massive CH-149 Cormorant, his crews routinely battle fog, icing, high winds, limited fuel options, and some of the most isolated terrain on the planet. He shares the story of his first major mission as an aircraft commander—a helicopter crash hundreds of miles north in the Canadian Arctic—and the uncertainty of being a relatively new commander suddenly responsible for taking a crew into an environment he had never operated in before. Neri also walks through a challenging long-range medevac from a cargo ship off the Labrador coast. With no visible horizon and the ship rolling beneath the helicopter, the crew had to rethink their plan while one of the SARTechs nearly slid across the wet deck toward the edge during the hoist. They ultimately completed the rescue and got the patient safely to the hospital. Along the way, Neri explains how Canadian SAR crews operate, the intense training behind the SARTech community, Arctic survival training in temperatures reaching extreme lows, and the enormous amount of planning and decision-making required when the nearest fuel or rescue resource may be hours away. The conversation is filled with great rescue stories, humor, lessons learned, and an important reminder from Neri: sometimes the most important decision a rescue crew can make is knowing when to say no. From the North Atlantic to the Canadian Arctic, this episode offers an incredible look inside one of the most unique search and rescue environments in the world. Enjoy! Matt Neri YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattfrom103 We have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with retired U.S. Coast Guard aviator Richard “Dick” Wright for an incredible look at a career spanning military aviation, combat, search and rescue, and the development of the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program. Wright’s journey took him through the Navy, Marine Corps, Army flight school, combat operations in Vietnam, the U.S. Coast Guard, and an exchange tour flying search and rescue with the Royal Air Force in Scotland. One of the most powerful stories comes from Vietnam, where Wright’s Huey was hit by enemy fire, lost its engine, and crashed into a river. Trapped underwater for nearly three minutes, he ultimately escaped—but the loss of a fellow serviceman during that mission would stay with him for the rest of his life. After transitioning to the Coast Guard, Wright flew demanding SAR missions from New Orleans to Alaska, supported the 1980 Cuban refugee boatlift, and gained experience in some of the most challenging rescue environments imaginable. Later, at Coast Guard Headquarters, Wright played an important role in expanding the Rescue Swimmer Program beyond open-ocean rescue, helping develop capabilities for cliff, cave, ice, and direct-deployment operations, while also contributing to concepts that helped shape advanced rescue swimmer training. Throughout the conversation, Wright shares the rescues, losses, lessons, and people that shaped his career and helped influence the future of Coast Guard aviation search and rescue. It’s a remarkable conversation with a man who simply calls himself “a pilot,” but whose impact reached far beyond the cockpit. Enjoy! Beyond the Podcast: Additional Chapters from Dick Wright’s Career Following our conversation, Dick Wright shared several additional pieces of his remarkable military and Coast Guard career that we did not have an opportunity to explore during the podcast. From the Navy to the Marine Corps During the episode, we mentioned that Dick served in the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—but we did not explain the circumstances that led him from one service to the next. After being discharged from the United States Naval Academy, Dick was placed in the Naval Reserve because he still owed the Navy a service commitment. In 1968, as the Vietnam War continued, he requested to be recalled to active duty and assigned to the Navy’s Swift Boats operating in Vietnam. The Navy denied his request. Still determined to serve on active duty, Dick began exploring opportunities with the United States Marine Corps. That decision marked the beginning of the next chapter of his military career and ultimately became part of the extraordinary journey that would take him through three different branches of the United States Armed Forces. Leading a Caribbean Drug-Interdiction Operation Another important chapter occurred in 1989 while Dick was stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City. His commanding officer, Commander Mike McCormack, nominated him for a special drug-interdiction assignment. Rear Admiral Pennington, Commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District, personally selected Dick to serve as the officer in charge of an operation based in Curaçao in the Caribbean. Dick led the operation from a Dutch naval air station, directing a pair of E-2C fixed-wing aircraft supporting counter-narcotics missions in the region. When he arrived, relations between the Coast Guard detachment and the Dutch military command were strained. Dick’s predecessor had reportedly treated the air station as though the Coast Guard controlled it, nearly causing Dutch officials to withdraw permission for continued Coast Guard operations. Dick was uniquely equipped to repair that relationship. He had previously lived in Holland, spoke Dutch, and understood Dutch culture. His family also had a meaningful connection to the country: Dick’s father had been knighted by Queen Juliana as a Knight Commander in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Through diplomacy, respect, and his ability to communicate directly with the Dutch command, Dick rebuilt the relationship between the two organizations. The improvement was so significant that Dutch military leaders formally commended his team to the Coast Guard command in Miami responsible for overseeing the operation. Under Dick’s leadership, the deployment became the most successful operation of its kind in several years. Although this part of his career was not directly connected to search and rescue, it reveals another side of Dick’s service: his ability to lead complex operations, build international partnerships, and step into a difficult situation where success depended as much on trust and diplomacy as it did on operational expertise. A Memorable Medevac from the SS Rotterdam During the interview, Dick also recalled one particularly memorable—and surprisingly enjoyable—search-and-rescue mission: the medevac of an 84-year-old woman who had broken her leg aboard the SS Rotterdam in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Shortly after our conversation, Dick’s wife asked him to retrieve an old scrapbook from their years in Sitka. Inside, she discovered a newspaper article documenting that very rescue. After all those years, the story Dick remembered so clearly was still preserved among the family’s photographs and newspaper clippings. Dick can be seen in the accompanying photograph, standing in the rear on the right—back when, as he jokingly noted, he still had “a head full of brown hair.” Of all the missions Dick flew throughout his career, it may seem surprising that this particular case remained so vivid. Not every memorable rescue is remembered because it was the most dangerous or dramatic. Sometimes it is the people, the circumstances, the teamwork, or simply the feeling of a successful day that stays with a rescuer for the rest of his life. These additional stories help complete the portrait of Dick Wright’s career: a career shaped by determination, military service, aviation, international leadership, diplomacy, and a lifetime of answering the call when others needed help. Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ Switlik https://switlik.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, Jason Quinn sits down with Brad Newbury and his daughter, Kiera Newbury, to talk about rescue, emergency medicine, CPR, and the lasting impact of saving a life. Brad brings more than four decades of experience in fire and EMS, while Kiera grew up around emergency medicine, became CPR certified at eight years old, later earned her EMT certification, and worked in a Level I trauma center in Boston. Together, they co-authored The Saved Effect , a book focused on what happens after the rescue is over. Our conversation explores powerful stories of cardiac arrest and drowning survivors who went on to live for years and even decades after being saved. One survivor lived another 27 years, long enough to walk both daughters down the aisle, help raise grandchildren, and meet great-grandchildren. Brad and Kiera also discuss the importance of bystander CPR, the emotional side of rescue work, and why first responders rarely get to see the full impact of the lives they help save. The episode is a reminder that the rescue may end when the patient is handed off, but the story often continues for years afterward. For rescuers, healthcare professionals, and everyday people alike, the message is simple: “learn CPR, be prepared, and be willing to step forward when someone needs you.” Enjoy. Get the book, The Saved Effect https://thesavedeffect.com/ Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ Switlik https://switlik.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this special finale of The Real ResQ Podcast's six-part series, "What It Takes to Become a Hoist Operator," host Jason Quinn sits down with three men who helped shape his own career in helicopter rescue: Dan Cancetty, Pat Barber, and Joe Martin. Together, they bring decades of experience spanning military, civilian, offshore, law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, and international helicopter operations. Unlike the previous episodes that focused on specific agencies and organizations, this conversation takes a broader look at the profession itself. Drawing from careers that have taken them around the world, the group discusses the many different paths that can lead to the cabin door—from the U.S. Coast Guard and military aviation to fire departments, EMS, law enforcement aviation units, utility helicopter operations, and civilian rescue programs. The guests share their own stories of how they became hoist operators, including flood rescues in Honduras, Coast Guard search and rescue missions in Alaska, offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico, international training programs, and countless real-world rescues performed under some of the most demanding conditions imaginable. Along the way, they reflect on the mentors who shaped them, the lessons learned from mistakes, and the importance of remaining a student no matter how much experience you accumulate. The conversation dives deep into what aspiring hoist operators can do to prepare themselves for the profession. Topics include medical training, rope rescue, firefighting, law enforcement aviation, cross-training opportunities, aircraft knowledge, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and the mindset required to safely operate in high-risk environments. The group emphasizes that while there is no single roadmap to becoming a hoist operator, the common traits among successful operators remain the same: humility, professionalism, curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to continuous learning. Listeners will also hear stories from years spent teaching hoist operations around the world, working with agencies ranging from sheriff's departments and DEA aviation units to military organizations and international rescue programs. The discussion highlights how different organizations may approach the job differently, but the core principles of safety, communication, teamwork, and service remain universal. Whether you're already flying, working in public safety, considering a career in rescue aviation, or simply fascinated by the world of helicopter rescue, this episode offers invaluable insight from four professionals who have collectively spent decades learning, teaching, and refining the craft. More than anything, this episode serves as a reminder that becoming a hoist operator isn't about mastering a checklist—it's about committing yourself to a lifetime of learning, responsibility, and service to others. Enjoy! Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn continues the "What It Takes to Become a Hoist Operator" series with two guests from Australia who represent both the volunteer and professional sides of helicopter rescue operations: Kane Treloar of Life Saving Victoria and Peter McDonell of CHC Helicopters. Together, they provide a fascinating look at the uniquely Australian pathway into rescue aviation—a journey that often begins not in a helicopter, but on the beach. Kane shares how he started as a volunteer surf lifesaver at just 13 years old before progressing through the ranks to become a rescue swimmer and eventually a hoist operator aboard the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. He explains how Australia's surf lifesaving organizations have built a world-class volunteer rescue system that has been protecting coastal communities for decades while also developing the next generation of rescue aviation professionals. Peter discusses his own path from surf lifesaving to a 20-plus-year career with CHC Helicopters, one of the world's leading helicopter operators. He explains why many of Australia's most successful hoist operators and rescue crew members begin their careers as rescue swimmers, developing water confidence, decision-making skills, and real-world rescue experience long before stepping into the hoist operator role. The conversation explores the selection process, training requirements, and mindset needed to become a hoist operator. From fitness testing and psychological evaluations to aircraft systems knowledge, confined-area operations, and overwater rescues, the guests explain why technical skill alone isn't enough. Curiosity, adaptability, professionalism, and the ability to think several steps ahead are often what separate good operators from great ones. Kane and Peter also discuss the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and maintaining the humility to recognize that qualification is only the beginning. As they explain, earning your certification isn't the finish line—it's simply your license to start learning. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain insight into the strong partnership between volunteer surf lifesaving organizations and professional helicopter operators across Australia, and how that relationship continues to produce highly skilled rescue professionals who serve both their local communities and the broader rescue aviation industry. Whether you're interested in becoming a hoist operator, pursuing a career in search and rescue, or simply curious about how rescue aviation works in Australia, this episode offers valuable lessons from two professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Enjoy! Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn continues the "What It Takes to Become a Hoist Operator" series with two highly experienced rescue professionals from Germany: Simon Kremser and Sebastian Schneider. Although they arrived at the same destination, their journeys could not have been more different. Kremser began his career as an aircraft mechanic before finding his way into mountain rescue, offshore hoisting operations, and international helicopter rescue training. Schneider's path started in emergency medicine and military service, eventually leading him into rescue aviation where he now serves as a Chief Hoist Instructor and Training Manager. Together, they provide a unique look into how Germany develops and trains helicopter hoist operators. Throughout the conversation, Kremser and Schneider explain that becoming a hoist operator is about far more than learning how to operate a hoist. It requires a deep understanding of aircraft systems, crew coordination, emergency procedures, human factors, risk management, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. They discuss the demanding training pipeline, the importance of mentorship, and why technical proficiency must be paired with humility and professionalism. The discussion explores the differences between civilian and military rescue operations, mountain rescue environments, offshore missions, and the unique challenges faced by rescue crews operating throughout Europe. Both guests share stories from their careers, lessons learned through years of experience, and insights into the training philosophies that help prepare the next generation of hoist operators. One of the recurring themes throughout the episode is that there is no single roadmap to becoming a hoist operator. Some begin as mechanics. Others as medics, rescue specialists, or military aircrew. While the paths may be different, the common traits among successful operators remain remarkably consistent: dedication, discipline, curiosity, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning. Kremser and Schneider also discuss the importance of building a strong foundation before ever touching a hoist control. From mastering communication and aircraft knowledge to understanding rescue systems and crew resource management, they explain why earning the qualification is only the beginning of the learning process. Whether you're an aspiring hoist operator, an aviation professional, or simply fascinated by the world of helicopter rescue, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most demanding and rewarding roles in aviation. This is an inside look at Germany's rescue aviation community, the people who make it work, and the many paths that can ultimately lead to the cabin door. Enjoy! Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Brandon Solomon, Andrew Gallagher and Stef Maier from Travis County STAR Flight for another installment in our ongoing series exploring what it takes to become a hoist operator. Together, they pull back the curtain on one of the most demanding and rewarding positions in helicopter rescue operations. Unlike many public safety aviation programs that are rooted in law enforcement or fire service, Travis County STAR Flight operates as a unique air medical and rescue organization, combining critical care transport, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and helicopter hoist operations. The guests explain how their system works, the qualifications required to join the team, and the pathway from new hire to fully qualified hoist operator. Brandon, Andrew, and Stef share their individual journeys into helicopter rescue, discussing how backgrounds in paramedicine, emergency medicine, and rescue operations eventually led them to the hoist operator role. They explain why becoming a hoist operator isn't something that happens overnight and how every crew member must first develop a strong foundation as a rescue specialist before taking responsibility for directing the aircraft, managing the hoist, and overseeing rescue operations from the cabin. The conversation dives deep into the STAR Flight training pipeline, covering everything from classroom instruction and static ground training to live-load hoisting, water operations, confined area rescues, night missions, and realistic field training exercises. The team discusses the philosophy behind their training program and why proficiency—not simply checking boxes—is the standard they strive for when preparing future hoist operators. Listeners will also gain insight into the realities of working in a modern helicopter rescue program, where crew members may be called upon to provide advanced medical care, conduct technical rescues, coordinate aerial firefighting missions, and support multi-agency emergency operations—all while maintaining the skills and judgment required to safely perform hoist rescues when lives are hanging from the end of a cable. Throughout the episode, the discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, communication, humility, and continuous learning. The guests offer valuable advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in helicopter search and rescue, emphasizing that success often comes from building a broad base of experience, developing strong relationships within the rescue community, and never passing up an opportunity to learn. Whether you're a paramedic, firefighter, law enforcement officer, military aviator, rescue specialist, or simply fascinated by helicopter rescue operations, this episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people, training, and professionalism required to become a hoist operator. Enjoy! Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down once again with James Dahmer—Air Operations Specialist, Hoist Operator, Rescue Specialist, Paramedic, and longtime search and rescue professional with Blackcomb Helicopters in British Columbia, Canada. As part of our ongoing series exploring what it takes to become a hoist operator, Dahmer shares his unique journey into the world of helicopter rescue and aerial operations. Unlike many aviation professionals who begin their careers in the cockpit or directly in aviation, James built his foundation on the ground through search and rescue, ski patrol, wildfire operations, military service, rope rescue, and emergency medicine before ultimately finding his way into helicopter hoisting operations. Throughout the conversation, Dahmer explains how Canada's path to becoming a hoist operator differs from many programs around the world. He discusses the importance of developing technical expertise long before stepping into an aircraft, emphasizing rope rescue systems, mountain operations, avalanche safety, weather forecasting, emergency medicine, and search and rescue leadership. Listeners get an inside look at the diverse responsibilities of an Air Operations Specialist with Blackcomb Helicopters. Beyond hoisting, the role can include long-line rescue operations, fixed-line rescue systems, avalanche control, mountain rescue standby, patient care, aviation safety, and coordinating complex rescue operations in some of Canada's most challenging terrain. James also shares valuable advice for anyone hoping to follow a similar path. From building technical rescue experience and becoming a student of aviation, to preparing for opportunities before they appear, he explains why success in this field often comes down to passion, preparation, and a willingness to continually learn. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, the influence of respected hoist operators and why maintaining curiosity and professionalism can open doors throughout a rescue career. Whether you're interested in helicopter rescue, mountain operations, search and rescue, emergency medicine, or simply want to understand what it takes to earn a spot on a hoist team, this episode provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at one of the most specialized jobs in aviation. Enjoy! Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this special episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with a group of United States Coast Guard Flight Mechanics, Richard Butler, Justin Leddon and Kyle Turcotte to pull back the curtain on one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—positions in Coast Guard aviation. From the first day of Basic Aircrew (BA) training to becoming a fully qualified flight mech, the crew shares what it really takes to earn a place at the cabin door. They discuss the rigorous qualification process, the countless hours spent studying aircraft systems and emergency procedures, and the dedication required to master one of the most demanding jobs in aviation rescue. The conversation provides an inside look at how flight mechanics learn to safely operate hoists in increasingly complex environments. From ground-based training and overland operations to boat hoists, nighttime missions, and real-world rescues, listeners gain a firsthand understanding of the crawl-walk-run approach used to build confidence, competence, and proficiency. The crew also discusses the differences between the MH-60 Jayhawk and MH-65 Dolphin platforms, sharing lessons learned from both aircraft and the unique challenges each presents. They explain how standardization, communication, and teamwork become essential when operating in high-risk environments where precision matters and mistakes can have serious consequences. Throughout the episode, the guests offer practical advice for young Coast Guard members entering aviation, discussing study techniques, chair-flying, emergency procedure memorization, and the importance of developing strong habits early in the qualification process. They also share stories about their first boat hoists, overcoming fear, and the rewarding feeling that comes with finally becoming a qualified hoist operator. Whether you're a future aircrew member, a seasoned aviator, or simply fascinated by the world of helicopter rescue, this episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the training, professionalism, and teamwork that help make Coast Guard search and rescue one of the most respected rescue organizations in the world. Enjoy! Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Johnny Gray III, Firefighter Paramedic, Air Operations Crew Chief with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Gray shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Southern California as the son of four-time Olympian Johnny Gray, to chasing his dream of professional basketball. He did so playing across world in Germany, Hungary, Angola, and Estonia, before ultimately finding his true calling in the fire service. We get into the world of Los Angeles County Fire Air Operations, one of the busiest and most diverse rescue programs in the nation. Gray recounts his first days as a firefighter and paramedic, his first helicopter rescue, and the lessons learned while responding to everything from mountain rescues and cardiac arrests to dramatic vehicle extractions and lifesaving medevac missions. One of the highlights of the episode is Gray's firsthand account of the historic Christmas Eve flood response that swept across Southern California. Facing relentless rain, mudslides, debris flows, and rapidly rising floodwaters, LA County helicopter crews conducted dozens of hoist rescues, pulling stranded civilians from rooftops, vehicles, and isolated flood zones in one of the most intense rescue operations of his career. Gray also shares unforgettable stories from the field, including delivering babies in living rooms surrounded by cheering family members, bringing a teenage cardiac arrest patient back to life on a remote hiking trail, conducting nighttime mountain hoists hundreds of feet below a helicopter, and working alongside specialized trauma surgeons flown directly to accident scenes to perform lifesaving procedures. Throughout the conversation, Gray reflects on the importance of preparation, teamwork, leadership, and continuous training. Drawing parallels between professional sports and emergency response, he explains how discipline, trust, and repetition allow rescuers to perform when the stakes are highest and lives hang in the balance. Enjoy! Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Switlik Survival Products https://switlik.com/ READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Shay Williams. A former United States Army and United States Coast Guard helicopter pilot. Williams shares the remarkable journey that took him from growing up on Air Force bases as the son of a military pilot to flying troop transport missions with the 82nd Airborne Division, conducting medevac operations in Hawaii, and eventually transitioning into the United States Coast Guard’s elite search and rescue community. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the sacrifices made in service, and the passion for aviation that drove him from the very beginning. We dive deep into the realities of rescue operations. From difficult medevac missions and emotionally devastating calls to the adrenaline and fulfillment that come with saving lives. Williams opens up about the emotional toll of emergency response work, the evolution of mental health awareness within military aviation, and the importance of taking care of crews after traumatic cases. Williams recounts flying rescue missions over New Orleans in catastrophic conditions afore Hurricane Katrina. Rescuing survivors from rooftops, coordinating with military assets at the Superdome, and navigating the chaos of a city collapsing in real time. He details the overwhelming volume of distress calls, the dangers crews faced flying low over flooded streets and power lines, and the extraordinary teamwork that allowed Coast Guard crews to save countless lives during the disaster. This episode is packed with unforgettable rescue stories, leadership lessons, aviation history, humor, heartbreak, and honest reflections from a man who spent his career answering the call when others needed help most. Enjoy. Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Breeze-Eastern , https://www.breeze-eastern.com/ READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Naude Dreyer, founder of Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN), marine wildlife rescuer, conservationist, and one of the world's leading experts in disentangling seals from marine debris. What began with a single seal caught in a fishing net over a decade ago has grown into an internationally recognized rescue organization that has saved thousands of marine animals and inspired millions through social media. Born and raised in Namibia, Dreyer shares how a childhood spent around wildlife and the ocean eventually led him to dedicate his life to protecting marine animals. He recounts the moment that changed everything—rescuing a young seal hopelessly tangled in fishing gear and realizing that without intervention, the animal would have died. That rescue sparked an obsession that ultimately became Ocean Conservation Namibia. We get an inside look at the realities of marine wildlife rescue as Dreyer explains how his team patrols seal colonies containing tens of thousands of animals, searching for seals entangled in fishing nets, packing bands, ropes, and plastic waste. He shares dramatic rescue stories, including seals trapped beneath massive bundles of fishing net, animals tied together by marine debris, and the heartbreaking consequences of ocean pollution. He shares a story of a challenging rescue of a stranded whale, rehabilitating endangered African penguins, and even relocating venomous snakes. Along the way, Dreyer discusses the risks rescuers face—from seal bites and whale strikes to the recent emergence of rabies within seal populations. Beyond the rescues, Dreyer explains how OCN has become a powerful voice for ocean conservation, using social media and education programs to raise awareness about marine pollution and inspire action around the world. He shares insights into the growing plastic crisis, the impact of discarded fishing gear on marine ecosystems, and the simple steps individuals can take to make a difference. Enjoy! References: https://www.ocnamibia.org/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OceanConservationNamibia https://www.instagram.com/oceanconservationnamibia/?hl=en https://youtu.be/ZvWBFPtpOKY?si=M-GJM8erOCeJqbRF Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn sits down with Mike Park, the former CEO of Mountain Rescue England and Wales. As a volunteer rescuer with more than 42 years of mountain rescue experience. From his first callout as a teenager accompanying his father to a fatal aircraft crash site, to representing over 3,000 volunteer rescuers across England and Wales, Park shares an incredible perspective on the past, present, and future of mountain rescue. Park takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the largest volunteer rescue organizations in the world, explaining how mountain rescue teams respond to more than 3,500 incidents each year while balancing relationships with government agencies, police forces, ambulance services, and other emergency response organizations. He also discusses the challenges of leading a nationwide volunteer organization while preserving the grassroots culture that makes mountain rescue so effective. We explore how technology has transformed rescue operations over the decades—from mobile phones and modern mapping systems to drone technology and artificial intelligence. Park explains how teams are now using AI-assisted drone searches to locate missing persons faster and more effectively, including cases that helped bring closure to families after months and even years of searching. Park shares a few unforgettable rescue stories, including a dramatic flash-flood incident involving four young hikers stranded deep in the Lake District, humorous tales of sheep rescues on steep cliff faces, and the unforgettable search for comedian Bill Bailey’s runaway rescue dog, Tiger. We also dive into the evolution of search and rescue in the UK, the growing influence of social media on outdoor recreation, and the importance of preparation before heading into the mountains. Park offers practical advice for outdoor enthusiasts and explains why mountain rescuers don't want people to stop adventuring—they simply want them to do it safely so they can enjoy the outdoors for years to come. Finally, Park shares how mountain rescue teams have expanded beyond traditional mountain incidents and are now routinely called upon to assist during major flooding events, severe weather emergencies, large-scale searches, and national disasters. It's a fascinating look at how volunteer rescuers continue to adapt to an ever-changing world while remaining committed to one simple mission: helping people when they need it most. Enjoy. References: https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/ Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ IPSQA https://ipsqa.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #68 and Coast Guard pilot, Russ Torgerson. Born in Alaska and raised in Colorado, Torgerson originally planned to follow in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter. Until a chance glimpse of Coast Guard fast boats on Miami Vice changed the course of his life forever. What started as a “four-year plan” quickly turned into a 31-year career filled with unforgettable missions, close calls, and lessons learned both in the aircraft and beyond. Torgerson dives deep into several dramatic rescue cases, including the harrowing 1990 mission near St. Paul Island, Alaska, where Russ and his crew rescued survivors from a fishing vessel before suffering a catastrophic hoist cable failure that tore through the helicopter’s rotor system. Forced to make an emergency landing during an Arctic storm, the crew and survivors spent nearly two days stranded inside the damaged HH-3F Pelican waiting for rescue. Torgerson recounts the tension, survival decisions, humor, and teamwork that helped everyone survive. Torgerson also shares stories from Detroit, Kodiak, North Bend, and Atlantic City—including rescues on the Great Lakes, flying beneath the St. Louis Arch during flood operations, emergency aircraft mishaps, and the long road toward earning his pilot wings after being rejected multiple times for Officer Candidate School and flight training waivers. His persistence, humility, and dedication ultimately carried him from the rescue basket to the cockpit. Beyond the rescues and aviation stories, this episode also explores the personal side of service. Torgerson opens up about the emotional weight carried throughout a long Coast Guard career, the importance of accountability and mentorship, and how faith, family, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became essential tools in maintaining mental health and finding purpose after difficult chapters in life. Enjoy. For more information on the Bow Mainer, check out Disasters at Sea S3E2. Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Breeze-Eastern https://www.breeze-eastern.com/ IPSQA https://ipsqa.com/ READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ get 10% off your order with the discount code RESQ10. We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, Jason sits down with the Longview Fire Department crew The team responded to what quickly became one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent memory. From the moment the call came in, the situation was evolving. Limited information, rapidly changing conditions, and the realization that this was going to require everything they had. What followed was a race against time as firefighters began a grueling climb that would take over an hour just to reach the victims, all while a massive balloon canopy whipped in the wind, threatening to tear free at any moment. This episode takes you deep inside the operation. From the incident command decisions on the ground, to the physical and mental grind of climbing nearly 900 feet, to the delicate, high-risk process of getting two survivors out of that basket, onto the tower and lowered to the ground. You’ll hear how critical communication, both within the team and directly with the victims, helped hold everything together. Plus how training, experience, and trust allowed this crew to solve a problem no one truly prepares for. This isn’t just a story about a dramatic rescue. It’s about what happens when preparation meets the unpredictable. When the call comes in that you can’t script, can’t simulate, and can’t avoid—you show up anyway and do your job. Enjoy! [Link to debrief] Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ get 10% off your order with the discount code RESQ10. IPSQA https://ipsqa.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn brings together the people who knew United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #445, Mike Rinaldi, best. His widow, Aggie, his family and his fellow rescue swimmers to honor his life, his service, and the impact he left behind. Through heartfelt stories and firsthand accounts, listeners are taken from Rinaldi’s early life growing up in Minnesota—where he developed his work ethic, love for hockey, and deep sense of family—to his time in the Coast Guard, where he quickly became known for his relentless positivity, sharp sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his team. The crew reflects on what it was like working alongside Rinaldi in the swimmer shop—his drive to excel, his eagerness to learn, and the camaraderie that defined their tight-knit group. From hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and shop antics to intense training and real-world rescue operations, this episode captures both the brotherhood and the reality of life as a rescue swimmer. Aggie shares a deeply moving perspective from home—highlighting Rinaldi’s character beyond the job, his resilience through the grueling demands of swimmer school, and the love and partnership they built together. The episode also touches on Rinaldi’s battle with cancer, and how, even in the face of adversity, he continued to uplift those around him with humor, strength, and determination. The conversation ultimately leads to the tragic night that changed everything—a raw and emotional recounting that underscores the fragility of life, even for those who spend their careers saving others. This episode is more than a story—it’s a tribute. A reminder of the impact one person can have on a community, the importance of remembering those we’ve lost, and the enduring bond shared among those who answer the call when others cannot. Real voices. Real stories. And a legacy that will never be forgotten. Enjoy! We have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Brad Torrens, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #114, for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that spans the early days of Coast Guard aviation through the birth of the rescue swimmer program—and the personal cost that can come with a lifetime of rescue work. Torrens takes us back to one of his earliest and most intense cases as a flight mechanic. Launching into horrific weather in the Gulf of Mexico on January 2nd to assist a sinking fishing vessel. With waves crashing over seawalls and minimal aircraft capability, the crew pushed the limits of both machine and mission. In a moment that still stands out decades later, Brad made the call to give up his own life vest to survivors in need, facing the reality of risk in its purest form. From there, we moved to his first major rescue case in Cape May, where as the only qualified EMT on board, Brad executed a high-risk hoist onto a heavily rigged fishing vessel in near-zero visibility. With the aircraft hovering just feet above a violently pitching deck, he guided a complex litter hoist through a maze of rigging while stabilizing a severely injured patient mid-flight. That mission would earn him his first Coast Guard Commendation Medal, though at the time, like many in the community, he saw it simply as “doing the job.” Torrens also shares what it was like to serve before the official rescue swimmer program existed, when flight mechanics were often the ones going over the side or when necessary, even lowering untrained crew members to vessels in distress. He walks through the transition period following the Marine Electric disaster, when the Coast Guard made the shift to formalize the rescue swimmer role, and what it was like to be part of that first generation of swimmers. Training hard, proving the concept, and slowly building trust with pilots who weren’t yet used to putting people in the water. Torrens brings us inside the reality of rescue work. The unpredictable missions, split-second decisions, and the constant reliance on training. From being crushed against a vessel while searching for survivors, to guiding aircraft in zero visibility, to operating without the modern equipment crews rely on today. His stories highlight just how much the profession has evolved, and how much of it was learned the hard way. But beyond the rescues, this episode also touches on something deeper. Torrens speaks candidly about the long-term impact of the job, the weight that builds over time, and the importance of addressing mental health in the rescue community. He shares the loss of a fellow rescue swimmer and emphasizes the need for connection, support, and seeking help when it’s needed. Pointing to programs like Operation Restored Warrior as a resource that can truly change lives. This episode is more than just a collection of rescue stories, it’s a look at the evolution of a career field, the mindset required to operate on the edge, and the human side of those who dedicate their lives to saving others. From the early days of Coast Guard aviation, to life on the edge of risk, to the realities that follow after the mission ends. Enjoy. Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Breeze-Eastern , https://www.breeze-eastern.com/ READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/ We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook ,

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn dives into a dramatic multi-agency rescue off the coast of Dingle, Ireland, where the fishing vessel Fastnet was in distress and it triggered a complex and fast-moving response. Featuring voices from Dispatch - Denis O’Leary, ground team - Carol Leahy, RNLI Volunteer Rescue Boat Crew - Sean Curtin and Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Crewmen - Paraic Slattery and Jim O’Neill. The team walks through the mission step by step, sharing the real-time challenges they faced, the critical decisions made under pressure, and the coordination required to bring the operation to a successful conclusion. They explain how teamwork, communication, and rapid decision-making proved essential as conditions evolved as the vessel was being battered against the rocks. The crew reflects on the interagency collaboration that kept the mission on track, and the moment the outcome became clear: 14 lives safely rescued. It’s a powerful look at the professionalism and partnership required when multiple rescue organizations come together in the face of uncertainty—and how preparation and trust turn chaos into a save. Enjoy. Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: READYBAR and The Real ResQ Store . Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook , Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com