Shows
The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 151 Dillon Nelson and his Cadaver Dog Jakoby - Part 2In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are once again joined by Dillon Nelson with more stories about him and his cadaver dog, Jakoby. Dillon and Jakoby have continued to train and have been called out for searches on missing people. He comes on to tell us some of his most recent stories. The first story Dillon talks about was when he and Jakoby were called out by the Georgia Task Force to search for a missing guy. They started the search based on footage from someone’s trail camera. Another call out was requested by the Georgia Bureau of I...
2023-09-131h 32The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 150 Bob Watson USCG Rescue Swimmer 273In this episode of the Real ResQ, we are joined by Bob Watson, USCG Rescue Swimmer 273. After Bob and I take a trip down memory lane reflecting on some of our time together in Kodiak, Alaska, we get into his incredible career. There was a very long wait to even get to Rescue Swimmer school, but thanks to his wife Lori, Bob stayed the course. After we discuss Rescue Swimmer school, we go right into talking about rescues. His first rescue was a logger who was hit in the head by a large tree. Bob and a few others fr...
2023-09-063h 34The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 149 Jamie MoCrazy World Class Freestyle Skier and Major Head Trauma SurvivorIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jamie MoCrazy, world class freestyle skier who competed in Junior World Championships, X Games, and FIS Freestyle World Ski Championship. Growing up doing gymnastics and snow skiing, Jamie wanted to bring these two sports together. So that is exactly what she did! She took women's freestyle skiing to the next level. Jamie was the first female skier to land a double backflip in a competition at the Winter X Games XVII in Aspen, Colorado. In 2015, on her second run of the competition, Jamie had a terrible accident. While...
2023-08-301h 33The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 148 Darcy Guyant - US Army and US Coast Guard PilotIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Darcy Guyant, pilot from the US Army and the US Coast Guard. After flying seven years in the Army, Darcy made the change to the USCG. His first rescue was in the USCG in the H52 where he landed in the water for a ‘platform pickup’. His second story with us is one of his most memorable stories. While in Port Angeles WA there was a call on Dungeness Spit where eight people were trapped due to high tide and fire on the island. The next story he tells us...
2023-08-231h 24The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 147 Jim Shorten (Jones) US Navy, US Army Special Operations and US Air Force PararescueIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jim Shorten (Jones) who served in the US Navy, the US Army, and the US Air Force. Jim goes down memory lane with us and recalls stories from his time in Vietnam, while he was with the Navy and the Army Special Forces. He was with a special detachment intelligence group that required him and his teams to go “across the fence.” He takes us through a few of his rescue missions known as ‘Brightlight’s’. We talk about some of his missions as an Air Force Pararescue, including on...
2023-08-173h 03The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 146 Michael Allen, Arizona Department of Public SafetyIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Michael Allen from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ-DPS). Michael, who was born and raised in Arizona, started his career with the fire department. In line to make Captain, he decided to change careers and move on to work with the Air Rescue Unit for AZ-DPS. After a seven month academy and then another four months of Air Rescue Training, he is doing what he has always wanted to do! As he starts getting into some of his rescue stories, we go over a few “first’s” that he h...
2023-08-111h 57The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 145 Bob McMahon Pilot for Delaware State Police and Volunteer FirefighterIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Bob McMahon, Delaware State Police, pilot, and volunteer firefighter. As a retired police officer of 41 years, as well as an inductee into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame, Bob has some great stories. The first story that Bob considers his most memorable is one that has never actually been told until now. During his off time, Bob and his girlfriend (now wife) were spending a day at the beach. While he was alone in the water, he watched a lady and her baby get hit by a wave...
2023-07-301h 44The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 144 Brian Fishbook, Ski Patrol, Helicopter Hoist Operator and Paramedic from CanadaIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Brian Fishbook, a Ski Patrol, Hoist Operator and Paramedic from Canada. Growing up around the Vancouver, Canada and Whistler area, Brian has seen some amazing things in his 26 years as a ski patroller. He recalls several “first” rescues on the mountains, from a simple broken wrist walking to the ski patrol lodge, to a major head injury and seizure in extreme cold weather. We then talk about his first and second longline rescues. These stories are about a kid who went off trail and was stuck for the night and a...
2023-07-222h 40The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 143 Jay O’Donnell from UK and the Royal Navy (Ret’d)In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jay O’Donnell from the United Kingdom. He shares some of his very memorable rescues while he was in The Royal Navy as a Rescue Diver. His first rescue is actually the reason he continued down the Search and Rescue path. A ferry that had sank with 500 people in the water, which made for a memorable start. The next rescue we talk about, was his first call out after being qualified for an injured fisherman. The more we talk, the more he is reminded of a couple other stori...
2023-07-142h 00The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 142 Nic Holmes from South AfricaIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Nic Holmes from South Africa. Nic recaps eleven (and we could have done more too!) that he has been involved as a rope rescue technician. We start with his first rescue of three guys who literally ran off a cliff. The news headline with this rescue was, ‘Three Rescued After Gorge Tumble’. The second story he tells us is based on the new headline, ‘Fireman Suffers ‘Only a Broken Leg’ after a 35 m fall’. Our third story has stuck with Nic since it happened. He and his team were dispatche...
2023-07-061h 59The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 141 Matthew Fader from Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS)In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Matthew Fader. Matthew, originally from the United States, has lived in Sweden for the second half of his life. Our conversation jumps right into his first rescue and why he has been in search and rescue the majority of his life. At 19 years old, he helped an unconscious surfer with a head laceration, by providing CPR to him on the beach. After a helicopter came to extract the victim, and from that day forward, he knew what he wanted to do! He made a move to Sweden with his...
2023-06-271h 50The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 140 Dr Ben Meadley Flight Paramedic from AustraliaIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Dr. Ben Meadley, a flight paramedic from Australia. Ben has been working in the EMS and helicopter world for over 25 years. In January of 2023, he earned the Ambulance Service Medal for his service and for everything that he has done for Australia's medical community. As we get into our conversation, we talk about his first helicopter rescue. The victim took a crash off his motorbike and sustained severe injuries. Ben hiked up 800 meters of steep, rugged terrain with about 40kg/88lb of equipment. The rescue was not over aft...
2023-06-201h 17The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 139 Jon Bartel USCG PilotIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jon Bartel, USCG Pilot. Jon started his career as a school teacher, but decided that was not what he wanted to do. He went into construction and that is where he learned about the Coast Guard. Jon signed up, went to boot camp, and has served ever since. As we discuss his 26 year strong career, we talk about so many stories. These stories include cross country flights, flying the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Law Enforcement missions, and his first flight in Alaska. Then we get into some of hi...
2023-06-131h 26The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 138 Sebastian Schneider, Hoist Instructor from GermanyIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Sebastian Schneider, a Hoist Instructor from Germany. With a background in the German military as a medic, Sebastian has seen quite a bit. He tells us a story about a climber who fell 20m/60ft in a canyon that he and his crew had to rescue. Hoisting the medics into the scene, they were surprised to see the victim had only a broken leg. Next, we discuss his current role as a hoist operator instructor with DRF. In this role, he is able to pass the lessons that he...
2023-06-0753 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 137 USCG Crew, The Rescue of Capsized Boat in AstoriaIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we get a full debrief by the entire crew of USCG 6009, PIC Will Sirokman, SIC Tripp Haas, Flight Mech Joe Ivy, Flight Mech Kyle Turcotte, and RS1032 Branch Walton. These men were the crew that responded to the vessel crushed by a huge wave, capsizing the vessel and tossing the survivor around like a rag doll. Will, Tripp, Joe, and Kyle were taking a look at weather and sea state when the call came in. A radio call back to base for a Rescue Swimmer, it was Branch who won a game of...
2023-05-191h 12The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 136 Daniel Foust, Former USMC PilotIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Daniel Foust, former USMC pilot and founder and CEO of Corporate Aviation Security International (CASI). While working overseas, he and his crews were tasked with all sorts of different missions. As for the mission we discussed, Daniel and crew flew out to a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to do an extraction of a few people. However, the manifest that was handed to them was inaccurate and missing a name. This required them to go back out into “bad guy country” again. Enjoy! https://therealresq.com/home...
2023-05-1247 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 135 Jerry Hoover USCG RS 104In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jerry Hoover USCG RS 104. I was able to spend the first four months of my Rescue Swimmer career with Jerry in Elizabeth City, NC. Prior to school, while I was an Airman at the shop, Jerry was one of the guys that helped prepare me for Rescue Swimmer School. We talked about his very first rescue out of New Orleans, which just so happened to be the very first rescue made by a Rescue Swimmer in New Orleans. This case involved a call out for an overdue boat in L...
2023-05-051h 09The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 134 Jarrod Garber from South Africa, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jarrod Garber from South Africa, working with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). As he was called into the principal's office (for his kids), he saw the quarterly magazine for NSRI. Immediately he knew that's what he wanted to do. We talk about his very first rescue, where he was at the base ready to go before the call out was made. A yacht in distress had lost its motor and tattered sails, making it dead in the water. He and his crew took the yacht in tow and s...
2023-04-281h 21The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 133 Graeme Harding from South Africa, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Graeme Harding from South Africa. He has been working with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) for the last 35 years. With all of his years in rescue, as you can imagine, he has loads of stories. Graeme highlights a few of his favorites that have stuck with him throughout his career. One of the stories included an adult and a group of kids who were swept out to sea, holding onto nothing but a single boogie board. Another rescue was that of ten men on a sinking ship. Just...
2023-04-211h 06The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 132 Jordan Gottfried USCG Flight MechIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jordan Gottfried, a USCG Flight Mechanic. Jordan, sits down with me and talks about three rescues that he had while stationed in San Francisco, CA. The first one we talk about also happens to be his very first rescue as a flight mech. A victim was reported stuck on Greyhound Rock and needed help to get off as the tide was coming in. The second rescue we talk about earned him a Letter of Commendation for helping rescue four people and two dogs from a boat stuck in th...
2023-04-091h 31The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 131 The Flight Suit Friday Podcast USCG PilotsIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by three USCG pilots that host the Flight Suit Friday Podcast. We recorded live at HAI Heli Expo 2023 at the USCG Booth and we talked a lot about rescues, training and lessons learned. Each of the guys go over their first rescue and then a memorable rescue. Each of them is very different and each of them we get an opportunity to debrief with them and go over lessons learned. Enjoy! https://therealresq.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/therealresqhttps://www...
2023-03-091h 40The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 130 Joey Gryzenia USCG RS 558In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Joey Gryzenia, USCG Rescue Swimmer 558. Joey and I sat down and recorded live at HAI Heli Expo 2023 at the USCG Booth. He tells us all about how he joined the Coast Guard and originally went to Food Services (FS). Then after a little time, he made his way to the Rescue Swimmer world. His first rescue mission was a drowning victim where he had to do CPR until arrival in the hospital. We talk about a case he was involved in Kodiak, AK., where he earned a Coast Guar...
2023-03-081h 25The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 129 Renato Augusto, Air Technical Crewman from BrazilIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Renato Augusto from Brazil. Renato is a Military Firefighter in the state of Santa Catarina, South of Brazil. He saw aRescue Helicopter (Firefighter and HEMS) flying above his job in the resort one day and told himself, “that's what I want to do!” After training, when he was finally working on the helo, the fist rescue that he remembers was a man who fell in waterfalls. This took place 50 miles away from the base and right as sunset was coming. Another rescue Renato recalls involves thre...
2023-03-031h 30The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 128 Steven Doherty, Paramedic and SAR Commander Tower RNLI Lifeboat Station, London, United KingdomIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Steven Doherty, Paramedic and SAR Commander for Tower RNLI Lifeboat Station, London, United Kingdom. Steven, originally from Ireland, fell into the love of SAR from a very young age. At the age of 14, he found himself involved with a man stuck in the mud. As he watched a community come together to help the man in need, from that point forward, his heart was always into Search and Rescue. As soon as he was old enough, he volunteered with the local rescue lifeboat. After secondary school, he moved to En...
2023-02-221h 59The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 127 Riverside County Sheriff Department Earn the 2022 APSA (Aviation Public Safety Association) Aircrew of The Year AwardIn this episode of The Real ResQ, I teamed up with Jon Gray from Hangar Z podcast and together we interview the crew of Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Aviation Unit Star 9, who won the Airborne Public Safety Association Captain “Gus” Crawford Memorial Aircrew of the year award for 2022. (Episode 72 on the Hangar Z Podcast site.) The crew consisted of Deputy Chad Marlatt acting as the PIC, Corporal Andy Rasmussen acting as the SIC, Deputy Drew Pigott acting as the Crew Chief, Deputy Michael Edwards Rescuer, and Deputy Mike Doyle acting as the catcher. In the interview, the Rescue 9 crew break...
2023-02-131h 21The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 126 Doctor Ikenna Worgu from NigeriaIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Doctor Ikenna Worgu from Nigeria. Ikenna has a very unique story about his profession. As an optometrist doctor, his goal has been to give people their sight back. He has been able to practice in five different countries helping those in need. One of the stories that stands out to him was when he was doing an exam on an elderly lady and she went into cardiac arrest in front of him. He immediately began CPR to bring her back to life. The patient was so grateful Ikenna help...
2023-02-081h 10The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 125 Christine Cole USCG Health Services Technician and Flight CorpsmanIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Christine Cole, prior USCG Health Services Technician (HS). As a civilian paramedic, Christine was looking for more out of the job. She decided to join the USCG. While she was in the USCG, her goal was to be a flight corpsman. Christine went above and beyond her regular duties and responsibilities to complete a flight physical, get “duck” qualified, and start working on a flight corpsman syllabus at Air Station Atlantic City, NJ. After her hard work, she was relocated to where she truly wanted to be, Kodiak, AK...
2023-02-011h 29The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 124 Roger Chivers USCG RS 171In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by one of my AST “A” School instructors, Roger Chivers USCG RS 171. Roger and I recap his incredible career. After bootcamp, he went to a small boat station where he had his very first SAR call out. From there, we hear about his aviation career, which includes talking about his Distinguished Flying Cross that he earned while stationed in Sitka, Alaska. This rescue was of three people, in a raft, in 25-foot waves, with 50 knot winds and 35 degree water. This was Rogers' biggest rescue while in the USCG. He tells u...
2023-01-251h 36The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 123 Matt Dargan and Brian Conn from Sac Metro Fire CAIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Matt Dargan and Brian Conn from Sac Metro Fire Department, Sacramento, CA. These two guys give us two rescue stories that they were on together. The first story had an interesting twist with how it began, a wake up to the dog and a quick look on Facebook. Next thing they know, they are launching to help with a critically injured victim deep in the woods. The second story is a call out for a swift water rescue. California has been hit by a lot of rain and the...
2023-01-1853 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 122 Bret Fogle USCG RS 503In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Bret Fogel, USCG RS 503. Before the USCG, Bret was trying to decide what he really wanted to do with his life. While visiting a friend who was in the CG, he saw a Coast Guard pamphlet sitting on the coffee table. When he saw the picture of the guy jumping from the helicopter, he knew what he wanted to do. In our conversation, we talk about his first day of duty as a swimmer and being called out on three different rescue missions in one night. Next, we ta...
2023-01-111h 28The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 121 Andrew Jarolimek, Pilot USCG and CivilianIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Andrew Jarolimek, pilot for the USCG, now flying as a civilian. Andrew takes us through a few of his very memorable rescues throughout his USCG career. One of the first rescues that he remembers was a 180 feet hoist medevac to a large ship with limited hoisting areas. Next, we get into three of the awards earned while he was in the Coast Guard. The first award was a Letter of Commendation for two British sea kayakers stranded in sea ice too thick to proceed, but too thin to s...
2023-01-031h 26The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 120 Wayne Papalski, US Navy Search and Rescue CorpsmanIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Wayne Papalski, US Navy SAR Corpsman. Wayne, who is also a co-host to Dust Off Medic podcast, came on here to tell us a few of his crazy rescue stories. We discuss six rescue calls that stand out to him. His first rescue as a SAR Corpsman involved three victims who were onboard a boiler ship that had an explosion. The next rescue that we hear about earned Wayne an Air Medal for a victim who slid 800 feet down a mountain and suffered a skull fracture, intracranial bleeding, an...
2022-12-272h 07The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 119 Jose Pastor Rescue Swimmer from SpainIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jose Pastor, Rescue Swimmer from Spain. Jose started his life in search and rescue as a lifeguard. He continued with a different route in search and rescue when an opportunity came up to work on ski patrol. He moved into helicopter rescue, working on a Bell 412 in the mountains. One of the first rescues of that unit was an injured hunter that they needed to recover. At his next unit, another rescue that stands out to him was an injured sailor that took over 45 minutes on scene to ex...
2022-12-201h 58The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 118 Grant ”Sid” Lawrence Irish Coast Guard PilotIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Grant “Sid” Lawrence, Irish Coast Guard pilot. Sid takes us through the first rescue that he remembers while serving in the Irish Coast Guard. Throughout the episode, we discuss five rescues that stand out to him. These include a medevac for a little girl, a vessel taking on water, an overdue boat, and two separate cliff rescues. Next, we talk about two separate incidents where Sid had in-flight tail rotor failures. Both ended with the aircraft on the ground and thankfully, he was able to walk away. We finish...
2022-12-131h 45The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 117 Terry and Sean Cross (Father and Son) USCG PilotsIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by USCG pilots Terry and Sean Cross, who just so happen to be father and son. With two generations back to back, each of them have had a wonderful career in the USCG. It was fun to listen to each of them talk about their first rescue, their favorite rescue, and the rescues that earned each of them an Air Medal. We discuss some of the great changes made over the years in USCG training and standards, as well as talking a little about the beginning of the USCG Resc...
2022-12-062h 06The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 116 PJ Ornot USCG RS 514In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by PJ Ornot, USCG Rescue Swimmer 514. Before we even set up our conversation, I asked PJ to send me a few of his awards, letters, news clippings, and whatever else he might have that we can talk about. Next thing I know, I have an inbox with twenty eight attachments. After reviewing everything he sent me, we decided we would talk about seven of his rescues. These include rescues that earned him two Letters of Commendation, two Achievement Medals, a Commendation Medal, and two Air Medals. Each of them wi...
2022-11-292h 17The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 115 Rob Munday 2.0 Hoist Operator and Instructor for SR3 Rescue ConceptsIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined again by Rob Munday, Hoist Operator. During our conversation, we go over a few of Rob’s more recent rescue calls. He walks us through four different callouts, two cliff rescues, an injured hiker rescue and a recovery. All four hoists were 160+ feet of cable to get victims out of their precarious positions. After hearing about the rescues, we discuss training, equipment and a few other things with regards to helicopter rescue. Enjoy! https://therealresq.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/therealresqhtt...
2022-11-231h 15The Real ResQ PodcastASTerisk - EURORSA Rescue Swimmer Meeting Cascais Portugal 2022 DebriefIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by board members of The Rescue Swimmer Association. We get to debrief an incredible meeting of rescue swimmers from around the world. With 22 countries represented and over 150 members meeting in Cascais, Portugal for RSM22! We recap four days of events and lectures concerning all things rescue swimmer related. It was early morning and late nights! Enjoy! https://therealresq.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/therealresqhttps://www.instagram.com/therealresq Thank you to those that support The Rescue...
2022-11-181h 11The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 114 Shane RothlisbergerIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Shane Rothlisberger, owner of VersaLifts. He has an amazing story about following a calling that God had placed on his and his wife’s heart. Shane walks us through a heartwarming story about what it took to not only rescue, but adopt two children from the country of Central African Republic. These two children became orphans as toddlers when their parents were killed. With a country in a bit of chaos, Shane and his wife took a leap of faith to go help these children in need. With new...
2022-11-141h 14The Real ResQ PodcastASTerisk - US Navy Debrief TARPON Springs SAR ExerciseIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by US Navy sailors, Todd Coulard, Rescue Swimmer, Cory Hedges, Rescue Swimmer, and Ryan Honnoll, Corpsman. We get a rare chance to debrief a mass casualty training exercise that was conducted just one week prior to recording this conversation. These guys set up an amazing scenario to try and mimic a multitude of types of rescue. With a vague brief to the crews, they were launched out for the SAR call. The scenario was set up where the crews had to complete some precision hoisting to land, hoist rescue fr...
2022-11-071h 07The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 113 Dan Leary USCG PilotIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Dan Leary, USCG Pilot. Dan and I recap some of his memorable moments as a pilot in the US Coast Guard. His first rescue was out of Traverse City, Michigan for a jet skier who ran out of gas after trying to cross one of the Great Lakes. Or as he would say, it was a rescue call where “we [were] just a speed bump to the process of evolution.” He also remembers a rescue while he was on deployment to the Caribbean where someone had fallen about 80 feet o...
2022-10-311h 09The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 112 Bradley Pigage USCG RS 646In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Bradley Pigage USCG RS 646. Brad and I get to review some of the rescues that stood out to him. He tells us about his first rescue where he was launched out for a capsized catamaran and one guy in the water. After that, we get into the awards that he has earned, which include the Coast Guard Achievement Medal out of Kodiak, Alaska for two hunters in distress; two separate Coast Guard Commendation Medals, one was out of Houston, TX and the other out of Elizabeth City, NC. Hi...
2022-10-252h 14The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 111 Kendall Garran USCG PilotIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Kendall Garran, USCG Pilot. Kendall and I got the opportunity to reconnect as well as go over some of her very memorable rescues. It just so happens that she and I were on the F/V Galaxy rescue together. We recap that crazy night and Kendall gives her version of the story. Before we get into that though, we go over quite a few memorable moments of her career. These stories involve her first rescue off of a cruise ship. She also discusses her involvement in the search for...
2022-10-191h 02The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 110 Adrian ”Nick” O’hara Irish Coast Guard Winch Operator and WinchmanIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Adrian “Nick” O’Hara, winchman and winch operator for The Irish Coast Guard. Nick and I get deep into some of his rescues that he’s had throughout his career. His first memorable rescue was a fisherman stuck on the rocks in the middle of a river. Other rescue teams were present and had tied ropes to the man from both sides of the river. The next rescue we discussed was an injured mariner on a vessel in 8 meter (24 ft) waves. When the crew went to hoist the victim and...
2022-10-132h 20The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 109 Ian Heikkila Hoist OperatorIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Ian Heikkila, USCG Flight Mech/Hoist Operator. Ian and I reconnected again since working together in Humboldt Bay, CA., with the USCG. Ian talks about when he came into the USCG and his first unit on a buoy tender, in Cordova, AK. He had his very first rescue on that boat, which took 48 hours to even get on scene. While stationed on the buoy tender, he was sent out for work task via helicopter which was then diverted for a SAR call. From that point on, Ian was goin...
2022-10-061h 44The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 108 David Betts Australian RescuemanIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by David Betts, Australian Rescue Crewman. Starting out as a “nipper” or junior lifeguard, this job opened the world of rescue to David. He went on to helicopter rescue, studied to be a paramedic, and then went on to be a winch operator. We talk about his very first rescue, which happened during a time when he wasn’t even on duty! There were stranded people surrounded by fire on a mountain. His training and qualifications took him to England as a lifeguard for a bit and then he went to Ir...
2022-09-291h 23The Real ResQ PodcastASTerisk The Start of the US Navy’s HC5 Det 6 with Red DoggIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are once again joined by Bill Moss, aka Red Dogg, Navy Rescue Swimmer. Red Dogg gives us a bit of a history lesson about the Navy and the creation of HC5 Det 6. He talks about his role in the creation of the program and how his crews and capabilities helped change the overall mission plan and execution. The operation was capable of more than assisting getting personnel on deck and Red Dogg was able to demonstrate how they could be a huge asset from the air. He was able to bring fo...
2022-09-221h 01The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 107 Army National Guard - CA Creek Fire RescueIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Army National Guard Pilots Joe Rosamond, Brady Hlebain (CH-47) and Kipp Goding (H60). They take us through one of the days of California's Creek Fire disaster and rescue efforts. On this particular day, two helicopter crews helped rescue thirty families trapped near Mammoth Lakes in CA. Flying through smoke and ash and landing in an area surrounded by fire, this rescue did not end in just one trip. They flew in and out of the location three separate times that day. By the end, the crews saved over tw...
2022-09-151h 15The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 106 Steve Hathaway USCG RS 39 Part 2In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are once again joined by Steve Hathaway, USCG RS 39. With a second conversation, we were able to hear about many more of his rescues throughout his career. Since he was one of the first Rescue Swimmers to be implementing the program, he was on call as ready crew, A LOT. With stories from Sitka, Alaska, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Barbers Point, Hawaii, and Savannah, Georgia, we are able to hear about all sorts of different scenarios. Enjoy! https://therealresq.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/therealresq...
2022-09-081h 37The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 105 Yogi Dorelis PilotIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by pilot Yogi Dorelis. Yogi is a unique US military service member. He has been in four different services and flown for three of them. He started with the Marine Corps, went to the Navy, then to the Army National Guard, and finally to the Air Force, where he finished with thirteen years of flying combat rescues. As we go over some of his crazy career between these services, he tells of one rescue that earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross, a combat SAR mission that helped save three so...
2022-09-011h 15The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 104 Drew Dazzo USCG RS 523In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Drew Dazzo USCG RS 523. Drew takes us though a few very memorable rescues that he had throughout his career. The first one that he talks about is one that he will never forget. He was out on the beach and a wave caught his daughter and pulled her out with it. Without panic or worry, he sprung into action and grabbed her. Next, we get into his deployment on the USCGC Boutwell. As a part of the aircrew deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freed...
2022-08-251h 46The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 103 Neil Johnson USN RSIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Neil Johnson, USN RS. Neil recaps his three year enlistment in the Navy with some incredible stories. He tells us about the Mayday call for a pilot who needed to eject during his very first rescue. His second rescue was while he and his crew were flying Starboard/Deltas (in circles) covering all flight ops on the aircraft carrier. As they were in orbit, they watched the helo in front of them crash into the water. Again, Neil was ready to go and was hoisted down to grab one...
2022-08-181h 19The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 102 NAS Lemoore LT Josh Tassone AWSC Jesse Peterson and HM1 Tyler Hodge - Creek Fire DFCIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore LT Josh Tassone (again), AWSC Jesse Peterson and HM1 Tyler Hodge. They tell us all about the Creek fire in CA that earned them a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). They tell us of their first rescue during this crazy event at 11,500ft where they flew through thick smoke and ash to rescue a couple hikers that got surrounded by the fire. The next day they were called out again for more people that were surrounded by the fire. As they walk us through th...
2022-08-111h 29The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 101 David Shoemaker Captain of The FV GalaxyIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Captain David Shoemaker. He was Captain of the Fishing Vessel (F/V) Galaxy and the last person I rescued off the ship and out of the Bering sea. David and I relive this incredible story from the very beginning. He brings us through what happened and explains what he and his crew went through on that tragic day. As we go over what happened on 20OCT2002, we talk about the event as though it was yesterday. Our memories are still vivid. It was amazing to hear two sides of...
2022-08-042h 06The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 100 Jason Quinn USCG RS 500 The FV Galaxy his DFC RescueIn this episode of The Real ResQ, Mel and I recap my biggest rescue where I earned my Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). An explosion on the Fishing Vessel (F/V) Galaxy which crippled the vessel in the middle of the Bering Sea. With a two hour transit time to get on scene, we had a lot to discuss when COMMSTA Kodiak told us everyone abandoned ship and there were twenty six (26) people in the water. As Mel and I go over all the details of this rescue, I am reminded how impactful this rescue was for me. Enjoy!...
2022-07-281h 10The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 99 Tyler Boeddeker USN RSIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Tyler Boeddeker, US Navy Rescue Swimmer. Tyler tells an incredible story and is one that we don’t hear about often because it doesn’t happen very often. He was able to do exactly what he was trained for. As he and his crew were flying in patterns at the ready, the call came over the radio. An aircraft coming back to the ship had an emergency. Tyler and his crew watched as the incoming aircraft was having trouble. The two pilots in the plane punched out and parachute...
2022-07-2148 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 98 Dr Chris Hewitt Prehospital and Emergency Medicine PhysicianIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Dr. Chris Hewitt, Prehospital and Emergency Medicine Physician. Chris gives us a different perspective as the Medical Director from his background. He tells us of a story where he ran some of his junior medics through a tough scenario which turned into a real life save scenario six months later. With his type of training scenarios, he looks for his medics to “make a decision that's heading toward right.” We then get into a story about when he was working in Houston TX and he helped on scene with a...
2022-07-151h 26The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 97 Edwin Hannah USCG RS 450In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Edwin Hannah, USCG RS 450. Ed had an incredible career in the Coast Guard. As we get into our conversation, he takes us through some of the rescues that stand out to him. One of them was the rescue of a vessel that sank with Ed saving five lives, thus earning him a Coast Guard Achievement Medal. He tells us his crazy stories from Hurricane Katrina, which earned him another Coast Guard Achievement Medal. We go over a rescue that earned him a Coast Guard Commendation Medal for the case...
2022-07-091h 51The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 96 John Blown from North Shore Rescue and Talon Helicopters in Vancouver CanadaIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by John Blown from Vancouver Canada. John is a hoist operator for Talon Helicopters and the Air Operations Coordinator with North Shore Rescue. With his 20 years of doing volunteer Search and Rescue and the teams running hundreds of calls every year, he definity remembers a few rescues that he has done. His very first rescue was climbing a mountain in the middle of the night. He and his team were following another team of climbers up to the victim’s location. With headlamps on, while building the ropes system and...
2022-07-031h 27The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 95 Kurt De Boeck and Filip Windles Search and Rescue Divers from the Belgian Air ForceIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Kurt De Boeck and Filip Windles, Search and Rescue Divers from the Belgian Air Force. As we start talking about their first rescues, Filip begins by detailing his case which involved performing CPR. For Kurt’s first rescue, Filip was with him as his instructor. Kurt recalls Filip looking at him and saying, “You’ve got it”. Filip tells a few more stories that stand out to him. One of his stories had me in awe. He dove into a capsized vessel and found victims still alive in an air bubb...
2022-06-2759 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 94 Thomas Cooney USCG RS 28In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Thomas Cooney, USCG RS 28. Before we get into some of his crazy rescues, we go way back in time and Thomas talks about how the Coast Guard always naturally integrated into his life. As we talk about the different moments in time, Thomas gives us a bit of a history lesson. We take a walk down memory lane and he recalls his first memorable call out in San Francisco with a plane crash. He talks about a rescue where he saved three lives, earning him an Air Medal. Thi...
2022-06-212h 29The Real ResQ PodcastASTerisk Episode with Mike Fox from Onboard SystemsIn this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Mike Fox from Onboard Systems. We get deep in the weeds with rules and regulations for the manufacturers of Human External Cargo (HEC). We talk about what his company does and continues to do in order to make the best cargo hook on the market. We talk about all sorts of applications for the cargo hook and the regulatory side of the dual cargo hook system. Moreover, we specifically get into the HEC side of things and discuss a few rescues where longline/short haul was the bes...
2022-06-1558 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 93 David Weber National Park RangerIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by David Weber - National Park Ranger, Paramedic, and Climbing Ranger. David splits his time between Teton National Park, WY and Denali National Park, AK. One of the first rescues he talks about was one of the first stories he remembers as a rescueman. The patient was injured in a location that was a far way up the river and trail. After an eight hour hike out, the patient was carried out on a litter. Then we get into a few stories that Dave remembers from climbing in Denali...
2022-06-081h 30The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 92 The Finnish Border Guard Rescue Swimmer 40th Year Anniversary with Juha Raatikainen and Sami OlillaIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we have the honor and privilege to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Finnish Border Guard Rescue Swimmer Program. The Finnish Border Guard created an Air Patrol Squadron in 1981. After a few years of flying, they decided they needed Rescue Swimmers. On 01JUN1982, the Finnish Border Guard created their Rescue Swimmer Program. Without any formal training, instruction, or even knowing what they needed, Juha Raatikainen (JP) became Finnish Border Guard Rescue Swimmer #01. JP tells us of some of the growing pains they went through when the program began. He talks about the trial and e...
2022-06-011h 49The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 91 Remembering Fernando Jorge USCG RS 404In this special Memorial Day episode of The Real ResQ, we reflect and honor some of those who have fallen while serving The United States of America. This episode is dedicated to our finned brother Chief Petty Officer Fernando Jorge USCG RS #404, who lost his life in the crash of the 6535 along with Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Dale Taylor, Co-Pilot Lt. j.g. Thomas Cameron, and Flight Mechanic Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew "Drew" Knight.In this episode, we are joined by a few people that knew and had a close relationship with Fernando Jorge. We hear from...
2022-05-281h 42The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 90 Dillon Nelson and Jakoby his K9 Cadaver Search DogIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Dillon Nelson, an Air National Guardsman and his dog Jakoby. This is a little different than your standard Search and Rescue team because Jakoby is a cadaver dog. For this duo, their missions are more of the Search and Recovery. As we know, not all Search and Rescue missions have a happy ending, however, with a way to get closure for the friends and family, Dillon and Jakoby are two that help make it happen. Dillon tells us a few of his memorable searches which include a missing 4 yea...
2022-05-221h 29The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 89 Frank Breese Firefighter Paramedic and Combat MedicIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Frank Breese, firefighter, paramedic, Army National Guard, and more. Being a 22 year paramedic, Frank has been there and done that. While he was in the Army, he did a tour in Iraq during the war as a Combat Medic. During that tour he completed 80 combat medical missions, 125 combat flight hours and earned himself two Air Medals. One mission that stands out to him was a rescue call out for a FOB (Forward Operating Base) that was hit during a sandstorm. Currently Frank is working in Tulsa, Oklahoma as a fi...
2022-05-161h 17The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 88 Jason Hawes USN RSIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jason Hawes, USN Rescue Swimmer. While he served only four years in the Navy, he earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and was recognized by the city of Roanoke, VA. He describes a rescue that is definitely one that he will never forget. He walks us through this incredible call out for a helicopter crash off his ship in twelve foot waves. When the alarm sounded, the first thought was, “this is just another drill.” Then they come up on scene where he was looking at his shi...
2022-05-1058 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 87 Steve Farris and Danny Casanova Seminole Co SheriffIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Steve Farris and Danny Casanova from Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. They bring us through a rescue that happened a week before the recording. They were responding to a missing person call of a man who had fallen out of a canoe and tried to walk back home. However, when he got himself lost in thick woods, it turned into a search for a missing person. After 44 hours of being missing, the crews on the ground found him and called the helicopter in to finish the rescue. Enjoy! ...
2022-05-0428 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 86 Ken Smith USN RSIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Kenneth Smith, USN Rescue Swimmer. From the very start of Rescue Swimmer school, even though he was cracked in the face and was bleeding in the pool, Ken knew that this was the job for him! He shared amazing stories from throughout his entire career. Cases highlighted included being deployed to the water to look for an aircraft part that may have been thrown overboard and a year later another bit of a crazy occurred when he was deployed to the water to gather bales of cocaine dropped by...
2022-04-282h 12The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 85 Ashton Levarek USCG RS 533 and Air Force PJIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Ashton Levarek, USCG RS 533 and Air Force PJ. Ashton talks about his first rescue as a USCG Rescue Swimmer, which was an overdue vessel where a boat was stuck in the mud and slinging a shotgun over the shoulder. He talks about getting called out for a patient that was hit in the face by a crowbar. He and his crew were launched out for a helicopter crash where they found some of the survivors floating after the crash. Next we transition into his career as an Air For...
2022-04-221h 22The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 84 Harry Knight USN RSIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Harry Knight, US Navy Rescue Swimmer. With a long twenty year career in the Navy, Harry was stationed all over the world. The first half of his career was working in helicopters and the second half was working in airplanes. A few rescues he talks about were the basics of people jumping or falling off the ship after they left port. However, the one that stands out to him is his rescue which earned him the Navy Commendation Medal. Harry takes us through this fantastic story where he and...
2022-04-161h 04The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 83 Gonzalo Valderrama - Pilot from PeruIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Gonzalo Valderrama (aka Fonzy), a pilot from Peru. Fonzy served for years in the Peruvian Navy. He talks about a tough night rescue where three people on a fishing boat were taking on water. Fonzy tells about getting launched to a case where a plane crashed off the coast of Peru with a full group of people on board. As they were flying the coast line looking for survivors, Fonzy noticed an issue with the helicopter that wasn't normal. Upon return to base, during the post flight, a fish...
2022-04-101h 06The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 82 Jean-Baptise French Navy PilotIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by French Navy pilot Jean-Baptiste (JB). He walks us through an incredible story that he and his crew were called out for. In 8 meter/25 foot waves and 60 knot winds, a sailing vessel was in distress and made the call for help. JB and his crew arrived on scene to find six people needing to be rescued. With a crazy turn of events, a broken cable and a damaged hoist left the rescue diver and all six victims in the water. Determined not to quit, the crew flew back to back...
2022-04-0436 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 81 USCG Crew Talks About The Don Enrique RescueIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by the entire crew of a unique rescue mission completed by the USCG. Pilot Curt Snodgrass, Pilot David Gomez, Flight Mechanic Ernie Ortegon, Rescue Swimmer Marty Nelson, and Boatswain Mate Dempsey Logue. The crew gives us an inside look at a very unique South Texas rescue from the vessel, The Don Enrique. They take us through this incredible story, each adding to the story from their own unique perspective. Moreover, the rescue evolved further as Law Enforcement from a few different agencies became involved. This story was one heck of a...
2022-03-291h 46The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 80 Martin Nelson USCG RS 251In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Marty Nelson USCG RS 251. Marty starts out by talking about his first case out of Cape Cod, MA. He was sent out to help a 27 year-old who was having a heart attack on a fishing vessel. Next, we get into some of his cases while he was in the Coast Guard. The cases vary and with a long career, quite numerous. We talk about a torn carotid artery, an amputated finger with a patient who had a few drinks, a training flight with sharks in the water, responding to...
2022-03-241h 38The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 79 Danny Huisman Winch Operator from HollandIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Danny Huisman, prior Air Force Fuel Technician from Holland. Danny tells us of how his career started while he was in the Air Force. As he watched SAR teams get called out on rescues, he knew that he wanted to be a part of it. After going to a ground simulator course and passing all the requirements, he thought he was guaranteed to get on the Air Force SAR teams. When that didn’t happen, one of his pilot friends called to offer him a job with a heli...
2022-03-181h 20The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 78 Eric Williamson USN RSIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Eric Williamson, retired USN Rescue Swimmer. Eric brings us through his incredible 30 year career with the Navy. He talks about a memorable experience that made such an impact on him. He watched the SAR alarm go off, the on-duty crew took off, and returned later with a family that they had saved. From that day forward, there was no quitting! We get into his first case which, like some, was a rough start to his career. Eric tells us about a dramatic rescue of a river rescue where 4 peopl...
2022-03-132h 09The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 77 Bill Moss aka Red Dogg USN RSIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Bill Moss, aka Red Dogg, retired USN Rescue Swimmer. Red Dogg brings us back to 1963 when he graduated high school and came to his dad to say, “I want to join the Navy.” From there, began a life of adventure and service. He talks about his deployments all over the world and the adventures had at each of his assignments. We get into some of his very memorable rescues while in the Navy, two of which earned him Air Medals. One rescue took place in Hawaii in 1977, with victims...
2022-03-051h 23The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 76 Kevin Kissner and Mike Abbott Virgina Flight NursesIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Flight Nurse Kevin Kissner and Flight Paramedic Mike Abbott from Virginia State Police MedFlight Program. Their normal operations consist of scene call and hospital to hospital transports. On the days when they’re dispatched on a SAR call, the level of rescue is elevated to the next level. Kevin tells of his first SAR call in the Appalachian Mountains. A member of the local university’s cross country running group had fallen about 150 feet off the trail. Then Mike tells us about one of his rescues which literally came...
2022-02-271h 59The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 75 Brian Dickinson USN RS and Author of The Blind DecentIn this episode of the Real ResQ, we are joined by Brian Dickinson, USN RS, mountaineer and author of the book, The Blind Descent. After six years and two deployments in the Navy, Brian decided to move on to the next chapter of his life. He talks about how the training at the US Navy Rescue Swimmer school set him up for success when it came to tackling the tallest mountain on every continent. With the support of his wife and children, Brian set out to climb mountains that other people only care to read about in books. He wa...
2022-02-211h 00The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 74 Phoenix Bean SAR and Flight ParamedicIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Phoenix Bean, Flight Paramedic from South Africa. For Phoenix, her story begins with a CPR class and a crazy incident at her home that led to her meeting her Paramedic mentor. She tells about an array of crazy calls that she has seen working throughout many different countries. As an “observer” at her first call, she assisted in responding to a pedestrian vs motor vehicle accident. After a few years of working in South Africa, she traveled to Zambia to expand her experience in EMS and SAR. While there, s...
2022-02-151h 01The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 73 Steve Ober USCG RS 01In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Steve Ober, USCG RS 01. This conversation was a blast for me. It was so much fun talking our way through Steve's crazy cool career! He begins by talking about how the road that led him to be a Rescue Swimmer. We talked about him getting through ASM “A” School before they had Rescue Swimmers. He tells us stories from his first AIr Station in San Diego, CA. When it came time to start implementing the Rescue Swimmer Program in the Coast Guard, Steve volunteered to embark on an unknow...
2022-02-091h 39The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 72 Jason Vaughn USN RSIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jason Vaughn, US Navy Rescue Swimmer. We had a wicked fun conversation beginning with a story about a rescue he had while serving in the Navy. Jason talks about a vessel that was trying to dump their cargo to prevent getting detained for the illegal items on board. In this case, he volunteered to be deployed to help retrieve “contraband” out of the water. As the operation continued, the weather changed and started making the operation more difficult. The combination of the events that took place earned him a Navy A...
2022-02-031h 00The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 71 Stephanie Hyatt, Mechanical Engineer and Volunteer RescueIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Stephanie Hyatt, Mechanical Engineer and volunteer rescue emergency response member. She was told early in her career, “If there's not someone that looks like you in a position that you want, be that person.” Well, that's exactly what she has done! She tells us that she wasn't going to take no for an answer when it came to being part of the team. Her mindset revolves around rescue and helping in order to save lives. She has dedicated many hours of her own off time to learn all abou...
2022-01-2849 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 70 Scott Holway USCG RS 387In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Scott Holway USCG RS 387. He talks about some of his incredible rescues that earned him The Coast Guard Achievement Medal for saving four guys on a sinking ship. Two separate Air Medals, the first for assisting two people off a sailing vessel off Cape Cod, MA and the second for his efforts during Hurricane Katrina. We also talk about a few more memorable cases. Scott talks about an overdue vessel off of Atlantic City, NJ, which unfortunately turned into a body recovery out of the marsh. He also de...
2022-01-221h 01The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 69 Keith Carolan Winchman, Winch Operator, Paramedic for CHC and the Irish Coast GuardIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Keith Carolan, Winchman, Winch Operator and Paramedic for CHC and the Irish Coast Guard. As a guy who didn't even want to pursue Search and Rescue, he has both loved and embraced it, beginning with the Irish Defense Forces, to the Fire Brigade, to his present position with the CHC Irish Coast Guard. He tells us of his first case, which turned out to be a winch, and how he was so excited about it and having to hold his excitement in until the next morning. We talk abo...
2022-01-171h 42The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 68 Tyler Gaenzle USCG RS 797 and Air Force PJIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Tyler Gaenzle USCG RS 797. His stories from being a Rescue Swimmer are incredible. His first case, with a victim who fell down a cliff, landed in a tree and had a broken back and shattered ankle. Ty brings us through everything he did in that case which earned him a Coast Guard Commendation Medal. The second case was another tough one. He deployed into 15ft waves to help a sailboat in distress. Pitching and rolling, he helped a couple and their dog off the boat and back to safe...
2022-01-101h 34The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 67 Marc Segal Retired EMS Battalion CaptainIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Retired EMS Battalion Captain Marc Segal. In his 41 years of EMS, Fire and Rescue, he has some stories to share. We get into a handful of them in this episode. Some of Marc’s stories include an invention that he helped create that has gone worldwide, a major incident with a plane crash at LAX, and being called to the zoo and having to go into the lion's den. He told us about a call out to a club with an interesting twist and a dive trip to Papua...
2022-01-043h 26The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 66 Jason Orsborn USCG RS 280In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Jason Orsborn, USCG RS #280. Throughout our conversation, he takes us through some incredible rescues during his time as a Rescue Swimmer. After he joined the Coast Guard at the young age of 17, he was at a small boat station where he experienced a few SAR cases. It was at that point in his career where he realized that he wanted to go to the next level in Search and Rescue. He did just that when he became a CG Rescue Swimmer. He recaps his first case as a Swimm...
2021-12-2953 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 65 Simon Kremser from GermanyIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Chief Crewman Simon Kremser, currently working with Wiking Helicopters in Germany. When you have your family in the Search and Rescue world, it seemed fitting that Simon would follow. At a very young age he was a volunteer helping out in rescues. He tells about a woman that fell on her head on a mountain and he and his team had to run up and ski down to assist her. He brings us through a rescue in bad weather to a guy with a head injury. We talk abou...
2021-12-2358 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 64 Todd Davis USCG RS 453In the episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Todd Davis USCG RS #453. Dr. Todd Davis, a current university professor,and I take a trip down memory lane where he tells us about a quote that has stayed with him since Swimmer school. His instructor, Thor Wentz, would tell his students, “Keep your composure and finish the job.” This has stuck with Todd through everything that he has accomplished in his life. We get into some of his rescues, including an overdue vessel where the outcome was two frozen bodies, a lady that had a heart attack on a h...
2021-12-171h 36The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 63 Sam Fielder Australian RescuemanIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Sam Fielder, Aircrewman from Australia. Sam has been working since 2007 and has had a wild career. He brings us through two very memorable events while flying. We recap his first big incident while on a case, where the cable parted due to an entanglement and he fell to the deck. We review this case and the major importance of pilots' reference points. The second case was a training flight that started with a basic approach and entered the vortex ring, causing the aircraft to lose its lift and cras...
2021-12-111h 49The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 62 Dan Halsall USCG RS 139In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Dan Halsall, USCG RS #139, who started his rescue career at 14 years old. He fell in love with the rescue side of things and wanted more. He joined the Coast Guard with the sole intention of becoming a Rescue Swimmer. After the Coast Guard, he continued on with a career in law enforcement, among other things. Dan shares several memorable cases while in the Coast Guard, including getting stuck in fish hooks after sliding down a mast, a fatal car crash on a bridge, and a huge cargo ship MedEv...
2021-12-051h 05The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 61 Ashely Morrison Critical Care ParamedicIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Ashley Morrison, Critical Care Paramedic. She tells us stories from where she began on the ambulance and her first night out after being qualified as a medic. She tells us about wanting to be a flight medic and when the phone call came to fly, she was thrilled to join the team. We talked about some of the training and MedEvacs she had which included a tough hoist case we were called on together. After she left the air ambulance/SAR she continued to do great things in h...
2021-11-2958 minThe Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 60 Steve Frye USCG RS 35In the episode of the Real ResQ, we are joined by Steve Frye, USCG RS #35. Steve was able to take us back 40 years ago to his very first rescue out of Sitka, Alaska. A case that still stands out to him today. We talk about his incredible rescue while he was stationed in San Francisco, CA. As we recap this case, he talks about what happened to him during that rescue and why it was a big key factor with how to deal with caves. His case is exactly why it was integrated into the Advanced Rescue Swimmer School. We...
2021-11-231h 25The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 59 Kevin Vinatieri Pilot from the California Highway PatrolIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by California Highway Patrol Pilot, Kevin Vinatieri. He has been flying for over 30 years in multiple different aircrafts, including the H60, H1, OH58, UH78, 105, and the A-Star. Kevin brings up local and overseas stories from the Army and CHP. As an instructor, he makes sure guys are ready for whatever comes their way too. I’m personally taking some of his advice with one particular training tip of “High. Low. Look out below.” Enjoy! https://therealresq.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/therealresqht...
2021-11-171h 11The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 57 Neville Murphy from the CHC Helicopters and Irish Coast GuardIn this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Neville Murphy from CHC Helicopters and the Irish Coast Guard. Neville is a winch operator, a winchman and a paramedic, based in Waterford, Ireland. When we discussed one of his very first cases, he was surprised when he walked in to see one of his friends. He tells of a cliff case, where a broken bone didn't stop him from completing the rescue. We discuss a case where the whole crew was recognized for a rescue from a huge cargo ship. He also discusses a rescue of a plane...
2021-11-071h 13The Real ResQ PodcastEpisode 56 Harold Hoffmaster USCG RS 230In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by USCG Rescue Swimmer #230, Harold Hoffmaster. He tells stories from all throughout his career, starting with a story from the small boat unit where he met his wife. Next, he shares about going through swimmer school where a “not going to quit” attitude helped him each and every day. Harold tells us about his first SAR case from his first Swimmer unit in NY, a case which turned out to be quite interesting. As you listen, you’ll hear him tell story after story, from the beginning to Corpus Christi, b...
2021-11-031h 26The Real ResQ PodcastASTerisk - Olaf Leavelle and George Cavallo Discuss Leadership and CISMIn this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, Olaf Leavelle and George Cavallo return to talk about leadership, mentorship, and the ever important topic, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Having Olaf and George on this episode together was important because their dynamic as Senior Chief and Chief made for a solid and supportive work environment. Their leadership styles and the depth at which they knew and supported their crew were vital to those facing life altering rescues. We get into the why, how, and what should be done to support those who face difficult situations. A common conversation in our episodes sur...
2021-10-301h 26