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Hero Battles Hurricane, Finds New Family Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

Kristy Millar spent days preparing for Hurricane Ian, but when the storm hit, her family ended up trapped in their rapidly flooding home. They escaped, but the storm had turned their street into a river. To get to higher ground, Kristy and her 3-year-old son were going to have to swim. Enter Kevin Ott.

Ott was also out in the storm, determined to rescue his kids’ grandmother — who happened to be Kristy’s neighbor. Driving a borrowed pontoon boat through canal-like streets in a Category 4 hurricane, Kevin and his kids ended up rescuing Kristy, her son and 10 other neighbors, including Grandma, that day.

We also talk to Grace Meinhofer, a spokesperson with the American Red Cross who has personal experience with hurricanes, for advice on how to prepare for storm season.

The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Face-to-Face With a Great White Shark Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

Phil Mummert was in the middle of a perfect day of surfing at Bunker Bay, one of his regular spots in western Australia, until he was suddenly knocked off his board. When he surfaced, his board was broken, his leg was bleeding, and there was a great white shark charging at him.

Using only his bare hands, feet and what was left of his surfboard, Phil fought for his life. But he knew he wouldn’t last long against a 16-foot shark. That’s when three more surfers arrived to help.

Thanks to them, Phil survived, kept his leg, and is still surfing.

We also speak with shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez to understand the risks around sharks and what you should be aware of when sharing the water with them.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Internet Sleuth Saves Lost Hiker May 22, 2023

Show notes

René Compeán had hiked in Angeles National Forest many times. So he didn’t think twice when he set out on one of his favorite trails for a quick hike. But to save time, he went off trail — and ended up lost and relying on a rapidly dying cell phone to call for help. René was unprepared to spend a cold night in the mountains with wildlife roaming around him, and his mental and physical health deteriorated quickly.

Rescue teams struggled to find him in a thick fog and a massive search area, until a stranger with a unique set of technical skills stepped in with key information.

We also speak to Jessie Krebs, wilderness survival instructor of OWLS Skills, about what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re lost in the wilderness, and how to prepare, no matter the length of hike.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Human Trafficking Survivor Gets New Life and Thrives Dec 05, 2022

Show notes

Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman was working at a job he loved, making enough money to provide for his family. At just 14, he was the father figure in his home in Honduras. One night after work he was abducted and smuggled into the United States. He was sold into sexual exploitation. For months he was tortured, beaten, drugged, starved and raped.

But he was rescued.

Sabrina Goosby took Suamhirs under her wing and taught him how to use his experiences to change the lives of others. As an adult, he has become an advocate for those suffering and was enlisted by former President Barack Obama to find real solutions.

We also speak to Dr. Minh Dang, executive director of Survivor Alliance, to hear about the types of human trafficking, how to respond to an industry that affects people worldwide, and what you should and shouldn’t do if you think someone may need help.

If you suspect someone is in a dangerous situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1.888.373.7888 or visit the website. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is accessible by dialing 988. Trained professionals are available 24 hours a day.

For more information on this episode or to learn how you can use OnStar to help others in need, click here.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Slackliner Saves Skier Hanging From Chairlift Nov 21, 2022

Show notes

Arapahoe Basin is a legendary ski resort in Colorado, and when it’s a powder day, skiers wake up at the crack of dawn to get up the hill for those fresh tracks. That’s exactly what Richard Dempsey did, except he only got a few runs in before everything changed. Richard is able to recount his story thanks to a slackliner named Mickey Wilson who risked his own life to save someone he met that morning.

We also speak to author and retired ski patroller Patti Burnett about what dangers to look out for while skiing at resorts and in the backcountry, as well as what to do if you find yourself or someone else in an emergency situation while enjoying the mountains in wintertime.

For more information on this episode or to share your own story, visit OnStar’s website.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Heroic Bystander Saves Handler From Alligator Death Roll Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

Lindsay Bull has worked at Scales and Tails for years. She has hosted numerous demonstrations with the animals at the facility, but one wrong move can end in disaster. That’s what happened during a child’s birthday party.

The main attraction, a nine foot long alligator named Darth Gator mistook her hand for food and the race was on to save Lindsay’s hand. Thanks to Donnie Wiseman who attended the birthday party with his niece, Lindsay is still able to use both hands.

You’re much more likely to come across an aggressive dog than an alligator. So we also speak to dog expert Jennifer Shyrock about safety tips for kids and dogs.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Walking Through Fire to Save 65 Horses Oct 24, 2022

Show notes

Sixty-five horses live at Tamara Boole’s equestrian center. That is a lot of large animals to move to safety in a short period of time. But that’s what had to be done as the fires from the CZU Lightning Complex Fires bore down on Felton, California in August 2020.

Thanks to local ranchers, including another stable owner - Michelle Le Clair, the horses at Tamara Boole’s Covered Bridge Equestrian Center were safely evacuated in the knick of time.

We also speak to vet and UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team member Dr. Lais Costa, about how to safely evacuate horses, chickens, house cats, and even llamas!

For more information on this episode or to share your own story, visit OnStar’s website.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Mountain of Mud Buries Motorists Oct 10, 2022

Show notes

Gabe Rosescu had driven on the highway numerous times and was used to driving in all types of weather. But the day Gabe took his then new partner of six months, Sheri Niemegeers, on an epic road trip to see his friends, he could never have planned for what was about to occur. It’s not every day you see a tree crossing the road in front of you. Thanks to four motorists who risked their own lives, Sheri and Gabe are here to tell their story.

We also speak to Mary Ann Adams, OnStar Member disaster response leader, about how to look for signs that the road ahead could become hazardous; what to do if you find yourself on a flooded roadway, in a mudslide or in a snowstorm; and what equipment you should keep in your vehicle.

For more on this episode, or to learn what can happen if raging floodwaters wash your car off the road, click here.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

R U OK? Virtual Friend Saves Gamer’s Life Sep 26, 2022

Show notes

A seizure can happen anywhere at any time. It just so happened that when Aidan Jackson suffered a seizure there was no one there to witness it or call for help. But there was someone 5,000 miles away — another gamer who he had been talking to online. Raven Wolvesbane realized Aidan was having a seizure and quickly set to work trying to figure out how to send First Responders to his home. The only problem: she was in Texas and he was in England.

We also speak with Dr. Kelli Dunlop, a psychologist who specializes in the relationships built through gaming, and discuss why online friendships are commonly misunderstood.

For more on this episode, or to learn what to do if you encounter a medical emergency on a road trip, click here.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

12 Hours Trapped In Quicksand Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

It wasn’t the first time that Ryan Osmun had been hiking in a National Park, nor was it the first time he had hiked in the winter. Ryan knew what equipment to take and packed accordingly. As a photographer he enjoys hiking trails when they’re less populated. But he never expected to find himself or his girlfriend stuck on the trail, literally. A desperate phone call for help brought lifesaving assistance.

We also speak to Faris ‘Faz’ Ali, Deputy Station Officer of Bay Search & Rescue about how to look for signs of quicksand and what to do if you find yourself sinking on a beach or riverbed. As well as what to do if you get your vehicle or ATV stuck.

For more on this episode, or to learn how to keep your outdoor adventures safe, click here.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

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