The Real ResQ Podcast

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Episode 167 [Part 2] Rob Simpson USCG Rescue Swimmer 699 Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

In Part 2 of The Real ResQ - Episode 167, host Jason Quinn continues his conversation with Rob Simpson, USCG Rescue Swimmer 699. Simpson wrote a powerful article for Mountain Tactical Institute titled: “Speaking to a Flight Doc about My Sleeping and Stress Struggles Got Me Grounded … But it was Worth It.”

We learn about the details about the events discussed in Simpson’s article. We hear how his mental health was affected by being a rescue swimmer and how he eventually sought help. While Simpson got grounded from flying, he used the time to come back stronger and it was not the end of his story. Simpson highlights the physical and emotional demands of being a rescue swimmer and the importance of addressing mental health issues.

The conversation continues to discuss Rob’s journey of recovery and the process of returning to flight duties. The key takeaways include the need for open communication, trust, and gratitude in dealing with mental health issues. Enjoy!

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References for this episode:

Rob’s Article

Episode 167 [Part 1] Rob Simpson USCG Rescue Swimmer 699 Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

In this Part 1 episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Rob Simpson, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Rescue Swimmer 699. Now retired from the USCG, we are able to hear about his amazing career.

Simpson discusses his time on Coast Guard cutters, including challenging boarding team operations and interdictions. He also talks about his transition to becoming a rescue swimmer and the challenges he faced during his early rescues.

During his first rescue, Simpson was called out for a medevac to a boat that he was hoisted onto and had to use a litter for extraction. Simpson continues with more of his rescues, including a follow-up rescue from a plane crash where he literally walked in the footsteps of the swimmer before him. Other rescues include a kid who was floating in a big ice tote; a group of people stuck on the ridgeline of a mountain; a kayaker stuck in a cove due to wind; and a guy lost in the woods. There is no lack of great rescue stories in this episode. Enjoy!

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ASTerisk - James Boomhower, Critical Care Paramedic, Graduate Clinical Intern - Clinical Psychology discussion on PTSD and CISM Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by James Boomhower, critical care flight paramedic, and graduate clinical intern in clinical psychology. We take this opportunity to go deep into the impact of post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD) and critical incident stress management (CISM) on emergency responders.

Boomhower shares his experiences as a flight paramedic. He discusses a couple of his memorable calls and the emotional toll that cases can bring, which lead him to become a mental health advocate.

During this important conversation, we learn what PTSD is, what PTSD is not, and the importance of it. The conversation highlights the need for support from loved ones and understanding for those in high-stress professions.

We continue to explore the importance of recognizing the need to take care of oneself and the team in high-stress professions. It emphasizes the balance between sucking it up and allowing oneself to rest and recover. In addition, we cover topics on psychoeducation, how and where to seek help, finding the right therapist, and more.

Boomhower continues to advocate for the support and care that should be provided within a brotherhood or sisterhood of emergency responders. The conversation ends with topics such as preventing burnout, building resilience, understanding critical incident stress management, and providing resources for help and support. Enjoy!

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References from this episode.

Stayfit4duty.org or @stay_fit4duty

Operationrestoredwarrior.org or @restoredwarrior

VA.gov or @deptvetaffairs

Stepupfoundation.org or @thestepupfoundation

Theoverwatchcollective.com or @theoverwatchcollective

operationsurf.org or @operationsurf

Episode 166 [Part 2] Ivo Pinto Portuguese Air Force Rescue Swimmer and Helicopter Tactics Instructor Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ continues the conversation with Ivo Pinto from Portugal, a Portuguese Air Force Rescue Swimmer and Helicopter Tactics Instructor.

They start with a story about a big rescue Pinto was involved in, a rescue that earned him a Aeronautical Merit Medal from the Portuguese Air Force. They responded to a large catamaran that had flipped over and was getting beaten apart by the waves.

Next, Pinto tells us about a tough day when he was hoisted into a raft in the ocean. No one was in there, which meant there were four people floating in the middle of the ocean.

We get into another story where they were called out to a cargo ship in some pretty big waves for a seaman having some withdrawal issues. The last rescue that he talked about is a recent one about a sailing vessel with a broken rudder, two people, and a cat.

They finished their conversation talking about EURORSA and the upcoming events for RSM24, as well as a great piece of advice about staying curious. Enjoy!

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Episode 166 [Part 1] Ivo Pinto Portuguese Air Force Rescue Swimmer and Helicopter Tactics Instructor Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ sits down with Ivo Pinto from Portugal, a Portuguese Air Force Rescue Swimmer and Helicopter Tactics Instructor. Pinto shares his experiences and insights into being a rescue swimmer with the Portuguese Air Force. They talk about some of the training involved, and about the challenges faced during long-range missions that have them flying hours to locations.

Pinto shares his first rescue on an Alouette helicopter searching for a woman missing in four-meter (12-foot) seas. While on scene, another asset on a jetski was there helping them. The jet skier found himself in trouble and Pinto ended up having to save him.

Pinto’s second rescue story was about an overturned vessel with six people in the water. This conversation highlights the different approaches to rescue and the importance of choosing what works best for each situation. We finish Part 1 hearing about Pinto’s first rescue in the H101, where they were called out for a “two adults and four children.” A small 10-meter (30-foot) vessel that was being thrashed in the seas. Enjoy!

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Vertical HeliCASTS Mashup! With The Hangar Z Podcast and The Helicopter Podcast Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, we do our first-ever Vertical HeliCASTS mashup!

Host Jason Quinn is joined by fellow Vertical HeliCASTS podcasters, Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast and Jon Gray from The Hangar Z Podcast.

In this captivating episode, they delve deep into crew resource management, sharing personal experiences and invaluable insights that offer a unique perspective on this critical aspect of the industry.

With the three hosts’ diverse backgrounds, they provide wonderfully broad viewpoints on the subject, with excellent tips for new and experienced pilots alike.

Laughter and great rapport is present throughout the show. You don’t miss out on this special episode! Enjoy!

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Episode 165 Dakota Meyer, Former U.S. Marine, Sniper, Medal of Honor Recipient and Firefighter EMT Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Dakota Meyer, Former U.S. Marine, Sniper, Medal of Honor Recipient, current Firefighter and EMT. Throughout our conversation, Meyer shares his experiences in both the military and as a firefighter. He discusses his decision to join the Marine Corps and the values that drove him to serve. Meyer recounts the events of a few heroic missions in Afghanistan and one that led to him receiving the Medal of Honor. We talk about another mission Meyer had only four days after the Medal of Honor mission. This mission earned Meyer a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor.

We transition to the fire service where Meyer shares a memorable call that he responded to in this line of duty. He showed up on scene and saw a frantic woman yelling about her son who was stuck in a vehicle underwater. Meyers shares more of his experiences as a firefighter and EMT, highlighting intense rescues and extractions, frequent medical calls, and firefighter competitions.

We go into a deeper conversation about the phrase “own the dash”, what that truly represents, and the importance of “owning the dash”. Meyers tells us how that ideology inspires him in his day to day life. He emphasizes the need for good people to step up and make a positive impact in the world. Enjoy!

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Episode 164 [Part 2] Bobby O’Donnell, Critical Care Flight Paramedic, Author and Athlete Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ sits down with Bobby O'Donnell, author, runner and a critical care paramedic with Boston MedFlight. O’Donnell shares his background and experiences in emergency medicine.

Here, O’Donnell discusses his experience in Haiti. He had an opportunity to volunteer his time to fly on the Haiti Life Flight helicopter. In his short time there, he was called out to some wild medevacs that he was able to share about.

They finish their conversation with a recap on mental health and how important it is to talk to someone. Plus, they speak about a passion of O’Donnell’s, as well as the importance of getting CPR certified. Enjoy!

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Episode 164 [Part 1] Bobby O’Donnell, Critical Care Flight Paramedic, Author and Athlete Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ sits down with Bobby O'Donnell, author, runner and a critical care paramedic with Boston MedFlight. O’Donnell shares his background and emergency medicine experiences.

O’Donnell recounts his first rescue at the age of 15, where he saved his friend from drowning in a lake. This life-saving event inspired Bobby to pursue a career in emergency medicine. He also discusses the emotional connection he made with the mother of a drowning victim and how he was able to provide her with some peace of mind. Additionally, O’Donnell shares another rescue story while on vacation.

The next part of the conversation, O’Donnell shares his experiences from the day of the Boston Marathon bombing, and having to overcome mental health challenges because of that event. That day, was “the worst day of his life,” and it motivated him to run a marathon on all seven continents. This also led him to write his book, Running Wild. Enjoy!

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Episode 163 [Part 2] Riverside County Sheriff Office California Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

In this part 2 episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by three Riverside County Sheriff Officers to discuss some of their amazing recent rescues. Mike Calhoun, Manny Romero, and Travis Lloyd bring us step-by-step through what they are doing to help rescue those in need in Riverside County, California.

Then we introduce the first ever Real ResQ Roundup, where audience-submitted questions are answered by our guests. We learn all about the Riverside County Sheriff operations and learn the details of each of their recent rescues.

These rescues include: A pitch-black night rescue of a patient who fell and hit her head. Next, they speak about the rescue of a mountain biker who needed to be hoisted out after a bad crash. However, it didn’t end there, because they went back to get the bike! Oh, and it was not the first time they have done this!

Then we divert and learn how they saved a trapped horse by short-hauling it out to safety. Next, a cliff rescue of a climber who broke his hand 800 feet up on a climb. After, we discussed a rescue that almost went very wrong as they were finishing the hoist and losing power. Enjoy!

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