The Real ResQ Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 59 Kevin Vinatieri Pilot from the California Highway Patrol Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

In 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!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/

Episode 58 Dustin Bernatovich USCG RS 649 - Remembering a Veteran Nov 11, 2021

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In this Veteran’s Day episode of The Real ResQ, I wanted to record an episode that recognized and honored military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. When thinking about how to do so, I immediately thought about my friend, fellow USCG Rescue Swimmer #649, Dustin Bernitovich. I wanted to highlight Dustin’s amazing career in the Coast Guard and his work that followed after his time in service. Dustin was humble, brave, larger than life in more than one way, and an incredible athlete. I wanted him to be remembered for what he did while serving in the United States Coast Guard. Because he is no longer with us, I am joined by his father Michael Bernitovich, and his best friend and better half, Donna Adams. Enjoy!

Episode 57 Neville Murphy from the CHC Helicopters and Irish Coast Guard Nov 07, 2021

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In 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 crash in the Irish Sea. He doesn't stop there either, even when he is off work, he is still on call. He volunteers with the local lifeboat as a rescue crew member. With a story from the boat side too, Neville has been a part of some great SAR stories. Enjoy!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/

Episode 56 Harold Hoffmaster USCG RS 230 Nov 03, 2021

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In 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, back to NY and NJ, up to MA which for him, entertained mostly benign rescues. However, all of his experience prepared him for the “Super Bowl of SAR”, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Harold had a stellar career and we loved having him on to talk about so many interesting cases. Enjoy!!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/

ASTerisk - Olaf Leavelle and George Cavallo Discuss Leadership and CISM Oct 30, 2021

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In 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 surround cases that you will never forget. Some of our guests have referred to them as ‘the ghosts that come to you at random times throughout the day’. Listen to this entertaining yet powerful episode. Enjoy!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/

Episode 55 Alvin Fyhn and Hans Jonas from Norway Viking Sky SAR Case Oct 26, 2021

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Alvin and Hans

In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Alvin Fyhn and Hans Jonas from Norway. I was so excited that Alvin and Hans agreed to come on and talk to me about a crazy case that they had, a mission involving over 1,000 cruise ship passengers. This is quite the story to hear as we not only hear about massive waves and the technicalities of a stranded cruise ship but also new learnings discovered when rescuing a large number of people, some older and coming with electric wheelchairs. Listen in and hear about this amazing rescue. Enjoy!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/

Episode 54 Olaf Leavelle USCG RS 126 Oct 22, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, I sit down and have an amazing conversation with my first RS Senior Chief, USCG Rescue Swimmer #126, Olaf Leavelle. I met Olaf when I was 21 years old, stationed up in Kodiak, Alaska. He taught me many skills and lifelong lessons. One of the things that I appreciate about Olaf is his strong and humorous personality, both of which can be heard throughout this episode. He gets real with us talking about his career, his experiences, and some of his memorable cases. I was super stoked to sit down and have the opportunity to talk to Olaf after all of these years. It was a great conversation. Enjoy!!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/

Episode 53 Claire Nelson Survivor and Author of the Book ‘Things I Learned From Falling‘ Oct 17, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, I have the privilege of speaking to Claire Nelson, survivor and author of the book, “Things I Learned From Falling”. In episode 44, Mike Calhoun spoke about a hiking victim that he and the Riverside Sheriff’s Department were called out to rescue after she fell 20 feet, leaving her stranded in the desert for 4 days. That victim, that survivor, is Claire Nelson and she is here with us to tell her side of the story. In one of these rare moments, we are able to hear from the survivor in a case, not just the rescue team. Enjoy!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/

Episode 52 Ernie Bryant from New Zealand Oct 14, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, Paul “Ernie” Bryant joins us from New Zealand. He brings us stories from his over twenty four years of experience and his 3862 missions as an EMS/SAR crewman/winch operator. He tells us some of his most memorable rescues (or “jobs”) that he has been on. We take time to discuss Crew Resource Management (CRM). With his 8000 flight hours as a crewman, he is very passionate about CRM because it has saved his life and other crew members he has flown with. Enjoy!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/

Episode 51 Ken Kiest USCG RS 253 Oct 10, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, Ken Kiest joins us to talk about his dynamic career as USCG Rescue Swimmer #253. This episode is chock-full of energy! Ken speaks passionately about his compelling career as a swimmer, company commander, and an instructor, learning and mentoring this craft since he was a teenager. I had a great time talking to Ken about quite a few of his moments in the USCG. It was impressive to hear the variety of cases that Ken shared, some as simple as how dentures were used to drink water to the more complex cases that earned him recognition. Enjoy!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ;

Breeze-Eastern, https://www.breeze-eastern.com/

SR3 Rescue Concepts, https://sr3rescueconcepts.com/

Rescue Swimmer Shop, https://www.rescueswimmershop.com/