The Real ResQ Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 20 Memorial Day Remembrance of CG6505 and David L. Skimin USCG RS #409 May 30, 2021

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In this special Memorial Day episode of The Real ResQ, we reflect and honor some of those fallen while serving The United States of America. This episode is dedicated to the crew of the 6505, and more specifically my friend, David L. Skimin USCG RS #409. Military men, women, and their families all know the dangers of our job and what ultimately could be on the line. Military men and women prepare, train and stand ready for the call to serve. On Memorial Day, we remember those who were called out and made the ultimate sacrifice.

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Episode 19 Tom Moore USCG Boatswain Mate (Ret.) May 27, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Tom Moore, a retired Boatswain's Mate for the USCG. In Tom's 31 years in the Coast Guard, he has witnessed and experienced a multitude of cases. Listen as Tom and I recap the importance, necessity, and benefits of cross training Boats and Aviation and how this partnership has impacted search and rescue for the USCG. Tom also tells stories of a few memorable moments in his career, beginning with his first call for a boat stuck on a jetty to a time where he was dispatched to a capsized boat with people in the water. Tom had an impressive career in the USCG. Enjoy!

Episode 18 USCG RS 46 Jeff Tunks May 22, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, Jeff Tunks, USCG RS #46 joins us for an engaging and outstanding conversation about his time as a swimmer. He reminds us, “God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the call.” Jeff has some amazing rescues, earning him the title of the very first USCG RS to ever receive a Distinguished Flying Cross. Listen in as we discuss a case with an interesting twist when his team was launched out to rescue a father and his young son in the wild waters of Sitka, Alaska. We discuss another case with a free fall into the water to a hypothermic victim, and then get into the very well known disaster, Hurricane Katrina. Jeff's experience during Katrina will have you tipping your hat to the men and women who went in to save the lives of all those in need. Enjoy!

Episode 17 Dan Antle and John Valentino from Seminole County FL Sheriff Department May 19, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, we have the privilege of speaking to Dan Antle and John Valentino from the Seminole County Florida Sheriff's Department. These two bring a unique perspective to the table. As law enforcement, they work on the ground as well as in the air through their aviation division. They work alongside firefighters and provide search and rescue for a large portion of the Orlando Florida area. Listen as Dan and John tell experiences that include lost hikers, accidents from jet skis and how covid has increased the number of calls, including the severity of some of the cases. This episode would not be complete without a quick mention of the gators that make appearances in their missions. Enjoy!

Episode 16 Brad Corkins US Customs and Border Protection Agent (Ret.) May 15, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, Brad Corkins joins us to talk about his long career working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations. With a career that includes Local Law Enforcement, the Army, and the aviation division of Border Patrol, Brad has seen it all. Listen in as he discusses cases that range from nearly maxing out the hoist cable for a rescue to countless rescues brought on by the demanding Hurricane Harvey.

Episode 15 Shannon Scaff USCG RS #437 May 10, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, Shannon Scaff, USCG Rescue Swimmer #437 joins the podcast to discuss 3, intense and jaw dropping missions that earned him two Air Medals and one Distinguished Flying Cross. Shannon recaps being launched out during Hurricane Floyd to a site where over 100 civilians waited for rescue. He then details being sent to rescue two people who needed saving, but not without their dog who just so happened to be strapped into a life vest. Finally, in a case so difficult that it required two Rescue Swimmers on board, Shannon speaks of a boat taking on water in 60 foot seas, at 3am in January. Faith, determination, strategy, and strength were all needed to save the lives of those in distress, as well as all of the crew on board. Enjoy!

Episode 14 Steph Maier from STARFlight, Travis County, Austin, TX May 07, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Steph Maier from Travis County STARFlight, Austin, Texas. During this conversation, we go from laughing at wild and crazy rescues to a somber retelling of tragedy striking one of their own. Listen in as Steph and I talk about swift water rescues and flash floods. We get into victims being hoisted to safety with pets in backpacks and being launched to a capsized boat. This episode reminds us that although many rescues end well and give us the satisfaction of helping others in their time of need, there is a dark side to what we do. Enjoy!

Episode 13 Pat Barber Hoist Operator May 02, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, seasoned Hoist Operator and one of my respected mentors, Pat Barber joins us to discuss lessons and experiences throughout his USCG career and beyond. Whether the case was an overturned boat, a delirious and hypothermic patient, or a firefighter in distress. Pat talks about his mindset and processes to analyze how to better assist and prepare for the day the alarm sounds. Pat and I reminisce and retell the story of being sent out to the disabled cruise liner that made headlines when it was stuck in the Gulf of Mexico. Listen in to the knowledgeable and eye opening stories told by my friend, Pat Barber. Enjoy!

Episode 12 Mario Vittone USCG RS #368 Apr 28, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, USCG Rescue Swimmer #368, Mario Vittone recaps a case that was so dramatic, it earned him The Distinguished Flying Cross. In this energetic and engaging conversation, Mario and I talk about the training and dialogue that goes into search and rescue and how when the alarm goes off, more times than not, nothing goes according to plan. What do you do when one of the people you're about to hoist is only 4 months old? Listen in to hear the details of this crazy rescue. Enjoy!

Episode 11 Kim Germishuys from South Africa Apr 24, 2021

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, we are joined by Kim Germishuys, a Hoist Operator and Rescue Swimmer from South Africa. Currently working in Northern Germany, Kim recaps how she got into search and rescue. She details her impressive road to becoming a rescueman (or rescuewoman) and speaks of the research, training, and tactics learned to get her to where she is today. In her nearly two decade career, Kim has worked in treacherous ocean currents that have thrown boats into rocks, taken on 8 meter waves in a rigid inflatable boat, learned the value of teamwork and what it feels like to be on the receiving end of static electricity from the helicopter. This is one badass lady who has many stories to tell and looks forward to the calls that have yet to come. Listen in as Kim recaps some of her gnarliest rescues throughout her career. Enjoy!

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