The Real ResQ Podcast

Latest Episodes:

ASTerisk - Five of the First Six USCG Rescue Swimmers Jun 22, 2024

Show notes

In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is LIVE from DECERT 2024. He is joined by five of the first six U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers: Steve Ober (01), Kelly Gordon (02), Rick Woolford (03), Butch Flythe (05), and Larry Farmer (06). This historic gathering brings together the pioneers who laid the foundation for the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program.

Join us as these trailblazers share their incredible stories and memorable moments from the early days of the program. From their grueling training experiences to their first rescues, each recounts the challenges and triumphs that defined their careers. Listen in as they reminisce about the camaraderie, the life-saving missions, and the evolution of the program that set the standard for excellence in search-and-rescue operations.

This episode is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of the original Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. Their stories not only highlight their personal heroism but also the enduring legacy of the program they helped establish. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the legends of the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer community. Enjoy!

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ASTerisk - Dr. Taylor Ratcliff, Associate Medical Director, and Brandon Solomon, Paramedic, Hoist Operator, and Rescue Specialist, at Travis County StarFlight in Texas Discuss Patient Rapid Cooling Jun 16, 2024

Show notes

In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by the team from Travis County Starflight, Texas - Dr. Taylor Ratcliff, Associate Medical Director, and Brandon Solomon, Flight Paramedic, Hoist Operator, and Rescue Specialist.

As we kick off the summer season, we explore the innovative techniques developed by Travis County StarFlight to combat exertional heat stroke in the field. Join us as we uncover their groundbreaking solution, which utilizes ice, cold water, and chilled IV fluids to rapidly cool patients in remote and challenging environments.

Our guests explain their method in detail, presenting compelling evidence of their operational success rates. We cover the basics of recognizing and treating heat stroke, the severe effects it has on the body, and the critical need for rapid cooling. You'll learn about the use of ice in patient care and the development of a rapid cooling system that can be hoisted in to save lives.

The goal of this episode is to disseminate this life-saving information to as many people and agencies as possible. The method Travis County StarFlight has developed is applicable at any level of medical care, making it a vital tool for first responders and medical professionals alike. Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights and practical solutions for treating heat stroke in the field. Enjoy!

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Episode 187 [Full] Martin Lehmann, Denmark Rescue Swimmer from the Danish Air Force, Rescue Squadron 722 Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Martin Lehmann, Danish Air Force Rescue Swimmer from Rescue Squadron 722.

Martin shares thrilling accounts of his missions, starting with his first, where he was still in the qualification phase and was hoisted into the bush to retrieve an elderly man. He vividly recalls rescuing two children swept away from shore in a dinghy, and being hoisted onto a burning vessel to save the sailors before it was too late. In the last mission he brings us through, he was hoisted onto a sinking fishing vessel to try and help save it.

Martin’s bravery and quick thinking in these high-pressure situations are commendable. As a rescue swimmer in the Danish Air Force, he shares his experiences and insights into their search-and-rescue operations. They use the EH101 helicopter, a variant of the Leonardo AW101. The Danish Air Force covers a vast coastline and provides medevacs from various islands to hospitals in Denmark. They also support the police and participate in international missions. Martin emphasizes the importance of taking it slow and maintaining a calm mindset during high-pressure situations. Enjoy!

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Episode 186 [Full] Larry Farmer, USCG Rescue Swimmer #06 Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Larry Farmer, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer 06.

Farmer, the godfather of the United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program, shares his journey from joining the Coast Guard to becoming an Aviation Survivalman (ASM) and what it took to help build the Swimmer program.

He talks about his first search-and-rescue case as an ASM, which involved retrieving a deceased individual from the water and delivering him to Mexican authorities. Farmer also describes the process of performing platform pickups, where the H3 helicopter lands on water and taxis to the survivor.

He shares a harrowing rescue mission 220 miles off the coast of San Diego, where the helicopter had to navigate through thick fog to reach a distressed crew member on a freighter. This earned him an Air Medal.

Farmer talks about his heroic actions following a plane crashing into the building he was in. With burning jet fuel and chemical explosions, his dedication to rescuing survivors and doing what he could to help earned him a Coast Guard Medal.

Larry's commitment to the rescue swimmer program and his role in shaping its future are discussed, along with the reason that he decided to attend the Navy Rescue Swimmer School. Farmer also explains the resistance and challenges faced in implementing the rescue swimmer program in the U.S. Coast Guard.

He talks about the pushback from changing the existing protocol and the difficulties in standardizing the program. Despite the obstacles, the program has been successful in saving lives and has gained recognition from other services worldwide.

We closed out our conversation with some great advice: Never quit during the dark days, and stay true to oneself. Enjoy!

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Episode 185 [Full] Matthew Paul Fithian, USCG Rescue Swimmer #04 May 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Matthew Fithian, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer 04.

Fithian shares his experiences and career journey in this podcast episode. He discusses his upbringing, joining the Coast Guard, and various assignments and rescues. Our stories explore moments from his time in boot camp, his work as a flight mechanic, to him becoming Rescue Swimmer 04. Fithian recounts his experiences with helicopter water platform pickups and a rescue where he was hoisted down to a vessel for a victim who had lost his arm. He also mentions the Marine Electric incident and the search for pirates.

Fithian's episode highlights his experiences as a rescue swimmer. We talk about the challenges of being hoisted from a strop and the relief of using harnesses. Matthew shares his memories of going to rescue swimmer school and the determination he had to not quit. He also recounts a daring rescue where he rescued 43 people and a dog from flood waters in Roanoke, VA. Matthew's bravery and dedication earned him an Air Medal for this rescue.

Fithian also talks about his transition to civilian life, working as a truck driver, and his involvement in organizations like the Moose Lodge and Disabled American Veterans. Matthew emphasizes the importance of advancing in one's career and not staying idle. Enjoy!

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Episode 184 [Full] Kelly Gordon, USCG Rescue Swimmer #02 May 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Kelly Gordon, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer No. 02.

Gordon shares his journey to becoming a rescue swimmer and talks about the early days of the rescue swimmer program. He talks about his experience in the Coast Guard, including close calls and significant events while flying in Astoria, Oregon.

When talking about the earlier days of the rescue swimmer program, Gordon discusses the initial training and implementation of the program, including the challenges they faced with the equipment and the design flaws they encountered. He mentions the evaluation of wetsuits and the exposure exercises they underwent to test their effectiveness in cold water.

He recalls the excitement of their first rescue and the ones that followed. He recounts a rescue where he had to get four people away from a sinking boat in rough waves.

Another memorable rescue he describes is the medevac of a fisherman with a punctured scrotum. Gordon also had a story detailing a body recovery from a boat that sank with four people on board.

Gordon discusses the growth of the rescue swimmer program and the impact of the Jeff Tunks rescue of The Bluebird (The Real ResQ Episode 18). He also talks about his retirement from the Coast Guard and his transition to civilian life. He shares various assignments, qualifications, and experiences, including his time as one of the first five rescue swimmers. Gordon emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment, putting things in perspective, and appreciating the small things in life. Enjoy!

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00:00 Introduction and technical instructions

02:59 Kelly's background and journey to becoming a rescue swimmer

08:06 Experiences in Astoria, Oregon

25:57 Implementing the Underwater Escape Rebreather (UER) Program

29:12 Training as a NAOPSPEE instructor

32:44 Training and implementing the program

36:17 Coast Guard's lack of a swim program

41:49 First Coasties to attend Navy Rescue Swimmer School

54:09 Evaluating the effectiveness of wetsuits

59:26 Swimming independent from the helicopter

01:02:32 The first rescues

01:05:11 The challenges of being a rescue swimmer

01:14:13 Memorable rescues

01:28:16 The impact of the Jeff Tunks rescue

01:45:00 Advice and looking forward to the reunion

Episode 183 [Full] James Dahmer, Canadian Rescue Specialist Paramedic May 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by James Dahmer, rescue medic.

Dahmer shares his background and talks about how he got into search-and-rescue (SAR). He also recounts some of his most memorable rescues, including a fatal resuscitation in the Tantalus Range, and a rescue where he had to perform CPR on a longline.

This conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of SAR work in treacherous mountain environments. They discuss various incidents and challenges Dahmer has faced in his many rescue roles. These stories include a flight to rescue a patient in cold weather, the use of intraosseous (IO) and intravenous (IV) access, preventing IV from freezing in extreme temperatures, a large dockyard fire, a severe half torso laceration, and a major concussion case.

In this conversation, Dahmer shares his experiences and insights as a paramedic, hoist rescue specialist, ropes rescue technician, and ski patrol member. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and psychology of patients in pre-hospital medicine. Dahmer also discusses the challenges and creativity required in rope rescues and the physical demands of high-stress situations. He highlights the value of training and mentoring in the field, plus the need to pass on knowledge to the next generation and share stories in the SAR community. Enjoy!

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00:00 Introduction and Background

02:52 James' Journey into Search and Rescue

09:43 James' First Rescue

28:49 Resuscitation on a Long Line

33:19 Flight to the South

36:12 CPR Basics in Cold Weather

39:37 Intraosseous (IO) and IV Access

42:29 Preventing IV Freezing

46:32 Squamish Dockyard Fire

52:12 Half Torso Laceration

59:25 Major Concussion

01:01:50 Treating Hypothermia and Stroke Symptoms

01:04:07 Helicopter Rescue and Landing

01:05:27 Recovery and Gratitude

01:06:43 The Importance of Recognition

01:07:09 The Role of Mentors and Training

01:09:29 The Practice of Medicine and Trying New Techniques

01:11:59 Realistic Training and Pushing Boundaries

01:14:18 The Balancing Act of Risk and Rescue

01:15:30 The Limitations of Helicopter Rescue

01:19:22 Progressive Training and Building Skills

01:25:19 The Loneliness of Air Operations

01:27:22 The Speed and Efficiency of Helicopter Rescue

01:30:03 The Challenges of Helicopter Rescue in Canada

01:35:16 Triple Fatality at Shannon Falls

01:41:00 The Importance of Context and Psychology in Pre-hospital Medicine

01:43:18 The Challenges of Rope Rescue and the Need for Creativity

01:49:25 The Intensity and Physical Demands of High-Stress Rescues

01:56:40 The Value of Training and Mentoring

02:01:41 The Jelly Newton Piñata and the Importance of Sharing Stories

02:08:38 Train Your Replacement and Be a Genuine Mentor

Episode 182 [Full] Tombo Jones Veteran, US Army and US Coast Guard Pilot and Veteran, US Army and USCG Pilot, and Director of Virginia Tech FAA Designated Drone Test Site May 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, guest Tombo Jones chats with host Jason Quinn. Jones is a former United States Army pilot and Coast Guard pilot, currently director of the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership.

Jones shares his journey from the U.S. Army to the U.S.Coast Guard. His first duty station in the Coast Guard was Savannah, Georgia. He shares his first call out experience, a challenging and nerve-racking mission in heavy fog. At one point, he and his crew had to divert to make an emergency landing at Charleston International Airport due to low fuel and a reported fire on the initial runway. Jones then shares another humorous story out of Savannah about finding two boaters whose boat sank and having to leave them with a radio, then returning hours later for the rescue.

He speaks briefly about Mobile, Alabama, and then his twilight tour in Humboldt Bay, California. There, he recounts a specific medevac rescue mission on Feb. 6, 2015, which earned him a Letter of Commendation. He had to navigate severe weather and low visibility to save a patient's life. Jones reflects on the lessons learned from this mission and the importance of considering magnetic variation in flight planning. He also shares about a second rescue out of Humboldt Bay that earned him an Achievement Medal. Here, a distressed sailor was injured and needed an immediate medevac off the fishing vessel.

Jones discusses an embarrassing mistake that he made as a crew member and emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and learning from mistakes. He also talks about the challenges of flying in difficult conditions and the differences between Federal Aviation Administration regulations and Coast Guard operations. Jones concludes by offering advice on making wise decisions in high-pressure situations. Enjoy!

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Episode 181 [Full] Gwenny Lawson Flight Nurse and Director of EMS Training for Impact EMS May 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Gwenny Lawson, a flight nurse and lead instructor for Impact EMS.

Lawson discusses her background and journey into nursing, as well as some impactful patient encounters. She emphasizes the importance of being present for patients and their families during critical moments. She also highlights the ripple effect that medical professionals have on their communities.

One of the stories Lawson shares is about a traumatic arrest and the successful return of spontaneous circulation. She shares two more remarkable stories that stand out to her. The first story involves a LifeNet flight to Omaha where they had to resuscitate a patient who suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. The second story involves landing on a sandbar and walking through a river to pick up a patient who was not able to be carried out of the area.

Our next story takes place in Haiti, where Lawson volunteers with an organization called HERO. She describes the challenges and rewards of providing medical care in a developing country.

Lawson then goes on to share her experiences as a flight nurse and educator. She also emphasizes the importance of slowing down and being intentional with patient care. She highlights the value of continuous learning and the need to carry the right equipment. Overall, Lawson's advice is to always keep learning and be open to the idea of being wrong.

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Gwenny Lawson’s Book - BUT WHY?: Going Beyond the What So You Can Understand the Why of Critical Care Transport

Episode 180 [Part 2] Kristin Gousse and Jeremy Urekew from Powell County, Kentucky Search & Rescue Team Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

In Part 2 of this two-part series, host Jason Quinn of The Real ResQ is joined by Kristin Gousse and Jeremy Urekew from the Powell County, Kentucky search-and-rescue team.

We talk about a story involving four hikers who were stranded atop Courthouse Rock due to rapid changing weather conditions. The rescue team considered various options, including a climb up and rescue of the hikers using ropes. Ultimately, they decided a helicopter was the best option. The rescue gained national attention and was featured on Good Morning America.

They get into another rescue that happened two days prior to our recording. This is the first time the full story had been released. An off road vehicle had taken a plunge down a cliffside and had a woman injured and stuck at the crash. A full team spent hours in the dark to get her out.

The rest of the conversation covers the importance of training and experience, the desire to be first on the scene, respecting other rescuers, challenges faced during rescues, lessons learned, international rope rescue competitions, and advice for rescuers. Enjoy!

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