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The Real ResQ is the ultimate podcast for inspiring stories of everyday heroes who risk their lives ”so others may live.” Join experienced Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #500, Jason Quinn, and guests from around the world as they share firsthand accounts of high-pressure situations and the bravery required to navigate them. From the simple standard medevac to the dark and stormy night rescues, they are entertaining and fun to listen to. Each episode is packed with riveting stories, insightful interviews, and expert analysis, giving you an immersive experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Here, we go behind the scenes of these amazing rescues. We get an inside look and listen to all the good and the bad of these everyday heroes. Whether you’re a first responder or simply fascinated by the world of rescue work, ”The Real ResQ” is a must-listen. Subscribe now and join us on this unforgettable journey of courage, heroism, and hope.
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![Episode 184 [Full] Kelly Gordon, USCG Rescue Swimmer #02](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog10709409/Helicasts-Thumbnail-Sponsors-RealResQ-Axnes-PAG_6kk5pk_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
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
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