The Real ResQ Podcast

Episode 192 John Whiddon U.S. Coast Guard Pilot (Ret)

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by John Whiddon, a former United States Coast Guard pilot. 

Whiddon shares experiences and stories from his career. He talks about his journey to becoming a pilot and the training that he received from experienced veterans. He recounts his first rescue as a pilot, which involved the famous band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He also shares a humorous story about an incident involving a relief tube in the cockpit. 

Whiddon also discusses his time in Alaska and the challenging rescues he was involved in. These rescues earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his heroic actions. One of the first missions involved the rescue of 20 survivors from a stricken passenger vessel that had caught fire in the Gulf of Alaska. Despite challenging weather conditions and limited visibility, he skillfully guided the helicopter to safely hoist the survivors to safety. 

Our conversation continues with a story where Whidden and his crew faced extreme weather conditions and saved two lives from the fishing vessel Bluebird. As we discuss this mission, he highlights the challenges of hovering over the ocean at night and the importance of having a rescue swimmer. Whiddon emphasizes the role of faith and divine intervention in the successful outcome of the mission. The crew received numerous awards and recognition for their heroic actions. John also discusses the importance of creating a safe environment for pilots and aircrew to seek help when needed. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 191 Sean Daniell - Canadian SAR Tech #529

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Sean Daniell, a Canadian SARTech (search-and-rescue technician). They discuss Daniell’s background, his training as a SARTech, and some of the intense experiences he has had in the field. 

Daniell shares stories of rescues, survival training, and his work as a paramedic. He highlights the physical and mental challenges faced by SARTechs and the importance of their role in saving lives. Daniell discusses his training as a SARTech and his experiences in the field. He talks about the importance of acclimatizing to the cold and learning survival skills in the Arctic. He also shares his training in diving, water survival, and parachuting. 

Daniell recounts his first rescue mission, which involved a plane crash, and discusses the challenging and sometimes gruesome aspects of search-and-rescue operations. He discusses his progression as a SARTech and the responsibilities that come with different roles. He shares a rescue mission that haunted him and reflects on the experience of pronouncing someone dead. He also talks about his training at the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) in Astoria, Oregon, and the valuable skills he learned there. He mentions the camaraderie between Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers and the importance of specialized training.

In this final part of the conversation, Daniell talks about a rescue mission in the mountains where they had to perform a vehicle extraction and rope rescue. He also shares a training scenario in Okanagan Lake where they ended up getting stuck in the mud. Daniell discusses the importance of cross-training with other countries and shares his experiences working with the Swiss, and also the country of Iceland. He concludes by talking about his own injuries and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 190 Luke Johnson U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #766

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Luke Johnson, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #766.

Johnson shares many of his experiences and rescues. While stationed in Puerto Rico, he recounts a rescue mission involving 34 illegal immigrants, who had been abandoned by smugglers on Isla Monito. Johnson also describes a cruise ship rescue where he hoisted an elderly heart attack victim from the ship. Additionally, he shares a unique experience of being left on Palomino Island after rescuing a fisherman. Stranded on the island, he was forced to row a boat back to shore in the Caribbean. Another story focuses on a more intense rescue operation where Johnson saved three lives after a boat capsized in rough waters.

We had fun talking about his experiences working in Hollywood, participating in the Amazing Race, and training with NASA. He also discusses his transition out of the Coast Guard and his current career in safety and risk management. 

Johnson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of military skills in the civilian world and being open to new opportunities. He also highlights the significance of CPR training and the potential to save lives in emergency situations. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 189 [Full] Harry Knight USN Rescue Swimmer and Volunteer EMT in Maryland

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined once again by Harry Knight, former Navy Rescue Swimmer.  

In this part of the conversation, Jason and Harry discuss Harry's passion for CPR and his extensive volunteer work. Harry shares his personal experiences with CPR and how it has made a significant impact on people's lives. He also talks about the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal that he received for his volunteer service. 

Despite going through tough times, Harry turned them into a positive by dedicating his time to help others. Harry discusses his experience as a volunteer in the Southern Maryland fire and emergency medical services. He talks about the importance of volunteering and the training opportunities that it provides. He also shares stories of his first EMS call and a memorable call involving a child.

Harry emphasizes the need for constant awareness and readiness as a first responder, as well as the importance of communication and coordination with law enforcement. In this part of the conversation, Harry shares two significant incidents that he witnessed. The first incident occurred in 1996, when he responded to a car crash and saved a woman's life. 

The second incident happened in 2022, when he witnessed a fatal head-on collision involving a semi-truck. Harry emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support for mental health after experiencing traumatic events. The conversation also touches on Harry's recognition in a Navy magazine for his work in the Office of Naval Intelligence. He also discusses his experience as a disaster preparedness officer and the importance of having a medical response team in the workplace. 

Harry shares stories of responding to multiple medical emergencies within a short period of time and highlights the value of having trained personnel on-site. Harry also talks about the unique opportunity to work alongside his son, who is a paramedic, and the memorable calls they ran together. He concludes by offering advice to listeners, encouraging them to pursue their passions and reach out for help when needed. Enjoy!

 

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Episode 188 [Full] Ryan Beard, U.S. Coast Guard Flight Mech

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by Ryan Beard, a flight mechanic in the United States Coast Guard. 

Beard recounts his first rescue mission, where he and his crew saved two sailors whose sailboat had run aground on the Galveston, Texas, jetty. This successful rescue earned him an achievement medal and the USCG District 8 Rescue of the Year award. Another notable rescue involved a medevac of a crew member with a critical blast injury. Beard’s disciplined crew resource management and quick decision-making skills were crucial in these high-pressure situations. 

During Hurricane Harvey, Beard and his crew were one of the first to respond to the storm and perform rescue operations. They faced challenging conditions, including a violent squall line and rising floodwaters. They embarked on multiple missions, hoisting people in critical condition and navigating through power lines and dangerous obstacles. Beard’s actions and skills were instrumental in the rescue of 32 people. In addition to flying, he also assisted with maintenance tasks and fueling operations, contributing to the success of the massive air rescue operation that saved and assisted 1,738 lives. 

Beard talks about the dedication and hard work of the Coast Guard during the hurricane relief efforts and the camaraderie among the team. He also discusses his transition to The Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) and the training he underwent to become a precision marksman. He emphasizes the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to learn and grow. We conclude our conversation with Beard offering advice to those considering joining the Coast Guard. He encourages anyone to reach out for more information. Enjoy!

 

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ASTerisk - The Danish Rescue Swimmers In-Person from EURORSA 2024

In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is Live from EURORSA 2024. He sits down with Jesper Rintza and Martin Ravn, two rescue swimmers from the Danish Royal Air Force. They give an insider's perspective, discussing how they do the job of a Rescue Swimmer.

First, both Rintza and Ravn tell a memorable rescue that stands out to each of them.  For Rintza, it was a rescue of two Olympian female sailors who went missing. After over an hour of searching, they located the women. The race was on to do everything they could to save the women. Next, for Ravn, he recalls a medevac from a cruise ship, where a patient was experiencing a possible heart attack and needed to get to the hospital.  

In the next part of the conversation, we focus on the process that it takes to become a rescue swimmer in their squadron. They have a two-week physical fitness push and then lots of time in the helicopter getting on-the-job training. We discuss some of the medical training that they have to do as Danish Rescue Swimmers, as well as one of the procedures they use for a hypothermic victim in the water. Enjoy!

 

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ASTerisk - Five of the First Six USCG Rescue Swimmers

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

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

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

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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