The Real ResQ Podcast

TheRealResQ
The Real ResQ Podcast

I love listening to rescue stories. From the simple standard medevac to the dark and stormy night rescues, they are entertaining and fun to listen to. The Real ResQ Podcast tells the stories of those of us that put our lives on the line everyday. I have been in Search and Rescue for over twenty years, worked in seven different counties and flown on eleven different helicopters. I’ve completed rescues in the ocean, on vessels and platforms, in the mountains, the woods, and more. I have worked, and trained, and met some amazing people from around the world. They have the same passion for search and rescue as I do. 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. We hope that you enjoy these stories as much as we do. “So Others May Live”

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Episode 214: Miles Randell, Paramedic, Co-Founder and President of TEAAM in Canada

    In this episode of the Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Miles Randell, an advanced life support paramedic and co-founder of Team Aeromedical.  Miles shares his journey into paramedicine, detailing a life-changing rescue operation during a severe winter storm that led him to leave his career as a carpet salesman. He recounts his first solo call as a paramedic, the challenges faced in emergency services, and his experiences with North Shore Rescue. The conversation highlights the unpredictability and excitement of working in emergency services, as well as the camaraderie and humor that often accompany such intense situations. Randell shares heartfelt stories about his experiences in emergency services, particularly focusing on the legacy of Tim Jones, a beloved figure in mountain medicine who tragically passed away during a rescue operation. The discussion transitions into the challenges faced by paramedics, including policy changes that impact their ability to respond effectively.  Finally, we hear the miraculous rescue story of Christine Newman, who was revived after being trapped in a tree well for hours, showcasing the power of teamwork and determination in life-saving situations.  During this conversation, Miles Randell shares his profound experiences in wilderness medicine, detailing a life-saving rescue that left a lasting impact on him and the community. He discusses the recognition received for their efforts, the establishment of Team Aeromedical, and the challenges faced in providing air ambulance services in remote areas. The conversation also touches on the importance of teamwork, mental health, and the innovative funding models necessary for sustaining such critical services. Enjoy!   This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS. Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Metro Aviation, Ready Swimmer and The Real ResQ Store. Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

    1h 28m
  2. Episode 212: Rick 'Mac' McElrath U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #17

    12/26/2024

    Episode 212: Rick 'Mac' McElrath U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #17

    In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Rick McElrath, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #17. McElrath shares his journey working as a Coast Guard Aviation Survivalman (ASM) before the Rescue Swimmer program was established. He shares a memorable C-130 Hercules mission where he dropped a pump to a distressed boat taking on water. He reflects on Navy Rescue Swimmer School and his assignment to Astoria, Oregon, where he flew his first mission as a Rescue Swimmer, responding to a missing person in a remote cabin. The conversation covers more rescues out of Astoria before moving to his time in Clearwater, Florida, where he primarily flew law enforcement missions. He shares one of his standout stories from this duty station. McElrath then takes us to Sitka, Alaska, recounting several memorable rescues, including those that earned him prestigious awards. He dives into the challenges of rescuing in treacherous weather, the emotional toll of saving lives, and the vital role of teamwork. He concludes by reflecting on his career and the transition to civilian life, offering valuable advice to the next generation of rescue professionals. Enjoy!   This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS. Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Onboarding, Switlik, Ready Swimmer and The Real ResQ Store. Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

    2h 27m
  3. Episode 207 Danielle (Dani) Snyder, U.S. Forest Service Landscape Architect, Volunteer Firefighter and Search and Rescue Team out of Sitka, Alaska

    11/20/2024

    Episode 207 Danielle (Dani) Snyder, U.S. Forest Service Landscape Architect, Volunteer Firefighter and Search and Rescue Team out of Sitka, Alaska

    In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Danielle Snyder, a U.S. Forest Service Landscape Architect, volunteer firefighter, and member of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Team with the Sitka, Alaska Fire Department. Living in Sitka, Alaska, Snyder is a Coast Guard “Air Station Fan Girl”! She shares her experiences with search and rescue in Sitka, Alaska. She works with the local department, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.   She recalls her first rescue, searching for an overdue kayaker, and the challenges of searching in the dark. She also discusses a memorable rescue on Bear Mountain, where she rappelled down the steep slope to rescue stranded hunters. The rescue lasted nearly 24 hours and involved navigating through dense vegetation and rappelling into a waterfall.  Next, we discuss a plane crash in downtown Sitka where the plane crashed into a house, but miraculously, the owner of the house had left just half an hour earlier. There is also a second story of a plane crash on a nearby mountain where the Coast Guard flew the SAR team up to the scene.  Snyder also shares the story of a team member who passed away while hiking on Mount Verstovia. She emphasizes the importance of mental health support for rescue teams and recommends resources like the Responder Alliance. She also recommends the book The Culture Code. The conversation ends on a positive note, highlighting the joy of helping others, the camaraderie within the team, and the importance of teamwork. In addition, there is a need for individuals to show up and be willing to do the job, regardless of their perceived weaknesses. Enjoy!   This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS. Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Breeze-Eastern, PAG, The Real ResQ Store. Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

    1h 49m
4.8
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

I love listening to rescue stories. From the simple standard medevac to the dark and stormy night rescues, they are entertaining and fun to listen to. The Real ResQ Podcast tells the stories of those of us that put our lives on the line everyday. I have been in Search and Rescue for over twenty years, worked in seven different counties and flown on eleven different helicopters. I’ve completed rescues in the ocean, on vessels and platforms, in the mountains, the woods, and more. I have worked, and trained, and met some amazing people from around the world. They have the same passion for search and rescue as I do. 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. We hope that you enjoy these stories as much as we do. “So Others May Live”

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