The Real ResQ Podcast TheRealResQ

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

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

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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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

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!
 
This episode is powered by Vertical Helicasts.
Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ:
Bell and PAG.
Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts.

In Part 1 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. 
Gousse and Urekew share their first rescue experiences and their passion for technical rescue. They also mention their involvement in the 2022 flood rescues. They focus on the search-and-rescue efforts during a flood in Breathitt County, Kentucky. They recount their experiences rescuing a family stranded in their home, searching for a missing person, and dealing with the challenges of contaminated flood water. 
They also discuss the coordination and challenges of conducting search-and-rescue operations in mountainous terrain. Additionally, they share stories of rescuing a person who fell off a cliff and a dog stuck on a ledge. Enjoy!
 
This episode is powered by Vertical Helicasts.
Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ:
Breeze-Eastern and Axnes.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts.