In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with an incredible group of volunteers at the Harley Davidson Asheville Dealership. These dedicated individuals stepped up to assist the Western North Carolina community in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation.

Joining Jason are David Seaton and Luke Knight from Seaton Flying Services, Blake Woodward of Guardian Aero, Michelle Story, a flight nurse, Jeremy Snarski from the Civilian Crisis Response Team, and Adam Smith of Savage Freedoms. Each of them took time out of their busy schedules to help those in need, offering critical support during the relief efforts.

Recorded on the tailgate of a Seaton Flying Services truck amidst ongoing operations, we dive into their personal experiences, challenges, and the impact they’ve made on the ground. Listen in to hear how this team of volunteers is making a real difference in Western NC. Enjoy!

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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Ready Swimmer, Collins Aerospace and Switlik.

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Matt McSwain, Director of Operations for Operation Helo, and Andy Petree, civilian pilot, who were instrumental in the rescue efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.

McSwain shares the incredible story of how they mobilized a large-scale response by creating a non-profit to fund, support, and manage the coordination of over 100 helicopters and 230 pilots. With more than 400 missions flown each day, their efforts resulted in the rescue and assistance of over 400 people.

Petree dives into the unique collaboration between civilian pilots and local and state governments, highlighting the power of local community partnerships in disaster relief. Tune in to hear the firsthand experiences and challenges these heroes faced while saving lives on the front lines of Hurricane Helene. Enjoy!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Breeze-Eastern and The Real ResQ Store.

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, special guest host Melissa Quinn is joined by Jason Quinn, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #500.

We opened the floor to our listeners, asking for their questions and any rescue stories they have been curious to hear. The result? An episode packed with heartfelt stories, emotional rescues, and insightful behind-the-scenes details. Jason shares some of his most memorable and challenging rescues, including a dramatic four-wheeler accident, a surf rescue, and a CPR situation where the patient’s wife was standing behind him the entire time.

One question dove into Jason’s training experiences, and he reveals the story behind Rule #12: Always Pack A Knife. They also talk about the unpredictable things that can happen during training and how it shapes a rescue swimmer's mindset.

When asked about his most stressful rescue, Jason recounts a high-pressure mission in the Gulf of Mexico, where he was the hoist operator during a particularly intense flight.

They also tackled some fun and lighthearted questions, such as:

“Do I prefer being the one hoisting or the guy on the hook?”

“Is there a difference in adrenaline levels between live missions and training?”

“What’s a funny or unexpected moment from one of my missions that always makes me laugh?”

“Do I have any pre-mission rituals or good luck charms?”

This episode offers a mix of gripping rescue stories, personal reflections, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a candid Q&A session that gives you a deeper look into the life of a rescue swimmer. Enjoy!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Collins Aerospace, Switlik, and Ready Swimmer.

Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical Helicasts. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.