The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined with five members of the Texas National Guard’s San Antonio Alamo DUSTOFF unit to talk about the realities of medevac and rescue operations in high-stakes environments.
The crew shares their personal journeys into the National Guard, the training that prepared them for the mission, and the challenges they’ve faced during real-world rescue deployments. From nighttime operations to civilian rescues, their stories offer a firsthand look at the precision, courage, and adaptability required in medevac work.
A major focus of the conversation centers on the Kerrville flood response, where preparation, interagency coordination, and clear communication proved critical. The team reflects on how collaboration between military and civilian partners shaped the outcome, and how emotional resilience plays a key role when operating under pressure.
They also speak candidly about the personal impact of rescue work—the weight carried after difficult missions, the lessons learned, and the responsibility that comes with being the lifeline for someone in crisis.
This episode provides a powerful look at the teamwork, professionalism, and dedication behind Texas National Guard rescue missions, and the difference these crews make when lives are on the line.
Enjoy.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Shawn Sullivan, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #351.
Sullivan talks through a remarkable career that spans some of the most demanding rescue environments in the world—from the Great Lakes to Alaska—and includes missions during the era of the Perfect Storm rescues. He recounts his first helicopter rescue, the emotional weight of high-stress operations, and the unpredictable nature of life-or-death missions at sea.
He explores the deep camaraderie within the rescue swimmer community, the evolution of rescue technology over the years, and the real-world challenges behind humanitarian and migrant rescues. Shawn shares personal stories that capture both the adrenaline and the gravity of the job—including shark encounters, difficult recoveries, and moments that left a lasting impact on him.
He also reflects on emergency preparedness, lessons learned from the field, and the transition to life after the Coast Guard, offering grounded advice for current and aspiring rescue swimmers. His perspective underscores the importance of teamwork, resilience, and always having a backup plan.
Enjoy.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Craig McCotter and Erica Zangwill to discuss their pivotal roles in the extraordinary civilian-led relief efforts following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Together, they recount the formation and execution of what became the largest civilian air relief operation in history, as volunteer pilots from the Carolina Aviators Network (CAN) and United Carolina’s Cavalry (UCC) joined forces to deliver life-saving supplies to communities completely cut off by the storm.
Erica Zangwill, a commercial pilot and key leader within CAN, shares how a grassroots network of more than 8,000 pilots and aviation enthusiasts mobilized to provide critical aid—using their own aircraft to reach isolated towns when roads and infrastructure were destroyed. She recalls the urgency of these missions, including a deeply moving story about delivering insulin to a stranded church community in desperate need.
Dr. Craig McCotter, a cardiologist and helicopter pilot, offers an inside look at the logistical and emotional challenges of flying into disaster zones. He describes the long hours, dangerous conditions, and unwavering dedication of volunteers who transformed general aviation into a lifeline—landing on makeshift airstrips, coordinating with emergency responders, and ensuring vital supplies reached those who needed them most.
Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the power of community action and the resilience of ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges. They discuss the ongoing need for organized volunteer networks, continued support for disaster relief efforts, and how listeners can play a role in future missions.
This episode is a testament to courage, compassion, and collaboration—showcasing how aviation, when united by purpose, can truly save lives. Enjoy!
Check out the film Air Angels: Flight Helene, produced by Just Do Good Entertainment. 
Help donate to the Carolina Aviators Network (CAN).
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Mick Kerry about his extensive career in Search and Rescue with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Mick shares firsthand insights from years of responding to emergencies, including the unique challenges of major flood events and the critical role of community support during times of crisis. He reflects on the bonds formed through rescue missions, where strangers often become personal connections through shared life-or-death experiences.
Among the many memorable rescues he recounts is a particularly unusual incident involving a shark, illustrating just how unpredictable SAR operations can be. Mick also emphasizes the value of teamwork, trust, and continuous learning in maintaining effectiveness in the field.
Beyond the technical side, he opens up about the emotional impact of rescue work, especially when family members are directly affected. His perspective offers a powerful reminder of both the professional dedication and the personal sacrifice that define search and rescue.
This episode is a compelling look at the courage, resilience, and humanity that lie at the heart of SAR operations in Australia. Enjoy!
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Josie McKee, Director of Communications and Operations at Responder Alliance. A conversation on mental health in high-risk professions and the practical tools that help rescuers stay steady through stress, trauma, and the aftermath of difficult calls.
Drawing from her own search and rescue experience, McKee explains how cumulative stress can quietly build over time, and why proactive support matters just as much as operational training. Together, they break down the stress continuum as a simple framework for recognizing where you are mentally, and why awareness is the first step toward resilience.
They also discuss the power of peer support, the role Responder Alliance plays in providing training and support for rescuers, and the need for meaningful follow-up care—especially after missions that don’t end when the scene is cleared. McKee shares tools that can be used immediately in the field, including the “3-3-3” protocol for grounding and stress management, and offers insight on communicating with families in crisis while protecting your own mental well-being.
This episode is a reminder that strength isn’t white-knuckling it alone—it’s staying connected, knowing your tools, and taking care of the people who take care of everyone else.
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Responder Alliance https://www.responderalliance.com/