The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn dives into a dramatic multi-agency rescue off the coast of Dingle, Ireland, where the fishing vessel Fastnet was in distress and it triggered a complex and fast-moving response.
Featuring voices from Dispatch - Denis O’Leary, ground team - Carol Leahy, RNLI Volunteer Rescue Boat Crew - Sean Curtin and Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Crewmen - Paraic Slattery and Jim O’Neill.  The team walks through the mission step by step, sharing the real-time challenges they faced, the critical decisions made under pressure, and the coordination required to bring the operation to a successful conclusion.
They explain how teamwork, communication, and rapid decision-making proved essential as conditions evolved as the vessel was being battered against the rocks. The crew reflects on the interagency collaboration that kept the mission on track, and the moment the outcome became clear: 14 lives safely rescued.
It’s a powerful look at the professionalism and partnership required when multiple rescue organizations come together in the face of uncertainty—and how preparation and trust turn chaos into a save.
Enjoy.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Anthony Dyer, former United States Air Force Special Missions Aviator, decorated veteran, and author of Moon Child.
Anthony shares his journey from a small town in North Carolina to the demanding world of combat aviation and rescue operations. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his military career, offering an inside look at the discipline, pressure, and purpose that shaped his path in the Air Force.
The conversation also explores the often-overlooked topic of mental health in the military community, as Anthony speaks candidly about resilience, transition, and the importance of seeking support. He discusses the personal process behind writing his memoir, Moon Child, and how storytelling became part of his own journey forward.
Throughout the episode, Anthony emphasizes the power of community, perseverance, and purpose in overcoming adversity—delivering valuable perspective for veterans, service members, and anyone navigating life after high-stakes service.
Enjoy.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down in person once again with Dave Weber to dive deeper into a powerful concept at the core of search and rescue: the most dangerous things we do aren’t reckless—they’re calculated.
Our conversation breaks down what truly separates risk from recklessness. Quinn and Weber explore the idea behind the presentation “Extreme by Nature, Safe by Design,” highlighting how high-risk operations are built on layers of training, discipline, systems, and decision-making that are anything but accidental.
Together, they unpack what it really means to operate on the edge and how professionals in aviation, rescue and more understand their limits, manage risk, and perform when it matters most. This episode goes beyond helicopters and hoists, offering insights that apply across industries where pressure is high and the margin for error is low.
At its core, this conversation is about mindset: recognizing that the more extreme the mission becomes, the more intentional and deliberate safety must be. It’s a reminder that success in these environments isn’t about chance—it’s about preparation, precision, and respect for the risks involved.
Enjoy!
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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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