The Real ResQ Podcast

In this special finale of The Real ResQ Podcast's six-part series, "What It Takes to Become a Hoist Operator," host Jason Quinn sits down with three men who helped shape his own career in helicopter rescue: Dan Cancetty, Pat Barber, and Joe Martin. Together, they bring decades of experience spanning military, civilian, offshore, law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, and international helicopter operations.
Unlike the previous episodes that focused on specific agencies and organizations, this conversation takes a broader look at the profession itself. Drawing from careers that have taken them around the world, the group discusses the many different paths that can lead to the cabin door—from the U.S. Coast Guard and military aviation to fire departments, EMS, law enforcement aviation units, utility helicopter operations, and civilian rescue programs.
The guests share their own stories of how they became hoist operators, including flood rescues in Honduras, Coast Guard search and rescue missions in Alaska, offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico, international training programs, and countless real-world rescues performed under some of the most demanding conditions imaginable. Along the way, they reflect on the mentors who shaped them, the lessons learned from mistakes, and the importance of remaining a student no matter how much experience you accumulate.
The conversation dives deep into what aspiring hoist operators can do to prepare themselves for the profession. Topics include medical training, rope rescue, firefighting, law enforcement aviation, cross-training opportunities, aircraft knowledge, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and the mindset required to safely operate in high-risk environments. The group emphasizes that while there is no single roadmap to becoming a hoist operator, the common traits among successful operators remain the same: humility, professionalism, curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Listeners will also hear stories from years spent teaching hoist operations around the world, working with agencies ranging from sheriff's departments and DEA aviation units to military organizations and international rescue programs. The discussion highlights how different organizations may approach the job differently, but the core principles of safety, communication, teamwork, and service remain universal.
Whether you're already flying, working in public safety, considering a career in rescue aviation, or simply fascinated by the world of helicopter rescue, this episode offers invaluable insight from four professionals who have collectively spent decades learning, teaching, and refining the craft.
More than anything, this episode serves as a reminder that becoming a hoist operator isn't about mastering a checklist—it's about committing yourself to a lifetime of learning, responsibility, and service to others.
Enjoy!
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn continues the "What It Takes to Become a Hoist Operator" series with two guests from Australia who represent both the volunteer and professional sides of helicopter rescue operations: Kane Treloar of Life Saving Victoria and Peter McDonell of CHC Helicopters.
Together, they provide a fascinating look at the uniquely Australian pathway into rescue aviation—a journey that often begins not in a helicopter, but on the beach.
Kane shares how he started as a volunteer surf lifesaver at just 13 years old before progressing through the ranks to become a rescue swimmer and eventually a hoist operator aboard the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. He explains how Australia's surf lifesaving organizations have built a world-class volunteer rescue system that has been protecting coastal communities for decades while also developing the next generation of rescue aviation professionals.
Peter discusses his own path from surf lifesaving to a 20-plus-year career with CHC Helicopters, one of the world's leading helicopter operators. He explains why many of Australia's most successful hoist operators and rescue crew members begin their careers as rescue swimmers, developing water confidence, decision-making skills, and real-world rescue experience long before stepping into the hoist operator role.
The conversation explores the selection process, training requirements, and mindset needed to become a hoist operator. From fitness testing and psychological evaluations to aircraft systems knowledge, confined-area operations, and overwater rescues, the guests explain why technical skill alone isn't enough. Curiosity, adaptability, professionalism, and the ability to think several steps ahead are often what separate good operators from great ones.
Kane and Peter also discuss the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and maintaining the humility to recognize that qualification is only the beginning. As they explain, earning your certification isn't the finish line—it's simply your license to start learning.
Throughout the episode, listeners will gain insight into the strong partnership between volunteer surf lifesaving organizations and professional helicopter operators across Australia, and how that relationship continues to produce highly skilled rescue professionals who serve both their local communities and the broader rescue aviation industry.
Whether you're interested in becoming a hoist operator, pursuing a career in search and rescue, or simply curious about how rescue aviation works in Australia, this episode offers valuable lessons from two professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping others.
Enjoy!
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We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn continues the "What It Takes to Become a Hoist Operator" series with two highly experienced rescue professionals from Germany: Simon Kremser and Sebastian Schneider.
Although they arrived at the same destination, their journeys could not have been more different.
Kremser began his career as an aircraft mechanic before finding his way into mountain rescue, offshore hoisting operations, and international helicopter rescue training. Schneider's path started in emergency medicine and military service, eventually leading him into rescue aviation where he now serves as a Chief Hoist Instructor and Training Manager. Together, they provide a unique look into how Germany develops and trains helicopter hoist operators.
Throughout the conversation, Kremser and Schneider explain that becoming a hoist operator is about far more than learning how to operate a hoist. It requires a deep understanding of aircraft systems, crew coordination, emergency procedures, human factors, risk management, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. They discuss the demanding training pipeline, the importance of mentorship, and why technical proficiency must be paired with humility and professionalism.
The discussion explores the differences between civilian and military rescue operations, mountain rescue environments, offshore missions, and the unique challenges faced by rescue crews operating throughout Europe. Both guests share stories from their careers, lessons learned through years of experience, and insights into the training philosophies that help prepare the next generation of hoist operators.
One of the recurring themes throughout the episode is that there is no single roadmap to becoming a hoist operator. Some begin as mechanics. Others as medics, rescue specialists, or military aircrew. While the paths may be different, the common traits among successful operators remain remarkably consistent: dedication, discipline, curiosity, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Kremser and Schneider also discuss the importance of building a strong foundation before ever touching a hoist control. From mastering communication and aircraft knowledge to understanding rescue systems and crew resource management, they explain why earning the qualification is only the beginning of the learning process.
Whether you're an aspiring hoist operator, an aviation professional, or simply fascinated by the world of helicopter rescue, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most demanding and rewarding roles in aviation.
This is an inside look at Germany's rescue aviation community, the people who make it work, and the many paths that can ultimately lead to the cabin door.
Enjoy!
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We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Brandon Solomon, Andrew Gallagher and Stef Maier from Travis County STAR Flight for another installment in our ongoing series exploring what it takes to become a hoist operator. Together, they pull back the curtain on one of the most demanding and rewarding positions in helicopter rescue operations.
Unlike many public safety aviation programs that are rooted in law enforcement or fire service, Travis County STAR Flight operates as a unique air medical and rescue organization, combining critical care transport, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and helicopter hoist operations. The guests explain how their system works, the qualifications required to join the team, and the pathway from new hire to fully qualified hoist operator.
Brandon, Andrew, and Stef share their individual journeys into helicopter rescue, discussing how backgrounds in paramedicine, emergency medicine, and rescue operations eventually led them to the hoist operator role. They explain why becoming a hoist operator isn't something that happens overnight and how every crew member must first develop a strong foundation as a rescue specialist before taking responsibility for directing the aircraft, managing the hoist, and overseeing rescue operations from the cabin.
The conversation dives deep into the STAR Flight training pipeline, covering everything from classroom instruction and static ground training to live-load hoisting, water operations, confined area rescues, night missions, and realistic field training exercises. The team discusses the philosophy behind their training program and why proficiency—not simply checking boxes—is the standard they strive for when preparing future hoist operators.
Listeners will also gain insight into the realities of working in a modern helicopter rescue program, where crew members may be called upon to provide advanced medical care, conduct technical rescues, coordinate aerial firefighting missions, and support multi-agency emergency operations—all while maintaining the skills and judgment required to safely perform hoist rescues when lives are hanging from the end of a cable.
Throughout the episode, the discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, communication, humility, and continuous learning. The guests offer valuable advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in helicopter search and rescue, emphasizing that success often comes from building a broad base of experience, developing strong relationships within the rescue community, and never passing up an opportunity to learn.
Whether you're a paramedic, firefighter, law enforcement officer, military aviator, rescue specialist, or simply fascinated by helicopter rescue operations, this episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people, training, and professionalism required to become a hoist operator.
Enjoy!
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We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down once again with James Dahmer—Air Operations Specialist, Hoist Operator, Rescue Specialist, Paramedic, and longtime search and rescue professional with Blackcomb Helicopters in British Columbia, Canada.
As part of our ongoing series exploring what it takes to become a hoist operator, Dahmer shares his unique journey into the world of helicopter rescue and aerial operations. Unlike many aviation professionals who begin their careers in the cockpit or directly in aviation, James built his foundation on the ground through search and rescue, ski patrol, wildfire operations, military service, rope rescue, and emergency medicine before ultimately finding his way into helicopter hoisting operations.
Throughout the conversation, Dahmer explains how Canada's path to becoming a hoist operator differs from many programs around the world. He discusses the importance of developing technical expertise long before stepping into an aircraft, emphasizing rope rescue systems, mountain operations, avalanche safety, weather forecasting, emergency medicine, and search and rescue leadership.
Listeners get an inside look at the diverse responsibilities of an Air Operations Specialist with Blackcomb Helicopters. Beyond hoisting, the role can include long-line rescue operations, fixed-line rescue systems, avalanche control, mountain rescue standby, patient care, aviation safety, and coordinating complex rescue operations in some of Canada's most challenging terrain.
James also shares valuable advice for anyone hoping to follow a similar path. From building technical rescue experience and becoming a student of aviation, to preparing for opportunities before they appear, he explains why success in this field often comes down to passion, preparation, and a willingness to continually learn.
The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, the influence of respected hoist operators and why maintaining curiosity and professionalism can open doors throughout a rescue career.
Whether you're interested in helicopter rescue, mountain operations, search and rescue, emergency medicine, or simply want to understand what it takes to earn a spot on a hoist team, this episode provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at one of the most specialized jobs in aviation.
Enjoy!
Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: 
READYBAR https://getreadybar.com/
We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.
Follow The Real ResQ for all updates on Facebook, Instagram or visit TheRealResQ.com