The Real ResQ Podcast

• Episode 246: Nate Christensen - Captain of the Tremonton Fire Department and 1st Captain of the Box Elder County Search and Rescue Team

  In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Nate Christensen, Captain of the Tremonton Fire Department and 1st Captain of the Box Elder County Search and Rescue Team. Known for his extraordinary achievements despite working with two artificial legs, Christensen’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering leadership in the face of adversity. His detailed recounting of a silo rescue, where teamwork and problem-solving and the dangers of confined spaces and collapsing materials. Technical analogies come to life as he breaks down the evolving tactics and safety protocols that shaped this operation—a textbook display of strategy meeting raw determination.Christensen shares an unforgettable bus rescue, a scenario in a winter storm. His narrative unfolds with a strategic lens; he shares the real-time decisions, interagency collaborations, and moments when split-second leadership made all the difference. Through these international-caliber case studies, you’ll get a window into modern SAR benchmarks and cross-disciplinary innovation.Beyond the headline rescues, Christensen reflects on the underlying principles that shape his career—from mentoring rookies during high-intensity training evolutions to championing a culture that values emotional support and mental health for first responders. His approach to community building and inclusivity in emergency services is both pragmatic and visionary, rooted in personal experience and a drive to elevate the entire field.Throughout the episode, Jason and Christensen discuss the deeper meaning behind rescue work, the importance of continuous learning, and the global best practices driving technical and human excellence in public safety. Whether you’re an operations leader or a podcast enthusiast, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and the authentic spirit that defines SAR professionals worldwide. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, PAG, Switlik, ReadyBAR, and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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• Episode 245: Darell “Top Fin” Gelakoska, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #281

  In this engaging episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Darell “Top Fin” Gelakoska, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #281, whose remarkable career is now captured in the memoir TOP FIN: Tales of Courage and Chaos from a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer written by fellow Rescue Swimmer #122, George Cavallo.Together, we explore Gelakoska’s journey through the Coast Guard — from the origins of his nickname “Top Fin” to the rescues that defined his career. The discussion sheds light on significant missions, the evolution of rescue techniques, and the development of critical survival equipment like the Emergency Recovery Device (ERD) and Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (HEEDS 3).Beyond the technical side, the conversation highlights the power of storytelling in preserving the legacy of rescue swimmers and honoring the history of their missions. Gelakoska shares meaningful insights into the mental health challenges of the job, the importance of teamwork and camaraderie, and the need to recognize the sacrifices and heroic acts of those who serve.Packed with history, innovation, humor, and personal reflection, this episode offers a compelling look at both the professional and human side of rescue swimming — a must-listen for anyone inspired by courage, resilience, and service. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, Switlik, Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch, PAG, ReadyBAR, and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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• Episode 244: Javier Lozano, Pilot from Spain and recipient of Vertical Valor - Blades of Valor Award

  In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Javier Lozano, from Avincis, decorated Spanish Air Force pilot and commander of Valencia’s maritime rescue helicopter unit.Lozano and his crew earned the Vertical Valor Blades of Valor recognition for their involvement with the Valencia floods. A night rescue carried out in poor weather conditions and an urban environment with unmarked obstacles like cranes, antennas, and high-voltage cables.The helicopter managed to rescue up to a dozen people and a dog.Lozano takes us through his remarkable journey — from his early dreams as a fighter pilot to leading complex SAR missions across Spain. Drawing from over three decades in aviation, he shares dramatic stories of storm-stricken rescues, creative saves involving pets, and the profound challenges faced during catastrophic urban flood operations.The conversation explores the technical and emotional demands of emergency aviation: how improvisation, rigorous preparation, and adaptability become essential when lives hang in the balance. Lozano reflects on the camaraderie within rescue teams, the importance of quick-thinking in unpredictable scenarios, and the powerful human bonds formed in moments of crisis.He also offers invaluable lessons for aspiring pilots and rescue professionals, emphasizing the need for continuous training, collaborative teamwork, and unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.This is much more than a recounting of missions — it’s an exploration of what it means to serve, adapt, and lead under extreme pressure, shining a spotlight on the heart, ingenuity, and tenacity at the core of search and rescue. Read more about the other Blades of Valor recipients in the Fall Mega issue of Vertical Valor, coming out in November 2025. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Metro Aviation, PAG, ReadyBAR, and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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• Episode 243: Kurt Revels U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #243

  In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn records in person with Kurt Revels, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #243.Revels takes us through his journey from the grueling days of Rescue Swimmer School to the intensity of real-world missions across multiple duty stations, including Chicago-Illinois, Mobile-Alabama, Kodiak-Alaska and Traverse City-Michigan. He shares stories of his first rescue, daring cliff operations, and missions in rough seas, all while reflecting on the lessons learned and the resilience demanded of every swimmer.Revels highlights the camaraderie and mentorship that define the Coast Guard community, from training through deployments. He also touched on the more unique aspects of service—everything from "Unidentified Floating Objects” to trampolines adrift.As Revels reflects on his final deployments and the shift into civilian life, he emphasizes the importance of carrying forward the legacy of service through mentorship, while also pursuing personal growth, fitness, and adventure. His stories shed light not only on the technical skill and bravery of rescue swimmers, but also on the emotional toll and profound impact of their missions—both on those saved and those doing the saving. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Airbus, Centum, Metro Aviation, ReadyBAR, and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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• Episode 242: US Coast Guard Crew in Action - Nine Lives Saved in Two Weeks

  In this gripping episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with the crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater to recount an unforgettable two-week deployment out of Great Inagua, Bahamas—a mission set that tested their skills, resourcefulness, and endurance.Within just 17 hours, the crew rescued eight lives across two separate cases, ultimately saving nine lives in total during the deployment. Their extraordinary efforts earned international recognition from both the Government of the Bahamas and France.The first mission began with a medevac call from a research vessel. Shortly after, the crew launched again to respond to a distress call for two Bahamian men adrift at sea for six days without food or water. Then, less than 24 hours later, they were airborne once more, answering an EPIRB alert from the sailing vessel De Gallant.Through each mission, the crew demonstrated unshakable teamwork, ingenuity, and commitment. From treating dehydration at sea to hoisting survivors from stormy waters, these rescues showcase not only the courage and technical skill of Coast Guard aviators, but also their relentless dedication to the creed: “Always Ready.”Read more about this crew and the other Blades of Valor recipients in the Fall Mega Issue of Vertical Valor, coming out in November 2025. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Bluedrop, Spectrolab, ReadyBAR, and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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