In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with U.S. Coast Guard pilot Ryan Vandehei about his path into aviation and the realities of life behind the controls.

Ryan recounts his journey into the Coast Guard and shares insights from his very first rescue mission, highlighting how preparation, training, and lessons learned through mistakes helped shape his career. The two dive into advanced training programs like Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS), and reflect on the importance of communication and teamwork during high-stress missions.

They also discuss rescue operations during Hurricane Dorian and the challenges faced in extreme environments. The conversation takes a powerful and personal turn as Ryan opens up about his own mental health journey—how he recognized the need to ask for help, and how vulnerability became a strength, fostering deeper conversations around wellness in aviation.

This episode is a mix of high-stakes rescues, professional insight, and meaningful reflection on the human side of the mission. Enjoy!

Index: FEB - Flight Examining Board

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Matt Nightingale, a volunteer search and rescue dog handler from the UK.
Matt shares his inspiring journey from being a physics teacher to dedicating his time to volunteer search and rescue work. At the heart of his story is Morag—a once-troubled stray border collie who transformed into a fully qualified search dog. He recounts how their partnership began, the training process, and their very first rescue together.
Matt opens up about the emotional and physical demands of search and rescue operations, the deep bond between handler and dog, and the critical role of family support in volunteer service. He also discusses the challenges of night searches, long-distance deployments, and the extensive qualifications required for K9 rescues.
Matt highlights the importance of visibility for search dogs, teamwork in high-stress environments, and the drive to give back to the community. He closes with heartfelt advice for aspiring SAR volunteers and the importance of setting realistic expectations in this demanding but rewarding field. Enjoy!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, Bluedrop, 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.

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #305, Jeff Danner.

From his early days growing up in Ocean City, Maryland, to navigating the challenges of Coast Guard boot camp and rescue swimmer school, Jeff shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He recounts his intense first rescue mission involving a capsized tugboat and four people in the water, along with several other unforgettable missions throughout his time in service.

In addition to the rescue stories, Jeff brings us a fascinating history lesson. He discusses his involvement in the development of the Trisar rescue swimmer harness—an innovation that improved both safety and functionality. He also dives into the creation of the Rescue Swimmer seat used in the HH-65 Dolphin helicopter.

Jeff reflects on the creation of the Rescue Swimmer Registry, a meaningful project aimed at preserving the legacy and honoring the achievements of those who have completed the demanding training.

Throughout our conversation, we talk about rescues, innovations, history, and the passion behind a career dedicated to saving lives. Enjoy!

This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.

Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, Bluedrop, 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.