The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the fourth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn joins six members of the Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division: Dustin Gardner, Rob Dorman, Tyason Chow, Dustin Ponce, Eric Herrera, and Brandon Palmer.Together, this diverse and highly skilled Texas DPS team shares firsthand stories from the world of helicopter emergency response. From their very first real rescues to the recent Kerr County flood operations, the crew offers an inside look at the training, challenges, and defining moments that shaped them into one of Texas’ premier aviation rescue units. They discuss the evolution of their rescue program, the importance of collaboration, and the emotional realities faced during high-stakes missions. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for continuous learning, preparedness, and adaptability in the face of unpredictable emergencies.Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch, Metro Aviation and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the third of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with seasoned helicopter search and rescue technicians Bryan Winchell and Cliff Patrick from Texas Task Force One.Winchell and Patrick share their firsthand accounts of the extreme challenges faced during the Kerrville flood response. They walk through the intricacies of coordinating a multi-agency effort, the adrenaline-filled moments of helping survivors from rapidly rising waters, and the unexpected technical difficulties that tested their skill and composure.Both rescuers reflect on the intense training that prepared them for these high-stakes missions and the deep camaraderie that fuels their team. From the initial callout to the final rescue, they take us inside the emotional highs and lows of a mission where every second mattered.This is an inspiring, eye-opening conversation that underscores the power of teamwork, preparation, and resilience in the face of disaster.Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Breeze-Eastern, ReadyBAR and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the second of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn dives into the world of emergency response coordination with DJ Walker, a seasoned rescue captain out of Austin, Texas.Walker shares his experiences managing the Joint Air Ground Coordination Team, offering a rare inside look at what it takes to synchronize air and ground assets during large-scale rescue operations across Texas. From directing multiple aircraft in dynamic, high-stakes environments to supporting ground crews as conditions change by the minute, his stories reveal the true complexity—and necessity—of precision coordination.We will get an in-depth look at major rescue events, including the unforgettable Camp Mystic evacuation, where teamwork, communication, and adaptability were key to moving large groups of people to safety. Walker also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships before disaster strikes, highlighting how trust and familiarity between agencies can make or break a mission.This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience, collaboration, and commitment of those who work behind the scenes to save lives when chaos unfolds. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Breeze-Eastern, PAG, ReadyBAR and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.Learn more about Walker's company, Origin Rigging at originrigging.com

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast—the first of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025—host Jason Quinn sits down with Mark Moody, a Lieutenant with the San Antonio Fire Department and Squad Leader for Texas Task Force One.Recording from his home in the heart of Texas, Moody shares powerful firsthand experiences—from his very first water rescue to the harrowing Kerrville incident that pushed his leadership and composure to their limits. His stories provide a vivid, boots-on-the-ground look at the challenges, triumphs, and intensity of the rescue operations on that historic day.Moody and his boat teams faced unexpected obstacles and fought their way through rapidly rising floodwaters, adapting on the fly to those in distress in a chaotic and dangerous environment.Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Breeze-Eastern, PAG, ReadyBAR and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, recorded in-person at European Rotors in Cologne, Germany, host Jason Quinn sits down with Dave Weber, owner of the Mountain Rescue Collective, National Park Service Climbing Ranger, Flight Paramedic and Keynote Speaker for a powerful discussion on the art of “striving for failure.”Together, they explore how pushing boundaries and embracing setbacks can reveal personal and professional limits—and ultimately lead to growth, innovation, and stronger, high-performing teams. Through captivating stories from rescue operations and real-world experiences, Weber and Quinn unpack how learning through failure builds resilience, trust, and adaptability in even the most demanding environments.The conversation also touches on the importance of foundational skills, the power of simplicity, and the role of community in navigating challenges—reminding us that excellence isn’t just about success, but about the willingness to learn, adapt, and keep improving.Whether you’re part of the rescue community or simply looking for inspiration to grow through adversity, this episode delivers valuable lessons in resilience, leadership, and continuous learning. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: 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.Book Weber for technical rescue trainings, keynote speaking engagements or for rescue program assessments at mountainrescuecollective.com