The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined once again by Scott Ruskan, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #1096.
Scott returns to break down his very first live hoist—a high-stakes medevac from an oil tanker at sea, a mission that earned him and his crew Coast Guard Commendation Medals. He walks listeners through the operation from start to finish, detailing the planning, execution, and precise coordination required to safely complete the rescue.
Throughout the conversation, Scott reflects on the critical importance of communication, preparation, and adaptability when operating in dynamic, high-pressure environments where there is little margin for error. His story offers an honest look at the moment when training meets reality—and the responsibility that comes with it.
Enjoy.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the seventh of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with Scott Ruskan, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #1096.
Ruskan shares his remarkable journey from growing up in New Jersey to finding himself at the center of a catastrophic flood rescue operation that would test his training and resolve.
Ruskan walks us through the rigors of rescue swimmer training, the challenges that shaped him along the way, and the moment the call came on July 4th that would launch the first rescue missions of his career. One where he is credited for helping rescue 165 people from Camp Mystic. He reflects on the teamwork, leadership, and adaptability required to operate in extreme conditions, where rapidly changing environments and limited information forced critical decisions in real time.
He dives deep into the realities of the rescue itself—navigating chaotic airspace, making split-second decisions on the ground, and performing effective triage under pressure. We the emotional toll of the mission, the importance of staying calm amid chaos, and the responsibility that comes with being the last line of help for a devastated community.
Ruskan also reflects on the lessons learned, the personal and professional impact of the operation, and the recognition received for the crew’s efforts—underscoring the importance of preparation, resilience, and camaraderie in high-stakes rescue work.
This episode offers an honest, powerful look into what it takes to answer the call when everything is on the line—and the lasting impact those moments leave behind.
Enjoy.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the sixth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with United States Coast Guard pilots Ian Hopper and Blair Ogujiofor, along with a separate interview featuring Flight Mechanic Seth Reeves. Together, they reflect on their roles during the Kerrville flood response and the realities of high-stakes helicopter rescue operations.
We also gain meaningful background on each of them, adding depth to who they are beyond the uniform. Hopper, who is from Houston, Texas, has a strong personal connection to the state that predates the Kerrville response. He had spent time vacationing near the Guadalupe River, giving him an intuitive understanding of the region long before the disaster unfolded.
Ogujiofor, an American Nigerian, from Houston, Texas, shares her connection to the Igbo culture, proudly describing traditions such as the Ike Ji and Iri Ji festivals. Celebrations rooted in community, gratitude, and resilience.
For Reeves, the connection to disaster response runs even deeper. As a young boy, he was inside Charity Hospital in New Orleans only days before Hurricane Katrina struck. His grandmother stayed behind during the storm, and Seth vividly remembers watching U.S. Coast Guard helicopters land on the hospital roof—a moment that would unknowingly shape his future.
Across both conversations, they share firsthand accounts from the cockpit and the cabin—walking listeners through the rescue, the rapidly evolving challenges of the Kerrville incident, and the critical decisions made in dynamic, high-risk environments. The discussion highlights the importance of teamwork, preparation, communication, and adaptability, while also addressing the personal sacrifices that come with serving in the Coast Guard.
Throughout the episode, Jason and his guests speak candidly about the emotional toll of rescue work, the importance of understanding operational limits, and the need for measured, calculated decision-making when lives are on the line. They also reflect on the vital role of family and community support, and how those connections help crews process and recover after intense missions.
The actions taken by these crews during the Kerrville floods earned widespread recognition within the Coast Guard and the broader rescue community, highlighting their professionalism, skill, and unwavering commitment to service under extreme conditions.
This episode offers an honest, inside look at the courage, dedication, and humanity behind Coast Guard rescue operations—capturing both the heroism in the air and the personal reflections that follow once the rotors stop turning.
Enjoy.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the fifth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with two members of the Star Flight crew in Austin, Texas, recorded right from the heart of their operations. Pilot Ryan Kelly and Flight Nurse Katie White
They share their firsthand experiences in helicopter emergency response, recounting daring hoists, life-saving missions, and the intense challenges of responding in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments.
Through their stories, they highlight the critical collaboration between agencies during large-scale disasters and shed light on the often overlooked medical rescue calls that played a major role during the flood response. With advanced life support capabilities onboard, the Star Flight team proved to be an invaluable asset—treating patients in the field, stabilizing critical injuries, and bridging the gap when ground resources were overwhelmed.
This episode offers a gripping look at the skill, coordination, and compassion that define Texas emergency aviation—both in the dramatic hoist missions and in the quieter medical moments that save lives just as profoundly.
Enjoy!
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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!
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Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch, Metro Aviation and The Real ResQ Store.
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