Jason Quinn Rescue Swimmer and Podcast Host Jason Quinn Current Job: I host The Real ResQ Podcast. I also work as an instructor for SR3 Rescue Concepts, a helicopter operations training company. The podcast provides a unique platform for sharing the stories and insights of individuals involved in rescue operations worldwide. Working with SR3 allows me to be part of a team of professionals who pass on knowledge from their vast backgrounds and years of experience. Teaching a wide range of search-and-rescue (SAR) techniques, such as hoist rescue, longline, rappel, fast rope, firefighting, and more, contributes to the professional development of those in the field while also enhancing the overall capabilities of rescue teams. First Helicopter Aviation Job: My first job in a helicopter was serving as a US Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter rescue swimmer. My first helicopter rescue was in November 2000 while stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. Favorite Helicopter: My favorite helicopter is the Sikorsky H-60. The Jayhawk, Black Hawk, Seahawk, Pave Hawk—no matter the model, I love flying on it. The Sikorsky H-60 has a special place in my heart. How did you decide helicopter aviation was the career for you? When I was in USCG boot camp, they were showing us videos about all the options for the jobs you could do. One of the videos showed an aviation survival technician/helicopter rescue swimmer jumping into the ocean. As soon as I saw that, I was sold on being a USCG helicopter rescue swimmer from that day forward. How did you get to your current position? One thing led to another, and I have been able to take advantage of each opportunity that has presented itself. I am beyond grateful for the people and companies who have given me a chance. What are your career goals? My goal is to meet, fly with, learn from, and capture on film as many people and SAR agencies as possible to highlight their efforts. By showcasing the differences in the ways they operate, I hope to celebrate the diversity of methods they use while providing a platform to share their knowledge and experiences. What advice would you give someone pursuing your career path? Abide by one simple concept: just don’t quit! This is a powerful and straightforward mantra applicable to anyone pursuing a challenging and impactful career, especially in the SAR realm. You will go through phases and periods of your life when some things are harder than others. Everyone hits roadblocks along the way. Hurdles and hard things are just part of the journey. You must find ways to overcome obstacles and create the mindset for success in your field. If it was easy, everyone would do it. So, as simple as it sounds, just don’t quit! Who inspires you? My wife, Mel, stands out as a continuous source of inspiration. Her qualities, such as patience, affection, and genuine love for life, never cease to amaze me. She goes out of her way to help others. As an elementary schoolteacher, she imparts a simple yet powerful rule to her students: be kind. While Mel is a prominent source of inspiration, the list of individuals who have had a profound impact on my life is extensive and almost endless. Tell us about your first helicopter ride. I was an airman at USCG Air Station in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. I was at the unit for training, and at about the one-month mark, I had completed my Duck syllabus. This allowed me to be a “survivor in the water” for the rescue swimmer. As the Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk’s engines started, my anticipation and excitement soared through the roof! The excitement intensified when we reached the designated offshore training area. After a few training exercises, it was my turn to participate. Positioned at the edge of the helicopter door, about 60 ft. above the water, I was given the go-ahead to remove my gunner’s belt. After the helicopter hoisted me down to the water, I found myself floating in the Atlantic Ocean, with the helicopter hovering above as the rescue swimmer descended to my location. It was an awesome experience! What still excites you about helicopter aviation? Everything excites me about helicopters. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to earn a living by jumping, hoisting, and fast roping out of helicopters, not to mention hanging from them. The thrill gets even better when I have the chance to explore new gear, equipment, and techniques. What challenges you about helicopter aviation? One of the challenges I often encounter is a resistance to change and a persistence in sticking to “the old ways.” While those methods may not necessarily be wrong, the notion of “that’s the way we’ve always done it,” doesn’t hold true. It’s crucial for individuals, agencies, and companies to keep up with the latest and most effective techniques in rescue operations. What do you think is the biggest threat to the helicopter industry? The impact of decision makers who sit behind desks and may not be actively engaged in field operations. It’s a recurring issue: individuals who are focused on budget considerations, among other things, make decisions without firsthand experience of the challenges operators face in the field. This approach can have far-reaching consequences for those actively involved in rescue missions. A more holistic perspective is needed, one that considers the life-and-death nature of the work, even if it involves higher costs for training and equipment. Complete this sentence: I know I picked the right career when … An HH-60 hoisted me down into the ocean. It was a vivid and powerful experience. The cacophony of the helicopter’s sound, the sensation of rotor wash pelting against my face, and the precision of the hoisting operation all converged in that moment. Complete this sentence: I love my job, but I’d rather work for a paper company in Scranton when … There is no place I would rather work. I believe every USCG rescue swimmer would say the same thing. I have one of the most amazing jobs in the world. It has been a true blessing. I’m paid to jump out of helicopters! That’s just awesome!
