In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, Jason sits down with the Longview Fire Department crew
The team responded to what quickly became one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent memory. From the moment the call came in, the situation was evolving. Limited information, rapidly changing conditions, and the realization that this was going to require everything they had. What followed was a race against time as firefighters began a grueling climb that would take over an hour just to reach the victims, all while a massive balloon canopy whipped in the wind, threatening to tear free at any moment.
This episode takes you deep inside the operation. From the incident command decisions on the ground, to the physical and mental grind of climbing nearly 900 feet, to the delicate, high-risk process of getting two survivors out of that basket, onto the tower and lowered to the ground. You’ll hear how critical communication, both within the team and directly with the victims, helped hold everything together. Plus how training, experience, and trust allowed this crew to solve a problem no one truly prepares for.
This isn’t just a story about a dramatic rescue. It’s about what happens when preparation meets the unpredictable. When the call comes in that you can’t script, can’t simulate, and can’t avoid—you show up anyway and do your job. Enjoy!
[Link to debrief]
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