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Under Pressure

Under Pressure

Written by: American Safety Services
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 Under Pressure: An American Safety Podcast

Welcome to Under Pressure, where the oilfield's real stories come to life. Hosted by American Safety, we dive deep into the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons from the world of oil and gas. Each episode, we invite industry professionals to share their experiences — from near-misses and major injuries to the unforgettable moments that define life in the field. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s everything you won’t hear at a safety meeting. Whether it’s funny, frightening, or downright unbelievable, these true stories remind us why safety isn’t just a protocol — it’s personal.Copyright American Safety Services Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Luck, Lessons & Lives, ft. TJ Gibbs

    Luck, Lessons & Lives, ft. TJ Gibbs
    Jun 12 2025
    TJ’s got what he calls “crappy luck” — but today, it might just be the kind of luck that saves someone else’s life. In this raw, unfiltered episode, TJ walks us through one of the most intense moments of his oilfield career: a catastrophic coiled tubing failure that should’ve taken a life… but didn’t. Why? Because of a hard hat. From freak accidents to near-misses, TJ shares the hard-earned lessons he's picked up over decades in the field. Joined by Courtney and Adrian, the conversation turns real fast — about why PPE matters, why young guys don’t always listen, and how leadership isn’t about yelling, it’s about modeling what you expect. You’ll hear:
    • A true story of a mechanical failure that shocked an entire crew
    • Why hard hats aren’t just “just in case” gear — they work
    • How complacency creeps in, even with the most seasoned workers
    • What real safety leadership looks like on small-job sites
    • Honest talk about mistakes, accountability, and turning bad luck into someone else's life lesson
    Whether you're brand new to the oilfield or you’ve been in the game for years, this is one of those episodes that might just change the way you see your gear—and your responsibility.
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    40 mins
  • Turning Rescue into a Paramilitary Operation, ft. Wally Suarez

    Turning Rescue into a Paramilitary Operation, ft. Wally Suarez
    May 22 2025
    What happens when disciplined leadership meets oil field rescue? In this powerful episode of Under Pressure, Wally Suarez, Regional Rescue Manager for Texas and New Mexico, shares his journey from early career ambitions in law enforcement to leading one of the most elite rescue teams in the industry.

    With a background shaped by structure and service, Wally brings a no-nonsense, paramilitary approach to safety operations. His experience in correctional environments influenced a leadership style focused on discipline, readiness, and precision—qualities that now define his team’s high-stakes work in confined space rescue.

    Wally opens up about the intense training, mental toughness, and daily challenges of managing rescue operations in some of the most demanding environments. From the structure of prison units to the chaos of emergency response, his story is one of transformation, leadership, and unwavering standards.

    If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a rescue team that’s always mission-ready, this episode delivers both eye-opening insight and inspiration. Don’t miss Wally’s unique perspective on what it means to stay sharp, stay disciplined, and stay ready—no matter the pressure.
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    56 mins
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