Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly evolving healthcare sector, the demand for Aeromedical Evacuation Physicians has never been higher.

As medical advancements continue to accelerate, so does the need for specialized professionals capable of handling, organizing, and executing complex patient transfers in critical situations.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an Aeromedical Evacuation Physician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decipher the intricacies of this role,
• A healthcare recruitment manager seeking the ideal candidate,
• Or just curious about the demanding responsibilities in this field,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Aeromedical Evacuation Physician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Aeromedical Evacuation Physicians provide critical medical care and management to patients during air transport.

They play a pivotal role in the rapid and safe evacuation of patients from a variety of high-risk situations.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the health condition of patients before, during and after air transport
• Creating, implementing, and managing patient care plans for air evacuation
• Working closely with other healthcare professionals including nurses, paramedics, and pilots to ensure the safe and efficient evacuation of patients
• Using a variety of medical equipment and procedures to treat patients during flight
• Providing emergency care for patients during air transport, including trauma care, surgical intervention, and intensive care as required
• Ensuring the aircraft and all medical equipment are in working order before each evacuation
• Continually updating and maintaining medical knowledge and skills to ensure the best possible patient outcomes
• Documenting all patient care and treatment provided during air transport
• Training and educating other members of the aeromedical team on evacuation procedures, medical protocols, and patient care
• Participating in quality improvement activities to improve patient care during aeromedical evacuation

 

Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Aeromedical Evacuation Physician to join our team.

In this role, you will provide critical medical care to patients during air transport, coordinate with other healthcare professionals, and ensure that safety and health regulations are strictly adhered to during the evacuation process.

Our ideal candidate has substantial experience in emergency medicine, with specific training in aeromedical evacuation.

Understanding the unique challenges of providing medical care in a flight environment is essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients’ medical needs and determine the necessity of aeromedical evacuation.
• Provide comprehensive medical care to patients during air transport.
• Coordinate with medical teams, flight crews, and other relevant personnel to ensure safe and effective evacuation.
• Adhere to all safety and health regulations pertinent to aeromedical evacuation.
• Document patient care and treatment plans during transport.
• Participate in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings.
• Engage in continuous education to maintain knowledge of best practices in aeromedical evacuation.

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from an accredited institution.
• Board certified in Emergency Medicine or related field.
• Valid medical license.
• Extensive experience in emergency medicine and patient care.
• Additional training or experience in aeromedical evacuation.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aeromedical Evacuation Physician
• Work Environment: This role involves working in a high-stress, fast-paced environment, often in aircraft. Physical fitness and ability to handle stressful situations are required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Emergency Services or Chief Medical Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 minimum to $350,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Do?

An Aeromedical Evacuation Physician, also known as a Flight Surgeon, works within the military or civilian emergency services, providing critical care to patients during transportation via air vehicles such as helicopters or airplanes.

Their primary role involves stabilizing and treating patients with a wide range of injuries or illnesses, ensuring their condition remains stable during the flight.

They are responsible for making quick, crucial decisions about the medical care of patients in an environment where standard diagnostic and treatment equipment may not be available.

Additionally, they monitor and address any medical issues that can be affected by altitude, such as changes in blood pressure or oxygen levels, and provide necessary care or interventions.

Aeromedical Evacuation Physicians may also work closely with other medical professionals such as paramedics, nurses, and respiratory therapists.

They provide guidance and direction in patient care, ensuring the highest level of medical service during these critical situations.

They also work on developing and implementing protocols for in-flight medical care, training staff on these procedures, and ensuring the readiness of medical evacuation equipment and supplies.

Moreover, they might be involved in post-flight debriefings to identify any areas of improvement in the evacuation and treatment process.

 

Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Qualifications and Skills

An Aeromedical Evacuation Physician must possess a unique combination of medical expertise, leadership skills, and aviation knowledge to effectively perform their duties.

These include:

• Medical expertise to provide immediate medical care to patients during evacuation missions, including diagnosing conditions, administering treatment, and managing patient’s health status throughout the evacuation process.
• Knowledge of aviation medicine to understand the effects of altitude on patients, to adapt treatment strategies in an aviation environment, and to coordinate with flight crew effectively.
• Leadership and decision-making skills to lead medical evacuation teams, make crucial decisions under pressure, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.
• Communication skills to effectively convey information about patient’s condition to healthcare professionals at receiving facilities, and to communicate with flight crew and patients under stressful conditions.
• Physical fitness and stamina to cope with the demands of working in an aviation environment, including lifting patients and equipment, working in confined spaces, and enduring long flights.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and respond effectively to medical emergencies in-flight, and to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the evacuation process.
• Ability to work in a team and coordinate with various professionals including nurses, paramedics, pilots, and ground staff.

 

Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Experience Requirements

Aeromedical Evacuation Physicians are expected to have a significant amount of experience in the medical field.

This typically begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical or science field, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from a recognized medical school.

To gain practical experience, these physicians then complete a residency in emergency medicine or a related specialty which typically lasts for 3 to 7 years.

During this time, they gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions, often in high-pressure situations.

Next, Aeromedical Evacuation Physicians are expected to gain specialized experience in aviation medicine.

This can be achieved through completing a fellowship in aerospace medicine or obtaining relevant certification from a recognized organization such as the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

Finally, it’s important to note that these physicians often work in military settings.

As such, they may need to have several years of experience serving as a military physician.

They should also have experience in conducting medical evacuations and providing medical care in flight.

Candidates with more than 10 years of experience in this field are often highly skilled in emergency and aviation medicine and have extensive experience in managing critical care patients during transport.

They may be ready to take on leadership roles in aeromedical evacuation teams.

 

Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Education and Training Requirements

Aeromedical Evacuation Physicians must first start their training with a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a health or science-related field.

Following the undergraduate degree, they need to attend medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, which typically takes four years.

After medical school, a residency program in Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, or any related field that offers substantial critical care training is required.

This often lasts three to four years.

Some physicians choose to further specialize with a fellowship in Aerospace Medicine, which provides specialized training in the medical and physiological challenges encountered in aviation, space, and environmental medicine.

Before operating as an Aeromedical Evacuation Physician, they must acquire board certification from the American Board of Emergency Medicine or American Board of Anesthesiology, depending on their chosen specialty.

In addition to academic qualifications, these physicians must have a license to practice medicine.

Requirements for licensure usually include completing an accredited medical school, passing a national examination, and fulfilling residency requirements.

Due to the specialized nature of this role, they also need to be thoroughly trained in aviation medicine, hyperbaric medicine, survival training, and disaster management.

Continuous training and staying up-to-date with the latest medical and aviation procedures and technology are essential for this role.

 

Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Aeromedical Evacuation Physician is approximately $283,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary greatly depending on the physician’s years of experience, education level, the location of practice, and the specific employing organization.

 

Aeromedical Evacuation Physician Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Aeromedical Evacuation Physician need?

An Aeromedical Evacuation Physician needs a Doctor of Medicine degree and a license to practice medicine.

Additional qualifications include completion of a residency in emergency medicine or a related field, as well as training in aeromedical evacuation.

Some employers may also require board certification in emergency medicine or a related specialty.

 

What is the role of an Aeromedical Evacuation Physician in a rescue operation?

The Aeromedical Evacuation Physician takes charge of the medical management of patients during air transport.

They assess the patient’s condition, administer appropriate treatment, and monitor the patient during the flight.

They also collaborate with the flight crew to ensure the safe transportation of patients.

 

What skills does an Aeromedical Evacuation Physician need?

Aeromedical Evacuation Physicians need strong diagnostic and decision-making skills to quickly evaluate and treat patients.

They must have the ability to perform medical procedures under challenging conditions.

Strong communication skills are also needed to coordinate with the flight crew, ground personnel, and other healthcare professionals.

Additionally, they must be physically fit to handle the physical demands of the job.

 

What should you look for in an Aeromedical Evacuation Physician resume?

An Aeromedical Evacuation Physician’s resume should highlight their medical qualifications, including their degree, license, and any board certifications.

Experience in emergency medicine and aeromedical evacuation should be prominently displayed.

Look for experience working in high-pressure, fast-paced situations.

Evidence of physical fitness and ability to work in challenging conditions should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good Aeromedical Evacuation Physician?

A good Aeromedical Evacuation Physician is calm under pressure, able to make quick decisions, and has excellent clinical skills.

They should also be adaptable and capable of working in challenging and changing conditions.

Strong leadership skills are also important, as they often lead the medical team during evacuation missions.

They should also be physically fit and able to cope with the physical demands of the job.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the dynamic world of being an aeromedical evacuation physician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about medical expertise.

It’s about saving lives and ensuring the safety of patients, one flight at a time.

With our comprehensive aeromedical evacuation physician job description template and real-world examples, you’re primed for your next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating meticulous job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every decision made in the sky contributes to the larger mission.

Let’s soar towards that future. Together.

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