Air Medical Transport Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of emergency medical services, the role of Air Medical Transport Physicians has become increasingly crucial.

As healthcare technology advances, the need for skilled physicians who can provide medical care in the air continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Air Medical Transport Physician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this position,
• A recruitment officer creating a profile for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the dynamics of air medical transport,

You’ve arrived at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Air Medical Transport Physician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Air Medical Transport Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Air Medical Transport Physicians are critical members of the emergency medical team, providing care for patients during air transport.

They are responsible for the stabilization and treatment of critically ill or injured patients during flight missions.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluating the patient’s condition to determine the appropriate medical treatment during transport
• Directing and coordinating the patient care team during flight missions
• Administering emergency medical care to patients in-flight, including resuscitation, stabilization, and various medical procedures
• Maintaining patient comfort and safety during transport
• Providing post-flight debriefing and patient handover to receiving medical facility staff
• Assisting in the loading and unloading of patients from the aircraft
• Communicating with the medical control physician as needed during flights
• Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of emergency medicine and flight physiology
• Ensuring adherence to air medical and safety regulations and protocols
• Participating in quality assurance and improvement activities
• Contributing to team training and development initiatives

 

Air Medical Transport Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Air Medical Transport Physician to provide emergency medical support to patients during air transportation.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering critical care, stabilizing patients and coordinating with the medical team at the receiving facility.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in emergency medicine, excellent decision-making skills and the ability to perform under pressure.

Ultimately, the role of the Air Medical Transport Physician is to ensure the safe and effective delivery of emergency medical care during air transport.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and stabilize critically ill or injured patients during air transport
• Direct and coordinate the patient care activities of the air medical team
• Communicate effectively with the receiving facility to ensure smooth patient transition
• Adhere to all aviation and medical safety regulations and guidelines
• Participate in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings
• Maintain updated knowledge of emergency medicine and air transport medical procedures
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree (MD or DO) and board certification in Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in critical care or emergency medicine
• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
• Ability to make quick decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment
• Physical fitness to meet the demands of air medical transport

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Air Medical Transport Physician
• Work Environment: This role requires work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment. Frequent travel and irregular working hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Medical Officer or Director of Air Medical Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $195,000 minimum to $300,000 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 Air Medical Transport Physician Do?

Air Medical Transport Physicians play a critical role in the healthcare industry, providing immediate medical care to patients during air transportation.

Typically affiliated with hospitals or emergency medical service providers, these professionals specialize in providing timely and effective care in high-stress, often life-threatening situations.

Their primary responsibility is to stabilize and treat patients during medical air evacuations.

This includes conducting rapid patient assessments, providing emergency medical treatment, and making critical care decisions during transport.

Common procedures they may perform include Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and trauma care procedures.

Air Medical Transport Physicians often work in close collaboration with a team of flight nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists to ensure comprehensive patient care.

These physicians are also responsible for patient preparation and ensuring that all necessary medical equipment is available and functional for the flight.

Additionally, they coordinate with the receiving facility to provide them with a clear understanding of the patient’s condition upon arrival.

Air Medical Transport Physicians must remain updated with the latest emergency medicine practices, aviation regulations, and safety standards.

Given the nature of their job, they also need to be adaptable, with the ability to handle complex medical situations in a confined, constantly moving environment.

 

Air Medical Transport Physician Qualifications and Skills

An air medical transport physician should have a unique set of skills and qualifications tailored to the demands and challenges of the job, including:

• Advanced medical knowledge and clinical skills to provide high quality care for patients in the air transport setting.
• Ability to make critical decisions under stress, as emergency situations are often unpredictable and require immediate action.
• Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with the air medical team, ground personnel, and receiving medical facilities.
• Excellent teamwork and leadership skills to guide and support the air medical team during emergency situations.
• Physical endurance and ability to work in confined spaces, as air medical transports often involve long hours and challenging conditions.
• Good knowledge and understanding of aviation medical regulations, safety requirements, and equipment used in air medical transport.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and manage complex medical situations during flight.
• Customer service skills to provide compassionate care for patients and communicate effectively with their families.

 

Air Medical Transport Physician Experience Requirements

Air Medical Transport Physicians are required to have extensive medical training and specific experience to handle the unique challenges this role presents.

Initially, all physicians must graduate from an accredited medical school, typically followed by a residency program in emergency medicine, anesthesiology, or other related fields.

Residency programs usually take between 3 to 5 years, providing physicians with hands-on experience in a supervised environment.

As air medical transport involves providing critical care in an aviation environment, physicians are often required to have additional training or certifications such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS).

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience in critical care medicine, emergency medicine, or experience in a Level 1 Trauma Center are often preferred.

This experience is important as Air Medical Transport Physicians need to be able to handle a wide range of medical emergencies and provide high-quality care under pressure.

Experience in aviation medicine or with air ambulance services is also highly valued, although some organizations provide specific training for this.

With over 5 years of experience and a demonstrated ability in leadership, physicians may take on more responsibilities, such as supervising other medical personnel or managing the medical aspects of air ambulance operations.

 

Air Medical Transport Physician Education and Training Requirements

To become an Air Medical Transport Physician, individuals need to start with a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

This is usually followed by four years of medical school, leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

After medical school, prospective Air Medical Transport Physicians are required to complete a residency program, usually in Emergency Medicine, for three to five years.

This provides hands-on experience in emergency care, including trauma, cardiac and pediatric emergencies.

To specialize in air medical transport, physicians often complete a fellowship in Aeromedical Evacuation or related field.

This fellowship trains doctors in flight physiology, critical care medicine, disaster medicine, and the specific challenges of providing medical care in the air.

Additionally, Air Medical Transport Physicians need to be board certified in their specialty, typically Emergency Medicine.

They must also acquire certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Some may also choose to earn the Flight Paramedic Certification (FPC) or Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C).

Continuous professional development is crucial for Air Medical Transport Physicians due to the rapidly evolving nature of emergency medicine and flight technology.

They are expected to attend workshops, conferences, and additional training to stay current with the latest advancements in their field.

 

Air Medical Transport Physician Salary Expectations

An Air Medical Transport Physician typically earns an average salary of $283,000 (USD) per year.

However, this amount can vary based on factors such as level of experience, specialized medical training, the size and location of the employing organization, and the complexity of the transport missions undertaken.

 

Air Medical Transport Physician Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Air Medical Transport Physician need?

Air Medical Transport Physicians are typically required to have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from an accredited university, and they must have completed residency training in emergency medicine, anesthesiology, or other relevant fields.

They must be board-certified and hold a valid license to practice medicine.

Additionally, experience in emergency medical services and aeromedical transportation is often required.

 

What are the typical duties of an Air Medical Transport Physician?

Air Medical Transport Physicians are responsible for providing medical care to patients during air transport, often in emergency situations.

Their duties may include assessing a patient’s condition, stabilizing patients before and during transport, performing emergency medical procedures as required, working with other medical professionals to ensure continuity of care, and maintaining detailed patient records.

 

What skills are important for an Air Medical Transport Physician?

Air Medical Transport Physicians should have excellent decision-making skills as they often need to make critical decisions under high pressure.

They should have strong clinical skills and a thorough knowledge of emergency medicine.

They should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate with other healthcare professionals and interact with patients and their families.

 

What challenges might an Air Medical Transport Physician face?

Air Medical Transport Physicians often work in high-stress environments and need to make life-saving decisions quickly.

They may face challenges related to working in confined spaces, dealing with severe weather conditions, and managing the physical demands of the job.

Furthermore, the emotional toll of dealing with critically ill or injured patients can also be a significant challenge.

 

What should I look for in an Air Medical Transport Physician’s resume?

Aside from the required education and certifications, look for experience in emergency medicine and air medical transport.

Any additional certifications, like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), can be advantageous.

Also, pay attention to their interpersonal skills, decision-making ability, and their capacity to work under pressure, which are key in this role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the complex and challenging role of an air medical transport physician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about providing medical care in a flying ER.

It’s about saving lives, one flight at a time.

With our go-to air medical transport physician job description template and real-life examples, you’re now well-equipped to venture forth.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide for creating laser-precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every flight taken is a part of a bigger mission.

Let’s save lives. Together.

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