Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the role of Air Transport Respiratory Therapists has become increasingly essential.

As advancements in medical technology soar, the demand for skilled professionals who can assess, treat, and care for patients with respiratory ailments during air transport escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect job description,
• Or merely intrigued by the realm of respiratory therapy in air transport,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Air Transport Respiratory Therapist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Air Transport Respiratory Therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who provide critical care to patients during transport in air ambulances or other aircraft.

They are responsible for managing patients’ respiratory conditions and ensuring their safety and well-being during transport.

The following are the primary duties and responsibilities of an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist:

• Evaluate and monitor patients’ respiratory conditions and vital signs during transport
• Administer breathing treatments and medications as prescribed by a physician
• Operate and manage ventilators and other life support systems
• Work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to provide comprehensive patient care
• Assist in loading and unloading patients from the aircraft in a safe manner
• Perform emergency resuscitation or stabilization procedures if necessary
• Maintain patient records, including documentation of treatments and patient responses
• Ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of respiratory equipment and devices
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, providing emotional support and education about respiratory conditions and treatments

 

Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Air Transport Respiratory Therapist to join our team.

The primary role of this position is to provide respiratory care to patients during medical transport.

This includes administering oxygen, monitoring vital signs, and providing emergency care as needed.

The ideal candidate is a skilled healthcare professional with an in-depth understanding of respiratory care principles and procedures, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to make quick decisions in high-stress situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide respiratory care to patients during air transport
• Administer oxygen and other respiratory care modalities
• Monitor patient’s vital signs and respond to any changes
• Perform emergency care as necessary
• Communicate with the medical team to coordinate patient care
• Ensure all respiratory care equipment is in working order
• Prepare patients for transport and ensure their safety during the flight
• Document patient care and update medical records as necessary

 

Qualifications

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential
• Valid state license to practice respiratory therapy
• Experience in a clinical setting, preferably in air medical transport
• Knowledge of respiratory care principles and procedures
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift and transport patients

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuous training and career development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Air Transport Respiratory Therapist
• Work Environment: This role involves working in an air transport setting, which may include working in varying weather conditions and dealing with emergency situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Respiratory Therapist or Medical Director.
• Salary: Compensation is competitive and based upon candidate experience and qualifications.
• 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 detailing your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Do?

Air Transport Respiratory Therapists primarily work for air medical transport services, which provide critical care for patients during transportation to hospitals or medical facilities.

They may also be employed by hospitals with air transportation units.

Their primary responsibility is to provide respiratory care to patients during air transport.

This includes managing mechanical ventilators, administering respiratory medications, suctioning, and providing other forms of respiratory support as needed.

The role involves working closely with other members of the air transport team, such as flight nurses and paramedics, to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.

They are also responsible for monitoring and maintaining respiratory care equipment to ensure its functionality throughout the flight.

Air Transport Respiratory Therapists must be able to perform under high-stress situations and respond quickly to changes in a patient’s condition.

They may also need to provide basic life support or advanced cardiac life support during transport.

Finally, they play a crucial role in educating family members about the patient’s respiratory condition, required care, and any necessary follow-ups after reaching the medical facility.

 

Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Qualifications and Skills

An effective Air Transport Respiratory Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Specialized knowledge in respiratory care and emergency medical services for the application in air transport settings.
• Ability to operate and maintain all types of respiratory therapy equipment including that used for transport.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with team members and communicate patient’s status to medical professionals.
• Strong problem-solving skills to effectively handle and resolve medical emergencies in-flight.
• Ability to work under high-stress situations while providing high-quality care to patients.
• Physical stamina to manage the demands of air transport, including lifting patients and equipment.
• High level of competence in patient assessment and knowledge of when to implement appropriate interventions.
• Adherence to safety standards and protocols, including infection control and equipment sterilization.
• Ability to work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and paramedics.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

 

Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Air Transport Respiratory Therapists are typically expected to have at least 2 years of clinical experience in an acute or critical care setting.

This can be obtained through internships or part-time roles while completing their education.

In order to qualify for air transport roles, respiratory therapists are often required to have additional training and experience in emergency care, as well as pediatric and neonatal care due to the wide range of patients they may encounter.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have further developed their skills in mechanical ventilation, medical gas administration, aerosol therapy, and emergency care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might have accumulated leadership experience, as they may have supervised other respiratory therapists and healthcare staff.

They may be ready to take on higher-level roles, such as team leader or supervisor in the air transport unit.

Regardless of their experience level, all Air Transport Respiratory Therapists should maintain their certification and stay updated with the latest advancements in respiratory care to ensure the highest quality of patient care.

 

Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist requires a minimum of an associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited educational institution.

These programs include courses in human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics.

Other courses cover therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and medical record management.

Upon completion of their program, Respiratory Therapists are required to be licensed in all states.

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers two levels of certification: the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

For specialization in air transport, Respiratory Therapists need additional training and certification.

This can include training in flight physiology, emergency medicine, critical care transport protocols, and aviation safety.

Continuing education is key in this field to keep up-to-date with technological advancements, latest protocols and guidelines, and to maintain certifications.

In some cases, a bachelor’s or master’s degree may be required, particularly for roles involving management, teaching, or advanced clinical practice.

Experience in acute care, pediatrics, or neonatal settings may also be beneficial for an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist.

 

Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist is approximately $64,770 (USD) per year.

However, this amount can vary significantly based on factors such as years of professional experience, educational background, and the geographical location of the position.

 

Air Transport Respiratory Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist need?

Air Transport Respiratory Therapists should have excellent knowledge of therapeutic and emergency respiratory services.

They should possess good interpersonal skills to deal with patients and their families.

Excellent decision-making skills and the ability to work under pressure are also required.

They must have a thorough understanding of the mechanics and physiology of breathing to provide appropriate treatment.

 

Do Air Transport Respiratory Therapists need a degree?

Yes, Air Transport Respiratory Therapists must have a degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program.

They must also be certified or registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), and have a valid, unrestricted license to practice in their state.

In addition, certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) are often required.

 

What should you look for in an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist resume?

You should look for an accredited degree and board certification in the resume of an Air Transport Respiratory Therapist.

Experience in a critical care setting, especially with neonatal, pediatric, or adult patients, is often required.

Certifications in ACLS, PALS, and NRP should be mentioned.

Any experience with air medical transport will be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Air Transport Respiratory Therapist?

A good Air Transport Respiratory Therapist is calm, patient, and empathetic towards patients and their families.

They should be able to work well in high-stress situations, and be ready to make life-saving decisions.

They must have excellent communication skills to liaise between medical personnel and patients.

Attention to detail and a commitment to staying updated with the latest medical practices and technologies are also crucial.

 

Is it difficult to hire Air Transport Respiratory Therapists?

Hiring Air Transport Respiratory Therapists can be challenging due to the specialized skill set and certifications required.

The nature of the job also requires individuals who can work under pressure and make critical decisions.

Therefore, it’s crucial to offer competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the dynamic world of being an air transport respiratory therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing patients’ respiratory care.

It’s about shaping the future of airborne healthcare, one breath at a time.

With our detailed air transport respiratory therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to precision-designed job postings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each breath you assist is a contribution to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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