Emergency Medical Skydiver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the adrenaline-fueled world of emergency medical assistance, the role of an Emergency Medical Skydiver has never been more critical.

As situations escalate and accessibility decreases, the demand for skilled professionals who can swiftly and accurately respond to medical emergencies from the sky heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Emergency Medical Skydiver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the gravity and thrill of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the high-stakes world of airborne emergency medical response,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s take the plunge.

Emergency Medical Skydiver Duties and Responsibilities

Emergency Medical Skydivers, also known as HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) Paramedics, combine their medical skills with parachuting expertise to provide rapid response to emergencies where traditional ambulances cannot reach.

The Emergency Medical Skydiver’s duties and responsibilities include:

• Assess and stabilize patients’ conditions at the site of an emergency
• Administer emergency care, including procedures like intubation, defibrillation, and medication administration
• Coordinate with ground medical teams to prepare for patient transport
• Perform aerial deployments to remote or difficult-to-reach emergency sites
• Maintain communication with medical control physicians and emergency rooms
• Document patient care and maintain patient records
• Conduct equipment checks and ensure all necessary medical supplies are on board
• Participate in regular training and drills to maintain skydiving skills and medical knowledge
• Follow safety regulations and procedures to ensure safe parachute jumps and patient transport
• Work with other members of a rescue team, including pilots and ground crew, to carry out rescue operations

 

Emergency Medical Skydiver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly trained and experienced Emergency Medical Skydiver to join our team.

This role combines the skills of emergency medicine with the precision and bravery of a skydiver.

Emergency Medical Skydivers are responsible for providing critical medical care to patients in extreme, hard-to-reach locations.

You will be expected to parachute into emergency scenes and provide immediate medical attention until more comprehensive help arrives.

 

Responsibilities

• Jumping from aircraft to reach patients in hard-to-reach locations
• Providing immediate emergency medical care to patients on-site
• Communicating patient condition and treatment actions to incoming medical teams
• Maintaining communication with medical control about patient conditions
• Assisting with patient evacuation when necessary
• Adhering to all safety procedures and protocols during jumps
• Keeping medical equipment stocked, maintained, and ready for use

 

Qualifications

• Valid certification as a Paramedic or higher (Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, etc.)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications
• Minimum of 2 years active experience in critical care or emergency medicine
• Ability to perform under pressure in extreme environments
• Skydiving certification and experience
• Excellent physical fitness and resilience
• Ability to work as part of a team and maintain professionalism in high-stress situations
• Willingness to work irregular hours and be on-call for emergencies

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Adventure and challenge of a unique career

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Emergency Medical Skydiver
• Work Environment: Varied, depending on emergency locations, often in extreme conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Emergency Services Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is dependent on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• 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, along with copies of your certifications and a brief explanation of your interest in emergency medical skydiving to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Emergency Medical Skydiver Do?

Emergency Medical Skydivers are highly trained professionals who combine the skills of emergency medical services with parachuting capabilities.

This unique role is often utilized in remote or hard-to-reach areas where traditional ambulance services may not be able to arrive quickly.

They typically work for rescue organizations, hospitals, or military services and are responsible for providing immediate medical support to individuals in critical situations.

Upon receiving an emergency call, they will parachute from an aircraft to the scene of the accident.

Their primary responsibility is to stabilize the patient’s condition before evacuation.

This could involve administering first aid, performing CPR, dealing with trauma injuries, or providing other urgent medical care.

Emergency Medical Skydivers also carry and use a variety of emergency medical equipment during their missions.

They need to be able to make quick decisions under pressure and have excellent communication skills to relay vital information to the ground medical team.

Moreover, they are responsible for ensuring the safe transportation of the patient to the nearest medical facility, either by coordinating with the ground rescue team or by accompanying the patient in the evacuation vehicle.

In addition to their medical and parachuting skills, they must also have a comprehensive understanding of wilderness survival and navigation techniques, as they often find themselves in remote locations.

It is a physically and mentally demanding job that requires rigorous training, a calm demeanor, excellent physical condition, and the ability to work under extreme stress.

 

Emergency Medical Skydiver Qualifications and Skills

Emergency Medical Skydivers need a unique blend of technical skills, medical knowledge and physical abilities to provide immediate medical attention in critical situations from the air, including:

• Advanced certification in skydiving and rescue operations to navigate to emergency locations from the air with accuracy and speed.
• A comprehensive understanding of emergency medical procedures and the ability to apply them in high-stress, unconventional situations.
• Extensive training in trauma care to handle a variety of injuries, illnesses, and accidents swiftly and effectively.
• Excellent communication skills to work seamlessly with ground-based medical teams, dispatchers, and other first responders, and to relay patient information accurately.
• Physical fitness and agility to handle the demands of parachuting and potentially rigorous rescue scenarios.
• High level of decision-making and problem-solving skills to quickly assess situations and make crucial decisions under pressure.
• The ability to operate and maintain emergency equipment, including air navigation tools, medical kits, and communication devices.
• Strong interpersonal skills to provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families in distress.
• Ability to work in varied climates and terrains, as emergencies may occur in a wide range of environments.

 

Emergency Medical Skydiver Experience Requirements

Emergency Medical Skydiver candidates must have extensive experience in both the medical field and skydiving.

On the medical side, they generally need to be a licensed paramedic or nurse with at least 3 to 5 years of experience in emergency medicine.

They should be well-versed in trauma care, and having additional certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) can be beneficial.

On the skydiving side, candidates must have a significant amount of experience, usually measured by the number of successful jumps.

A minimum of 500 jumps is a common requirement, with many organizations preferring candidates with over 1,000 jumps.

Becoming a certified skydiving instructor can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates a higher level of skill and a commitment to safety.

Additionally, experience in HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) or HAHO (High Altitude, High Opening) jumps is often required due to the nature of emergency medical skydiving.

Candidates for this role must also have excellent physical fitness and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Ongoing training and recertification are often required to ensure that Emergency Medical Skydivers stay current with the latest medical and skydiving techniques.

 

Emergency Medical Skydiver Education and Training Requirements

Emergency Medical Skydivers usually have a background in emergency medical services and have completed a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic program.

They must have a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by EMT-basic training, which can last from one to two years.

After this, they must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam to become certified.

In addition to the medical training, these professionals are required to be highly trained in skydiving.

This includes obtaining a skydiving license from a recognized skydiving association, such as the United States Parachute Association (USPA), which requires a minimum number of successful jumps and a series of written and practical exams.

More advanced roles may require a higher level of skydiving certification, including instructor ratings.

It’s also beneficial for an Emergency Medical Skydiver to have experience in search and rescue operations, survival training, and wilderness medicine.

Continuous education is crucial in this role, as advancements in both medical procedures and skydiving equipment and techniques are ongoing.

Therefore, professionals in this field are often required to recertify every few years.

 

Emergency Medical Skydiver Salary Expectations

Emergency Medical Skydivers, a highly specialized profession, can expect to earn around $56,000 (USD) per year on average.

However, the salary may fluctuate greatly based on factors such as the level of experience, certifications, the complexity of the operations they are involved in, and the geographical location where they operate.

 

Emergency Medical Skydiver Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Emergency Medical Skydiver need?

An Emergency Medical Skydiver needs to be highly trained in both emergency medical care and skydiving.

They should have excellent physical fitness, the ability to make quick decisions under pressure, and strong teamwork skills.

They also need extensive knowledge of first aid procedures, emergency medicine, and patient stabilization techniques.

Skydiving skills include navigation, equipment maintenance, and understanding meteorological conditions.

 

Do Emergency Medical Skydivers need a degree?

Emergency Medical Skydivers usually need a degree or certificate in Paramedic Science or a related field.

They also require a certification in skydiving from a recognized skydiving association.

Additional qualifications can include Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification and certification as a flight paramedic.

 

What should you look for in an Emergency Medical Skydiver resume?

An Emergency Medical Skydiver’s resume should include their medical qualifications, such as their degree and any additional certifications.

They should have documented proof of their skydiving certification and experience.

Experience working in high-pressure environments, like an ambulance service or rescue service, can be a major advantage.

Finally, look for any additional skills relevant to the role, such as navigation or equipment maintenance skills.

 

What qualities make a good Emergency Medical Skydiver?

A good Emergency Medical Skydiver is able to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.

They need to be physically fit and mentally resilient, as the job is physically demanding and often involves dealing with traumatic situations.

Good teamwork skills are crucial, as they often need to work in tandem with other emergency service personnel.

They also need to be highly responsible and reliable, as people’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent medical assistance.

 

Is it difficult to hire Emergency Medical Skydivers?

Hiring Emergency Medical Skydivers can be challenging due to the unique combination of skills and qualifications required for the role.

It demands a unique blend of medical proficiency and skydiving expertise.

Potential candidates should be comfortable working in extreme situations and should meet high physical and mental health standards.

The job also requires a significant amount of training, which can limit the pool of potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve soared through the clouds to truly understand what it means to be an Emergency Medical Skydiver.

And guess what?

It’s not just about jumping out of planes.

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

With our comprehensive Emergency Medical Skydiver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop there?

Ascend higher with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume for that perfect landing.

Remember:

Every jump is a step towards a safer world.

Let’s make that leap. Together.

How to Become an Emergency Medical Skydiver (Complete Guide)

Ditch the Office, Keep the Salary: Remote Jobs That Pay Amazingly Well!

The Joyful Path: Careers That Make Work Feel Like Pleasure

Automate or Evaporate: Jobs That AI is About to Transform

Enjoy Your 9-5: Fun Jobs with Surprisingly High Salaries