Flight Medic Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of aviation medicine, the role of flight medics has never been more crucial.

As global travel increases, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can provide, enhance, and secure in-flight medical care.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a flight medic?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of flight medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable flight medic job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Flight Medic Duties and Responsibilities

Flight Medics are responsible for providing pre-hospital and emergency medical care to patients during aeromedical evacuation or rescue operations aboard helicopters, propeller aircraft or jet aircraft.

Their roles are critical in saving lives in emergency situations, particularly when rapid transport to a medical facility is needed.

Flight Medics have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide immediate response to emergency medical calls during flights
• Assess the nature and extent of injuries or illness to establish and prioritize medical procedures
• Administer pre-hospital emergency care, including first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other treatment
• Operate and maintain medical equipment such as defibrillators, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers
• Document patient condition and treatment on required forms
• Communicate with professional medical personnel at emergency treatment facilities to obtain instructions regarding further treatment and to arrange reception of patients at the treatment facility
• Adhere to safety procedures and guidelines during flight operations
• Collaborate with the flight crew to ensure smooth and safe operations
• Participate in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings
• Continually update skills and knowledge to stay current with advances in the field of emergency medical care

 

Flight Medic Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Flight Medic to provide immediate in-flight medical care to patients being transported by aircraft.

The Flight Medic’s responsibilities include assessing the patient’s condition, administering emergency medical care, and preparing patients for transport.

The ideal candidate should be calm under pressure, capable of making quick decisions, and possess an extensive knowledge of emergency medical procedures and patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess the patient’s condition and implement appropriate medical procedures.
• Provide pre-hospital and emergency care to injured or ill patients in accordance with established medical protocols.
• Monitor patient’s vital signs and responses to medical procedures.
• Prepare and maintain medical supplies and equipment for flights.
• Communicate effectively with the flight crew and healthcare professionals on the ground to ensure safe and effective patient transfer.
• Document medical care and treatment provided during the flight.
• Participate in training and continuing education activities to maintain current knowledge and skills.

 

Qualifications

• Current Paramedic or Emergency Medical Technician certification.
• Minimum of three years experience as a paramedic, preferably in a flight or critical care environment.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Ability to work in high stress, emergency situations.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Physical fitness to meet the demands of the role, including ability to work in confined spaces.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Continuous professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Flight Medic
• Work Environment: This role requires working in high stress, emergency situations often in a confined space (aircraft). This position requires physical fitness and may involve lifting and moving patients.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Flight Operations Manager or Chief Flight Medic.
• Salary: Salary is based upon 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Flight Medic Do?

Flight Medics, also known as Flight Paramedics, are healthcare professionals who provide critical care to patients during aeromedical evacuations or rescue operations on board aircrafts or helicopters.

They are responsible for assessing the condition of patients, delivering in-flight care and treatment, administering medications, and providing necessary medical interventions in the pre-hospital setting.

Their job also involves operating medical equipment such as defibrillators, ventilators, and intra-aortic balloon pumps.

Flight Medics work in collaboration with other medical professionals like nurses and physicians, and are a crucial part of the flight crew, ensuring that patients are safely transported to medical facilities.

Flight Medics also need to have extensive knowledge of aeromedical physiology and should be able to handle the stress and pressures related to emergency medical services.

They are required to maintain patient records, communicate with receiving facilities to ensure smooth patient transfer, and may also participate in rescue mission planning.

Their role is particularly crucial in disaster management, search and rescue missions, and military operations.

 

Flight Medic Qualifications and Skills

A flight medic should possess a diverse range of technical skills, personal qualities, and medical knowledge, including:

• Thorough understanding of emergency medical procedures and protocols, as well as the ability to perform them in high-pressure situations.
• Physical fitness and stamina, as this role often requires lifting, maneuvering, and treating patients in confined spaces and potentially adverse conditions.
• Excellent attention to detail and decision-making skills to quickly assess and respond to rapidly changing medical situations.
• Advanced knowledge of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals used in emergency care, with the ability to operate complex medical machinery in-flight.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, crew members, and ground medical personnel.
• Ability to perform under stress and maintain composure during emergency situations that may occur during flight.
• Basic knowledge of aircraft operations and safety, with the ability to assist other crew members if needed.
• Flexibility to work in various shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays, often on call.
• Required certifications such as a registered nurse or paramedic license, and certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS).

 

Flight Medic Experience Requirements

To become a Flight Medic, one must first be a certified Paramedic with a significant amount of field experience, typically around 3 to 5 years.

This hands-on experience is crucial in ensuring that the individual is comfortable and adept at handling emergencies in a variety of environments.

After obtaining certification as a Paramedic, the individual needs to undergo specialized training and earn additional certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS).

Furthermore, some states or employers may require additional certification as a Flight Paramedic from the Board of Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification (BCCTPC).

This certification will require more experience, often around 3 years in a critical care environment.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and additional qualifications, making them suitable for supervisory roles in the team.

It should be noted that due to the physically demanding and stressful nature of this job, flight medics must maintain excellent physical condition and mental resilience.

They should also be comfortable working in confined spaces and varying weather conditions due to the unique nature of their work environment.

 

Flight Medic Education and Training Requirements

To become a Flight Medic, one must first become a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic.

This requires the completion of an EMT or Paramedic training program, which often includes both classroom learning and field training.

Following this, most flight medics are required to have a minimum of three to five years of experience in a high-volume, high-acuity setting such as an emergency department or intensive care unit.

Additionally, flight medics must earn certification as a Flight Paramedic from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) or similar organization.

This certification process typically involves a rigorous examination and demonstration of skills.

Flight medics also need to be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and often Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or another trauma care course.

Many flight medics also choose to complete a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, such as nursing or health sciences, to further enhance their knowledge and skills.

Continuing education and training are important for flight medics to maintain their certifications and stay current with the latest medical practices and technologies.

They may also need to complete periodic flight training and safety courses.

 

Flight Medic Salary Expectations

A Flight Medic can expect to earn an average salary of $56,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, certifications, the specific employer, and the geographic location of the role.

 

Flight Medic Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Flight Medic need?

Flight Medics should have excellent medical knowledge and the ability to perform under pressure, often in challenging environments.

They should also have good physical fitness, as they may need to assist in lifting patients.

Strong communication skills are important, as they need to liaise with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.

They should also have a good understanding of aviation rules and safety procedures.

 

Do Flight Medics need a degree?

While not all Flight Medics need a degree, many employers prefer candidates with at least an Associate’s degree in paramedicine or a related field.

Flight Medics must also be licensed as a paramedic and have completed additional training related to flight physiology, patient packaging, and in-flight care.

Some employers may require Flight Medics to have a certain amount of experience as a ground paramedic before transitioning to a flight role.

 

What should you look for in a Flight Medic resume?

A Flight Medic’s resume should clearly list their qualifications and certifications, including their paramedic license and any additional flight training.

Experience in emergency and critical care is also important.

Look for a history of working under pressure in challenging environments, as well as strong problem-solving skills.

Any additional training or certifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), can be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Flight Medic?

A good Flight Medic should be calm under pressure and have excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.

They should be compassionate and have strong interpersonal skills, as they will be dealing with patients in distressing situations.

Physical stamina and resilience are also important, as the job can be physically demanding and often involves working in challenging conditions.

A strong commitment to patient safety and adherence to protocols is also crucial in this role.

 

Is it challenging to hire Flight Medics?

Hiring Flight Medics can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required.

In addition to a paramedic license, Flight Medics need additional training and certifications, and some positions require several years of experience.

Additionally, the physical demands and high-stress nature of the job can make it difficult to find candidates who are a good fit.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we delved into the unique and crucial role of a flight medic.

Surprised?

It’s not just about delivering medical care in the air.

It’s about navigating through critical situations, one patient at a time.

With our in-depth flight medic job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to take flight.

But why limit your exploration here?

Soar further with our job description generator. It’s your launchpad for creating comprehensive job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every life saved is a testament to your skill and dedication.

Let’s take to the skies. Together.

How to Become a Flight Medic (Complete Guide)

Workplace Winners: The Trending Jobs Dominating Discussions

Top Stress Monsters: Jobs That Are Incredibly Overwhelming!

Lifestyle-Friendly Careers: The Most Flexible Jobs for Personal Balance

Safe Bet Careers: Jobs Unfazed by Economic Uncertainty