Flight Paramedic Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of emergency healthcare, the need for flight paramedics has never been more crucial.

As the medical field continues to advance, the demand for skilled individuals who can provide immediate, high-quality care in the air intensifies.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decipher the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intense world of airborne medical services,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable flight paramedic job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Flight Paramedic Duties and Responsibilities

Flight Paramedics are highly skilled medical professionals who deliver advanced life support and medical care to patients while they are being transported by air.

They operate primarily in helicopters, small fixed-wing aircraft or jet aircraft, and are responsible for the safety of patients until they reach the hospital.

The main duties and responsibilities of a Flight Paramedic include:

• Assessing, treating, and stabilizing patients during flight
• Administering medications, blood products, and advanced airway management techniques
• Using and maintaining medical equipment such as defibrillators, ventilators, and intravenous pumps
• Performing medical procedures, such as intubation, CPR, and other emergency resuscitative measures
• Monitoring patient’s vital signs and reacting swiftly to any changes
• Communicating with medical personnel at the receiving facility to provide patient information and coordinate care
• Documenting all care and treatment provided during the flight
• Maintaining professional knowledge and standards through continuing education and training
• Ensuring the aircraft is clean and stocked with medical supplies before and after each flight
• Assisting with patient loading and unloading, including using stretchers and wheelchairs
• Ensuring the safety of all passengers in accordance with aviation regulations and standards

 

Flight Paramedic Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a highly trained and dedicated Flight Paramedic to provide critical care to patients during medical evacuations and air transport.

As a Flight Paramedic, you will be responsible for stabilizing and providing life-saving aid to patients in emergency situations until they reach a medical facility.

Our ideal candidate has completed advanced paramedic training, has extensive experience in emergency medical service, and is able to stay calm and make crucial decisions in high-pressure situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide critical care to patients in air transport situations.
• Perform emergency procedures, including intubations, CPR, defibrillation, administering medications, and more.
• Coordinate with medical personnel on the ground to prepare for patient arrival.
• Operate medical equipment and monitors during flights.
• Maintain detailed patient care reports and transfer them to hospital staff upon arrival.
• Participate in pre-flight and post-flight checks and briefings.
• Stay current on emergency medical procedures and protocols.
• Ensure all medical supplies are checked and stocked before each flight.

 

Qualifications

• Certified Flight Paramedic (FP-C) or Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C).
• Proven experience as a paramedic in an emergency medical environment.
• Knowledge of medical procedures, terminology, and medications.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot medical equipment.
• Excellent decision-making skills with the ability to remain calm and focused under extreme pressure.
• Must be physically fit and able to lift heavy weights.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Flight Paramedic
• Work Environment: High-stress, fast-paced medical and flight environment. Frequent physical demands and possible exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Flight Paramedic or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 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 a Flight Paramedic Do?

Flight Paramedics, also known as Air Paramedics, are healthcare professionals who provide critical care to patients during air transport, usually in helicopters or fixed-wing aircrafts.

They deliver high quality patient care and treatment in situations where ground transport to a medical facility might be impractical, inefficient or impossible.

Their duties often include responding to emergency calls, assessing patient condition, and administering advanced medical procedures such as intravenous access, medication administration, intubation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

In addition to patient care, Flight Paramedics are responsible for maintaining their aircraft’s medical equipment and supplies, ensuring all tools are in working order and ready for use at a moment’s notice.

They must work closely with other medical personnel, such as doctors and nurses, to provide accurate patient reports and coordinate care, and often are involved in patient transfer procedures.

Flight Paramedics require advanced training and certification, beyond that of a traditional ground paramedic, due to the unique challenges and demands of delivering care in an airborne environment.

They must be prepared for a range of emergency situations and be capable of making quick, accurate decisions under pressure.

 

Flight Paramedic Qualifications and Skills

A Flight Paramedic must possess a specific set of skills and qualifications to perform their job effectively, such as:

• Advanced medical knowledge and skills to provide critical care to patients during aerial transport.
• Strong decision-making skills to make swift, vital decisions under pressure and in emergency situations.
• Physical fitness and stamina to cope with the demands of the job, including lifting patients and equipment, and dealing with the physical stress of flight.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively relay patient information to other medical personnel and to communicate effectively with the pilot and medical team.
• Ability to work well in a team and coordinate with other healthcare professionals during high-stress situations.
• Great attention to detail to monitor and manage the health status of patients in flight.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to quickly assess and respond to changing medical situations.
• Knowledge of flight procedures and safety regulations to ensure patient and crew safety during transport.

 

Flight Paramedic Experience Requirements

To become a Flight Paramedic, candidates usually must first be certified as a paramedic, which requires a significant amount of practical experience – often around 1 to 2 years in the field.

This initial experience typically involves responding to emergency calls, providing medical treatment, and transporting patients to medical facilities.

After obtaining the necessary certification and practical experience, candidates must then complete specialized training in flight physiology and flight safety to become a Flight Paramedic.

This training can take several months to a year, during which candidates gain valuable hands-on experience in dealing with emergency situations while in flight.

Some medical flight companies may require their Flight Paramedics to have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience as a ground paramedic.

This extensive experience equips them with advanced skills and knowledge in emergency medical treatment, which can be crucial during high-stress flight missions.

Flight Paramedics who have more than 5 years of experience may be tasked with supervisory or leadership roles, such as overseeing new recruits or managing emergency operations.

Advanced roles like these typically require a high level of experience and expertise.

 

Flight Paramedic Education and Training Requirements

Flight Paramedics typically must first become a certified EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and then a Paramedic.

This involves completing an EMT program, which takes about one to two years, and obtaining a state EMT certification.

Afterward, they must complete a Paramedic training program, which can take one to three years.

This program includes both classroom training and clinical experience, covering topics like anatomy, physiology, and advanced life support.

The next step is to obtain a state Paramedic certification.

Most states require Paramedics to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.

In addition to being an EMT and a Paramedic, Flight Paramedics also need to have a flight paramedic certification (FPC).

Before they can take the FPC exam, however, they must have a certain amount of work experience, typically around 3-5 years in a critical care setting.

Flight paramedics should also have additional certifications such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS).

Many Flight Paramedics also complete a bachelor’s degree in a field related to emergency medical services, although this is not always required.

To maintain their certifications, Flight Paramedics must complete continuing education hours and possibly recertification exams every few years.

 

Flight Paramedic Salary Expectations

A Flight Paramedic earns an average salary of $57,850 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as years of experience, certifications, geographical location, and the specific organization of employment.

 

Flight Paramedic Job Description FAQs

What skills does a flight paramedic need?

Flight paramedics require a unique set of skills.

They should be skilled in emergency medical procedures, triage, and patient care.

They must possess excellent physical endurance as their role may demand lifting patients and operating in confined spaces, often under stressful conditions.

Additionally, they should have strong communication skills to coordinate with other healthcare personnel and relay patient information accurately.

 

Do flight paramedics need a degree?

Flight paramedics don’t necessarily need a degree, but they must be certified as a Paramedic by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

They also need to gain experience working in an ambulance for a few years before transitioning to a flight role.

Additional certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may also be required.

 

What should you look for in a flight paramedic resume?

When examining a flight paramedic’s resume, you should first confirm that they are certified by the NREMT and have the required experience in an ambulance setting.

Special training or experience in critical care, trauma, or pediatrics can be an added advantage.

Check for additional relevant certifications like BLS, ACLS, PALS, etc.

Consider their physical fitness level and communication skills as well.

 

What qualities make a good flight paramedic?

A good flight paramedic should exhibit a high degree of resilience, as their job requires them to operate under high-pressure situations.

They should have a strong sense of empathy to provide emotional support to patients and their families.

Attention to detail is vital in this role to ensure accuracy in administering treatment and communicating patient information.

They should also show commitment to continued education to stay abreast with the latest medical developments.

 

Is it difficult to hire flight paramedics?

Hiring flight paramedics can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required for the role.

The job also demands a high level of physical fitness and emotional strength, which further narrows down the candidate pool.

Employers can attract potential candidates by offering competitive salaries, providing comprehensive training programs, and establishing a supportive work environment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken you high above the clouds to illuminate the life of a flight paramedic.

Surprised?

It’s not just about medical knowledge.

It’s about delivering life-saving care in the most challenging environments, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive flight paramedic job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take flight.

But why ground yourself now?

Soar even higher with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Each rescue mission is a piece of the larger puzzle.

Let’s save lives. Together.

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