Search and Rescue Medic Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the critical world of emergency services, the role of Search and Rescue Medics has never been more essential.

As crises unfold and emergencies arise, the call for skilled individuals who can navigate, respond, and deliver life-saving medical aid in high-stress situations grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Search and Rescue Medic?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the demanding world of search and rescue medical services,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Search and Rescue Medic job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Search and Rescue Medic Duties and Responsibilities

Search and Rescue Medics perform a crucial role in emergency situations, often working in challenging environments to provide medical assistance to individuals in distress.

They combine their medical skills with search and rescue techniques to deliver high-quality pre-hospital care.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Responding to emergency call outs for individuals in distress, often in remote or difficult to access locations
• Assessing patients’ conditions through physical examinations and medical history inquiries
• Providing medical assistance and care, including administering first aid, emergency treatment, and medications
• Performing lifesaving procedures, such as CPR and the use of defibrillators
• Stabilizing patients and preparing them for transport, ensuring their safe extraction from challenging environments
• Collaborating with other emergency personnel, such as police officers, firefighters, and search and rescue teams
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of medical practices, search and rescue techniques, and wilderness survival skills
• Documenting all medical interventions and patient information for hospital handovers and for record-keeping
• Ensuring the proper maintenance and inventory of all medical equipment and supplies
• Participating in rescue drills and continuous training sessions

 

Search and Rescue Medic Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Search and Rescue Medic to join our team.

This position involves providing critical medical care in emergency situations, often in challenging and remote environments.

You will be responsible for providing first aid treatment, carrying out emergency procedures and ensuring the safe transportation of casualties to medical facilities.

Search and Rescue Medics should be prepared to work in a variety of conditions, often under extreme pressure.

Candidates should have a deep understanding of emergency medical procedures, excellent physical fitness, and the ability to make critical decisions quickly.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide medical assistance and emergency procedures such as first aid, CPR, and trauma care to casualties.
• Participate in search and rescue missions in various environments.
• Operate emergency medical equipment.
• Coordinate with team members and other emergency services.
• Prepare patients for evacuation and transport them safely.
• Maintain medical supplies and equipment.
• Document medical care procedures and patient conditions.
• Participate in training and educational programs.
• Stay updated with latest advancements in emergency medical care.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a paramedic or similar role.
• Valid certification as a paramedic. Additional certification as a Search and Rescue Medic is a plus.
• Physical fitness and ability to handle physically demanding tasks.
• Excellent decision-making abilities and resilience to stress.
• Knowledge of emergency medical procedures and equipment.
• Teamworking and communication skills.
• Ability to work in challenging and often remote environments.
• High school diploma; degree in medical science or related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Search and Rescue Medic
• Work Environment: This role often involves working in challenging and remote environments, under various weather conditions. The candidate should be prepared to work in physically demanding situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Search and Rescue Team Leader.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Varies based on 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, certifications, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Search and Rescue Medic Do?

Search and Rescue Medics typically work for emergency medical services, fire departments, military units, or non-profit organizations dedicated to public safety.

They are often on call round-the-clock and must be ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.

Their main responsibility is to provide immediate medical care to victims during search and rescue operations.

This includes treating injuries, stabilizing patients, and performing life-saving interventions in high-stress, often dangerous environments.

A Search and Rescue Medic needs to be proficient in advanced life support, trauma care, and in some cases, water rescue, high-angle rescue, and wilderness medicine.

They also work closely with other members of the rescue team, such as firefighters and law enforcement officials, to ensure the safe extraction of victims from hazardous situations.

Additionally, they are responsible for the preparation and maintenance of medical equipment, ensuring all tools are in working order and readily available.

They also have to document and communicate patient information to hospital staff for further treatment.

Continuous training and education is a critical part of a Search and Rescue Medic’s role to stay updated with the latest medical procedures and rescue techniques.

They may also contribute to community education about safety awareness and first aid.

 

Search and Rescue Medic Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Search and Rescue Medic should possess a combination of medical knowledge, technical skills, and other qualifications, such as:

• Medical proficiency and emergency medical care skills to provide immediate medical attention and care to injured individuals during search and rescue operations.
• Physical fitness and endurance to handle strenuous activities, function in difficult terrains and under harsh weather conditions.
• Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with team members, report medical conditions accurately, and provide clear instructions to victims.
• Ability to perform under high-stress situations, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills to make quick and appropriate decisions.
• Navigation skills to traverse through challenging areas during search and rescue operations, using maps, compasses, and GPS systems.
• Proficiency in using specialized rescue equipment like ropes, pulleys, winches, and stretchers to evacuate victims safely.
• Knowledge of survival skills and techniques, such as building shelters, lighting fires, and finding food and water in outdoor environments.
• First Aid and CPR certification, as well as knowledge of advanced life support techniques.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and cooperation.

 

Search and Rescue Medic Experience Requirements

Search and Rescue Medics are typically required to have a background in healthcare, often as a paramedic or nurse.

These professionals should have at least 2-3 years of direct patient care experience.

This experience often comes from roles in hospitals, emergency medical services, or the military.

Entry-level candidates often gain hands-on experience through an internship, volunteering at community health centers or disaster response organizations.

They should also have completed courses in advanced cardiac life support and pediatric advanced life support.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a wider range of skills and knowledge, and may have experience in roles such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic, or Nurse.

They are expected to have advanced skills in trauma care, medical emergencies, and wilderness medicine.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have experience in leadership roles, such as a Team Leader or Training Officer in an EMS or SAR organization.

They may also be expected to have additional qualifications such as a Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) or Flight Paramedic Certification (FPC).

Additionally, all Search and Rescue Medics should have experience in outdoor pursuits and should be physically fit to handle the demanding conditions of search and rescue missions.

 

Search and Rescue Medic Education and Training Requirements

Search and Rescue Medics typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

They need to complete a course in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic training, which should be approved by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or a similar accredited institution.

This training includes classroom education, practical skills training, and hospital and field internships.

Upon completion, candidates need to pass the NREMT exam to gain certification.

In addition to medical training, Search and Rescue Medics often need to undergo physical fitness and survival training.

This can include wilderness survival, mountain rescue, water rescue, and similar skills pertinent to the conditions they might encounter in a search and rescue operation.

Many roles additionally require certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Some Search and Rescue Medics may choose to further specialize in areas like mountain rescue or water rescue, which may require additional training and certification.

To maintain their qualifications, Search and Rescue Medics must participate in ongoing education and recertify every two years.

They should also stay updated with the latest medical protocols and procedures relevant to their field.

 

Search and Rescue Medic Salary Expectations

A Search and Rescue Medic can expect to earn an average salary of $51,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on experience, level of training, geographic location, and the specific organization they work for.

 

Search and Rescue Medic Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Search and Rescue Medic need?

Search and Rescue Medics should have excellent physical fitness to operate in challenging environments such as mountains, forests, or at sea.

They should be skilled in advanced first aid and trauma care, and have a good knowledge of navigation and survival skills.

Strong communication skills are also crucial for coordinating with their team and interacting with victims.

 

Do Search and Rescue Medics need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, many Search and Rescue Medics have some form of higher education in medical fields, such as a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or Paramedic Science.

Depending on the jurisdiction, they might also need certification or licensure in paramedicine or emergency medical services.

 

What should you look for in a Search and Rescue Medic’s resume?

You should look for evidence of formal medical training and certification, such as being a licensed paramedic or nurse.

Any additional certifications in wilderness medicine, survival training or search and rescue are also beneficial.

Experience in physically demanding environments, such as the military, firefighting, or mountaineering, is also a good sign.

 

What qualities make a good Search and Rescue Medic?

A good Search and Rescue Medic should be patient and empathetic, as they often deal with distressed victims.

They should also be able to stay calm under pressure, as search and rescue situations are often high-stress and require quick, decisive action.

Good physical fitness is also crucial, as the role can be physically demanding.

 

Is it difficult to hire Search and Rescue Medics?

Recruiting Search and Rescue Medics can be challenging due to the unique combination of skills and qualifications required.

The job also requires individuals to work in potentially hazardous conditions and in extreme weather, which may not appeal to all medical professionals.

To attract candidates, organizations can offer advanced training opportunities, a sense of camaraderie, and the fulfilling nature of the work.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complex and critical role of a Search and Rescue Medic.

Surprised?

It’s not just about providing medical aid.

It’s about ensuring safety and survival in the most dire situations, one life-saving measure at a time.

With our comprehensive Search and Rescue Medic job description template and real-life examples, you’re all set to take the plunge.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every life-saving effort contributes to a safer world.

Let’s make that world possible. Together.

How to Become a Search and Rescue Medic (Complete Guide)

The Enjoyment Equation: Fun Jobs That Also Pay the Bills

Flex-Time Pioneers: Jobs That Are Changing the Work Game

Tech’s Not Taking These: Careers Where Humans Rule

Work and Play Combined: Amazing Jobs That Also Fill Your Wallet