Search and Rescue Paramedic Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of emergency services, the importance of search and rescue paramedics is unparalleled.

As humanity advances, so too does the urgency for skilled professionals who can navigate, strategize, and secure our search and rescue operations.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a search and rescue paramedic?

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 inner dynamics of search and rescue operations,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable search and rescue paramedic job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Search and Rescue Paramedic Duties and Responsibilities

Search and Rescue Paramedics are integral to emergency response teams, utilizing both medical knowledge and rescue skills in various challenging environments.

They play a crucial role in saving lives, often in dangerous and stressful conditions.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Responding to emergency calls and providing medical assistance at the scene
• Performing advanced life support procedures in high-stress and extreme environments
• Carrying out search and rescue missions in a variety of settings, including mountains, forests, and water bodies
• Working closely with other emergency response teams, such as fire departments or police
• Utilizing and maintaining rescue equipment, including ropes, stretchers, and rescue vehicles
• Transporting patients to medical facilities while providing ongoing medical care
• Recording patient information and updating medical records
• Participating in regular training to keep their rescue and medical skills updated
• Adhering to safety protocols and guidelines during rescue operations
• Conducting public education sessions on safety and prevention of accidents

 

Search and Rescue Paramedic Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and highly-skilled Search and Rescue Paramedic to join our emergency response team.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing immediate medical care and transportation to the critically ill and injured in both routine and complex search and rescue missions, often in challenging environments.

The ideal candidate has a strong commitment to patient care, excellent decision-making skills, and the physical stamina to perform under high-stress situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls swiftly and professionally
• Assess the condition of patients and perform initial diagnosis
• Perform medical procedures and administer emergency medical care
• Evacuate injured or ill persons to medical facilities as necessary
• Maintain equipment and replenish supplies in the ambulance or helicopter
• Document patient information, treatment plans, and procedures
• Perform search and rescue operations in various weather and terrain conditions
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with other first responders
• Participate in emergency drills, public education, and training activities

 

Qualifications

• State-licensed Paramedic with a minimum of 3 years experience in emergency care
• Experience as a flight paramedic, wilderness EMT or in a similar role is preferred
• Physically fit and able to work in challenging conditions
• Excellent decision-making skills with the ability to make judgments under pressure
• Advanced knowledge of emergency medical procedures and protocols
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to work varying shifts, weekends, holidays, and during adverse weather conditions

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Pension plan
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Search and Rescue Paramedic
• Work Environment: Fieldwork often in challenging and diverse terrain. Office for administrative tasks.
• 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: $52,000 minimum to $72,000 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 Search and Rescue Paramedic Do?

Search and Rescue Paramedics primarily work in emergency medical services, often deployed in challenging and risky environments where traditional emergency services may not be able to reach.

Their main duty is to provide immediate medical care and evacuation for individuals who are injured or ill in remote, isolated, or difficult-to-access areas.

This can include mountains, forests, caves, marine environments, or disaster-stricken areas.

Search and Rescue Paramedics are trained to navigate these challenging terrains and conditions while carrying heavy medical equipment.

They often work in conjunction with other rescue professionals such as firefighters, police, or military personnel.

They assess patients’ conditions and implement necessary emergency medical procedures, which can include administering medications, performing advanced life support techniques, or conducting minor surgical interventions.

Search and Rescue Paramedics are also responsible for safely evacuating patients, often using specialized transport equipment like helicopters, boats, or all-terrain vehicles.

They must then accurately relay patient information and medical procedures performed to hospital staff upon arrival.

Furthermore, they often participate in training exercises to maintain their physical fitness and emergency medical skills and may also be involved in educating the public about safety in remote environments.

 

Search and Rescue Paramedic Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Search and Rescue Paramedic should possess a variety of hard and soft skills to effectively provide emergency medical assistance in various environments.

These skills and qualifications include:

• Advanced medical knowledge to provide immediate first-aid and life-saving procedures in high-stress environments. This includes the ability to diagnose and treat a range of medical emergencies.
• Physical fitness and endurance to handle demanding rescue operations, often in challenging terrains and weather conditions.
• Exceptional teamwork skills to work effectively with a diverse group of professionals, including other paramedics, police, firefighters, and search and rescue teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients, their families, and other medical professionals. This also involves the ability to calm and comfort individuals in distress.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities to respond to emergencies promptly and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Knowledge of navigation and survival skills to operate effectively in various outdoor environments, day or night.
• Ability to handle and maintain emergency equipment, such as defibrillators, stretchers, and complex rescue gear.
• Capacity to operate communication devices and employ signaling techniques to coordinate rescue efforts or contact emergency services.

 

Search and Rescue Paramedic Experience Requirements

Entry-level Search and Rescue Paramedics typically require 1 to 2 years of experience in an emergency medical setting, often acquired through fieldwork as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic.

Additional experience in roles related to outdoor activities, wilderness survival, or sporting activities can be beneficial.

This could include experience as a lifeguard, park ranger, or adventure guide, which would provide the individual with the necessary survival skills and knowledge of wilderness environments.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often further develop their medical skills and wilderness knowledge in roles such as Firefighter-Paramedic, Wilderness EMT, or Mountain Rescue Specialist.

These roles provide both the medical expertise and the field experience necessary to handle the physical demands and often harsh environments of search and rescue operations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a supervisory or training role within a Search and Rescue unit.

They may also have the necessary experience to be considered for more specialized roles, such as High Angle Rescue Specialist or Search and Rescue K9 Handler.

All candidates should maintain their Paramedic certification and complete any additional training necessary for their role, such as wilderness survival, high angle rescue, swiftwater rescue, or helicopter rescue.

 

Search and Rescue Paramedic Education and Training Requirements

Search and Rescue Paramedics typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as a basic educational requirement.

To become a paramedic, individuals must first become EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).

This requires an EMT training program which typically takes 6 months to 2 years to complete.

After obtaining an EMT license, individuals must complete a paramedic training program.

These programs usually result in an associate’s degree and take 1 to 2 years to complete.

During this time, prospective paramedics learn advanced medical skills and procedures.

Additionally, it’s advantageous for a Search and Rescue Paramedic to obtain training in wilderness medicine, water rescue, and survival skills.

This is due to the nature of the job which often involves responding to emergencies in remote or difficult-to-access areas.

After completing the required education, paramedics must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam to obtain licensure.

Furthermore, certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) may also be required or beneficial.

Continuous education and refresher courses are necessary to keep up with new techniques and advancements in the field.

Lastly, since search and rescue operations often involve working with various agencies and teams, training in team coordination and communication can be beneficial.

It should be noted that the requirements can vary from state to state and according to the specific role within a Search and Rescue team.

 

Search and Rescue Paramedic Salary Expectations

A Search and Rescue Paramedic earns an average salary of $58,790 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary widely depending on factors such as years of experience, additional skills, the number of hours worked, and the specific region of employment.

 

Search and Rescue Paramedic Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Search and Rescue Paramedic need?

Search and Rescue Paramedics require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Further, they must have completed a paramedic training course accredited by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and be certified as a Paramedic.

Often, they need additional certifications like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Specialized training or certifications in wilderness or water rescue, high altitude operations, or hazardous materials may also be required.

 

What skills are essential for a Search and Rescue Paramedic?

Search and Rescue Paramedics should possess excellent medical and trauma care skills.

This includes emergency response and patient stabilization.

They should have strong physical fitness to cope with demanding environments and situations, and the ability to work under extreme pressure.

Additional skills such as navigation, survival, search and rescue techniques, and familiarity with rescue equipment are highly advantageous.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Search and Rescue Paramedic?

A typical day for a Search and Rescue Paramedic is unpredictable as they respond to emergency calls, which can vary from lost or injured individuals in remote locations, to incidents in extreme weather conditions.

They perform medical care at the site, transport the patient to a medical facility, and complete detailed reports.

When not responding to calls, they maintain equipment, train, and attend briefings.

 

What qualities make a good Search and Rescue Paramedic?

A good Search and Rescue Paramedic is quick-thinking, with the ability to make critical decisions under high-stress conditions.

They should have excellent physical stamina and courage to face dangerous situations.

Compassion, patience, and excellent interpersonal communication are vital to interact with patients and their families.

They should also possess a strong commitment to ongoing training and professional development in their field.

 

Is it challenging to hire Search and Rescue Paramedics?

Hiring Search and Rescue Paramedics can be challenging due to the unique combination of medical skills, physical abilities, and emotional resilience needed for the job.

Due to the high-risk nature of the job, there is also a smaller pool of candidates who are willing and able to meet the job requirements.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we unraveled the real-life heroism of being a Search and Rescue Paramedic.

And guess what?

It’s not just about first-aid.

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

With our definitive search and rescue paramedic job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready for the challenge.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to crafting accurate job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every mission is a chance to make a difference.

Let’s save lives. Together.

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