Flight Paramedic

Role Overview

The Flight Paramedic is responsible for delivering prioritized and appropriate medical care to critically ill or injured patients during transport. This role supports helicopter operations in Search & Rescue (SAR), aero medical evacuation, and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), ensuring mission success and adherence to high safety standards, including UAE Air Force military flying and SAR regulations.

Qualifications and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Emergency Medical Care or an equivalent qualification.
• Certification as a Flight Medical Assistant (FMA) or Aviation Health Care Provider (AHCP) is mandatory, with prior HEMS experience preferred.
• Current American Heart Association CPR certification for adults and children (Healthcare Provider level).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS/ITLS) certification.
• Desirable certifications include Crew Resource Management (CRM), Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), or dangerous goods handling.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of paramedic experience, including at least 1 year in air medical services.
• At least 2 years of experience post graduation.
• Minimum of 1 year working specifically in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

Key Responsibilities

• Administer comprehensive patient care during transport across all age groups: infants (1-12 months), children (1-12 years), adolescents (13-17 years), adults (18-72 years), and elderly (72+ years).
• Develop and manage individualized patient care plans following applicable standards, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure aircraft is stocked and equipped as per daily checklist, verifying supply adequacy and equipment accountability.
• Conduct detailed patient examinations and histories to inform care plans.
• Deliver compassionate and clinically appropriate care compliant with training, paramedic regulations, and company protocols.
• Safely package and transport patients to prevent worsening conditions or injury.
• Monitor patient condition continuously during transit, administering necessary interventions within licensure scope.
• Keep senior or Chief Flight Paramedic informed regarding aircraft movements, patient status, interventions, and timings.
• Facilitate efficient transfer of care upon arrival, including notification of medical personnel and provision of patient care reports.
• Clean, disinfect, and restock equipment promptly to ensure aircraft readiness for subsequent missions.
• Lead and manage pre-hospital emergency care unless superseded by a more qualified individual.
• Maintain composure and authority in emergency scenes, managing bystanders, family, and first responders professionally and with respect.
• Coordinate effectively with medical and EMS staff at dispatch and receiving facilities to ensure seamless care delivery.
• Implement directions received from RCC and senior personnel promptly and appropriately.
• Accurately document patient status, treatments, and responses in care and mission reports before shift end.
• Complete and submit additional documentation such as incident and equipment failure reports as required by SAR, UAE Air Force, or Air Defense Medical Center standards.
• Remain available and ready to respond within required timeframes during on-call periods.
• Comply with Health Authority of Abu Dhabi regulations governing paramedic practice and maintain strict confidentiality of patient data, disclosing only when legally required or during internal reviews.
• Practice safe handling of infectious materials and bodily fluids using correct PPE and safety protocols.
• Support safety department activities, including risk assessments, representation in safety action groups, ensuring staff awareness of first aid facilities, waste disposal, PPE usage, musculoskeletal disorder policies, and smoking regulations.

Additional Requirements

• Strong communication skills to foster teamwork and lead by example.
• Charismatic leadership with ability to delegate tasks effectively.
• Collaborative mindset to work seamlessly with different departments.
• Familiarity with Search & Rescue services and regulatory frameworks.