Summary

The Flight Paramedic extends the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by caring for critically ill and injured persons in the air medical environment. Practice is carried out with a high degree of independence in challenging out-of-hospital environments and at regional health care facilities. The position has significant responsibility for public relations and involves interacting with a wide range of healthcare and public safety professionals in stressful situations. The position requires subject matter management skills and independent work on projects to support Flight For Life operations. The position requires adherence to rigorous standards of safety. This position coordinates transport operations/clinical care with the Flight Nurse and Pilot crew members in conjunction with policies and procedures that have been established by Flight For Life Administration, the Flight For Life Medical Director, and Flight For Life’s contracted aviation services (FAA Part 135) operator.

The Flight Paramedic will be assigned a primary Flight For Life base, but may be reassigned to another base within Flight For Life as program needs may dictate. The Flight Paramedic is responsible for other duties as assigned to support program clinical operations. Substantial orientation and ongoing training is devoted to incoming Associates to support their developmental success as the program has rigorous after-hire credentialing requirements, including dual board certification.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Provides advanced critical care to critically ill and injured patients during rotor-wing transport, delivering evidence-based assessment, stabilization, treatment, and continuous monitoring in collaboration with the Flight Nurse and Pilot.

· Exercises independent clinical judgment in dynamic, high-acuity environments while adhering to established medical protocols, safety standards, CAMTS requirements, and FAA Part 135 operational procedures.

· Supports operational excellence through participation in quality improvement initiatives, safety programs, equipment readiness, continuing education, and assigned projects that enhance Flight For Life operations.

· Serves as a professional representative of Flight For Life, fostering effective communication and collaboration with referring and receiving facilities, EMS agencies, public safety partners, patients, families, and community stakeholders.

· Maintains required certifications and clinical competency, actively participating in orientation, ongoing education, simulation, and credentialing activities to meet the program's rigorous standards for critical care transport practice.

Education

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Completion of a DHSH-approved Paramedic program.

Experience/Skills

· Minimum of three years of experience working in a moderate to high-volume ALS setting; greater than five years strongly preferred. Mixed ALS/critical care transport experience preferred.

· Ability to manage complex clinical situations under pressure required.

· Previous flight or critical care transport experience highly preferred.

· Emotional stability to function effectively in unpredictable situations.

· Problem solving skills and ability to exercise independent judgment and seek guidance when appropriate.

· Strong public relations and diplomacy skill set.

· Good keyboarding/documentation skills and general computer competency.

License/Certification/Registration

· Current Paramedic certification by the State of Texas required.

· National Registry Paramedic strongly preferred upon hire, required within one year of hire.

· Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required.

· Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required within 6 months of hire.

· Certification in a transport-specific critical care board certification (C-NPT, FP-C or CCP-C) is strongly preferred at hire, and two of these board certifications are required within 24 months of start date.

Competencies/Skills

· Clinical Excellence: Critical care knowledge, advanced procedures, sound clinical judgment

· Safety & Aviation: Risk assessment, helicopter safety, operational discipline

· Teamwork: CRM, communication, collaboration, conflict resolution

· Professionalism: Accountability, integrity, adaptability, resilience

· Quality: Documentation, CQI participation, evidence-based practice

· Leadership: Initiative, mentoring, patient advocacy, systems thinking