What about the flight jobs out there?

•          There are approximately 277 programs that fly with a paramedic on board.
•          There are approximately 1200 flight paramedics in the US.
•          The most common crew configuration is Nurse/Paramedic
•          Most air medical programs are hospital based.
•          Programs are centered primarily in urban areas.
•          The average position turnover is 3-5 years.
•          For each flight paramedic opening, approximately 250 applications are received.

What are the real risks of a flight job?

•          Hearing loss from the constant exposure to engine noise in excess of 120 dB.
•          The risk of contracting an infectious disease.
•          Back injury and other lifting related injury.
•          Exposure to heat and exhaust fumes.
•          Crash risks are minimal yet present
  

What special training may help me?

•          National Registry Paramedic certification.
•          Instructor certifications in ACLS, ITLS, PHTLS, PALS etc
•          Experience in a high volume 911 system.
•          Experience in critical care, inter-facility transport.
•          Emergency department or ICU experience.
•          Bachelor's degree or graduate studies.
•          Being up to date and well read on current literature. 
•          Being up to date and well read on current research.

What do I need to get the job?

•          National Registry and State level Paramedic certification.
•          Strong clinical decision-making skills.
•          CPR, ACLS, PALS, ITLS or PHTLS. Instructor certifications preferred.
•          In hospital experience, either in the emergency department or in a critical care unit.
•          Ability to function independently.
•          Strong diplomacy skills.
•          3 - 5 years of experience as a certified paramedic in a busy EMS system.

How can I prepare for the interview?

•          Learn something about the system and the people who work there.
•          Dress like you're spending a day on Wall Street.
•          Bring along an extra copy of your resume.
•          Avoid telling people who work there how cool their job is.
•          Demonstrate your ability to problem solve and think on your feet.
•          Show your willingness to try new things, even at some risk.
•          Be able to contribute to many areas, not just your specialty: patient care.
•          Show that you are perceptive, innovative, practical and realistic.
•          Be enthusiastic.
•          Don't be afraid to show who you really are as a person.
•          Everyone who makes it to an interview is the same on paper -- this is your chance to be original.
•          Don't compromise your integrity for the sake of a single interview. There will be others.
•          Regardless of how you think it went, write a follow-up letter thanking the interviewer for his or her time.