Full-Time
Flight Paramedic
Posted on 10/31/2025
Air Methods
1,001-5,000 employees
Private helicopter emergency medical services
Compensation Overview
$63.7k - $77.9k/yr
Barren County, KY, USA
In Person
 Medical, Clinical & Veterinary (1) |
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- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and at least three years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in health-related field preferred
- Minimum three (3) years’ recent experience in a busy 911 system
- Previous critical care transport and flight experience a plus
- Registered EMT-P licensed in state(s) served
- National Certification may be required to meet state licensure requirements
- Specialty certification: (FP-C or CCP-C) required within two (2) years of hire
- Current certifications in Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR; ACLS; PALS or equivalent (AHA courses if state or county required) and advanced provider ITLS or PHTLS (if state or country required)
- Advance trauma course: one (1) of the following is acceptable: TNCC, ATLS/ATCN, TNATC or CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course prior to completion of third-rider orientation. (Please note advanced skills lab must accompany all of the above mentioned advanced trauma courses)
- NRP certification prior to completion of third-rider orientation
- NIMS Training IS 100, 200, 700, 800 and HazMat upon hire
- As a member of the Clinical Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 225 pounds including empty flight suit and boots
- Provides pre-hospital advanced life support care from the initial contact until patient care is relinquished to the accepting medical facility; maintains thorough patient care documentation.
- Practices within his/her scope of practice as defined by the states regulating each base and Air Methods CBS. Maintains competency in knowledge and psychomotor skills by participating in ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences. Communicates educational needs to the Medical Base Supervisor and Medical Education Coordinator.
- Maintains documentation of required licensure, certifications, continuing education, aviation and safety training, OSHA and HIPAA training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures. Attends minimum of six educational programs per year pertinent to his/her practice.
- Knowledgeable in use and routine maintenance of all equipment and supplies used by Air Methods CBS. Responsible for reporting medical equipment failures and taking initial steps to ensure repair of equipment as directed. Maintains adequate supplies onboard aircraft to deliver patient care. Keeps aircraft clean and orderly to insure rapid response to all transport requests.
- Participates in patient and referring institution follow-up and planned outreach marketing and education activities.
- Functions as a medical flight member by attending pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings and completes necessary documentation. Assists in pre-mission liftoff checklist and assists pilot as requested, i.e., radio, navigational, and visual observation activities. Complies with safety standards to assure safety of self, medical personnel, patient, and equipment.
- Conducts aircraft safety briefings as needed.
- Serves as a flight resource to neonatal/pediatric personnel when transporting specialty patients by helicopter. Performs advanced skills and procedures as approved by Air Methods CBS Medical Director(s).
- Serves as a role model, educator and clinical resource. Participates regularly in departmental activities, projects and committees (to include research and publishing opportunities). Maintains awareness of current issues related to pre-hospital care through participation in professional activities, i.e., national, state legislative--elected or appointed.
- Other Duties as assigned. Additional Job Requirements
- Regular scheduled attendance
- Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling: 5%
- Bachelor’s degree in health-related field preferred
- Previous critical care transport and flight experience a plus
Air Methods provides emergency air medical transport using a fleet of helicopters and trained clinicians and pilots to move patients quickly to appropriate medical facilities. It serves over 100,000 patients each year and operates 24/7, focusing on rapid response, safety, and high-quality patient care. The service works by dispatching equipped aircraft with medical teams that deliver on-scene and en-route clinical care during transport. The company differentiates itself through its large, round-the-clock operations, comprehensive clinical training, strict flight safety focus, and wide geographic reach as a private helicopter operator. Its goal is to deliver fast, safe, and reliable emergency medical transport to patients in need.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$2.5B
Headquarters
Englewood, Colorado
Founded
1980
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Mercy Air 10 launched March 2026 expands rural California coverage.
- Florida bases along I-10 consolidate multi-state efficiency.
- Betsy Casanave appointed SVP Customer Experience October 2025.
What critics are saying
- HCA Florida AirLife launched March 2026 captures Florida market share.
- Grady Air June 2025 and ChristianaCare H145 D3 build captive fleets.
- Pilot shortages drive wage inflation within 6-18 months.
What makes Air Methods unique
- Pioneers in-flight blood product administration improves outcomes.
- CAMTS accreditation ensures highest safety and clinical standards.
- Tailored CBS, HBS, ADM programs across 48 states.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Full Company-Paid Life Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service Programs
Company News
'Flying ICU' aims to cut emergency response times in north central Florida. Published March 26, 2026 at 12:38 AM EDT Healthcare providers and community leaders from across north central Florida gathered Wednesday with the goal of bringing faster, more advanced care to patients in rural areas. It all happened outside of the brand-new HCA Florida North Florida Hospital at 4094 SW 41st Blvd. to celebrate the launch of HCA Florida's helicopter-based emergency transport program. Providers said ground transport compared to air can reduce medical response time from hours to minutes. They said this could mean the difference between life and death. "It delivers the best in medical care, and it's not just fast medical care, it truly is a flying ICU," said Dr. Amit Rawal, medical director for AirLife Florida HCA. HCA Florida Healthcare, which operates more than 650 sites of care and serves over 12 million patients annually, partnered with Air Method, a national provider that transports approximately 100,000 patients each year, to introduce HCA Florida AirLife, the program designed to reach patients in critical condition faster by helicopter. The service will primarily cover Dixie, Levy and Gilchrist counties along with surrounding rural areas where access to advanced medical care has historically been limited. Mark Amox, chief operating officer at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, said the program has had two patients in the past two days moved to care closer to home. "We were able to go get patients and get them to definitive care within minutes versus hours," said Amox. The program is the result of roughly two years of planning, coordination and investment, uniting HCA Healthcare, HCA Florida Healthcare, Air Methods, local EMS partners and leaders from Levy, Gilchrist and Dixie counties to address critical gaps in emergency access across north central Florida. "It's about developing a relationship with our partner and understanding the community's needs... and then building a plan together on where we place the helicopter [and] what area it's going to serve," Amox said. Local leaders said the impact goes beyond logistics. Instead, it's about protecting entire communities. "When an emergency happens, time matters," said Lewrissa Johns, mayor of Chiefland. "Today represents more than a helicopter. It represents hope, faster response times, critical care and a stronger safety net." Johns added that the investment reflects a broader commitment to the region. "An investment in our communities is an investment in lives...lives that will be saved, families that will be supported and futures that will be protected." Beyond faster response times, the program is also expected to ease pressure on local emergency systems. According to regional data shared at the event, more than 3,300 ambulance transports take place each year across the region, with about 10 patients a day needing to leave their county to reach a hospital. In some cases, ground transport from surrounding areas can take 45 minutes or more to get to a hospital. Amox said that even in counties served, there are only seven to 10 ambulances available at a time. This means that transporting one patient to a distant hospital can leave entire areas without coverage for hours. "If they have to take an ambulance out of their county... that's hours that ambulance is not able to serve other patients," Amox said. By shifting critical patients to air transport, local EMS teams can remain in their communities, responding to other emergencies while patients in need of advanced care are transported quickly. For Rawal, the impact comes down to preparation and timing. "I've been lucky enough to select from a great pool of flight paramedics, flight nurses...and to be able to train and collaborate on that. It's been great," Rawal said. As the helicopter begins regular operations, healthcare leaders say the goal is simple: close the gap between where a patient is and the care they need. For communities across north central Florida, that could mean faster treatment, stronger emergency response and more lives saved. The new HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is expected to officially open to the public in five weeks.
Mercy Air 10 opens in California. Air Methods announces the opening of Mercy Air 10 in Blythe, California, bringing 24/7 critical care air medical transport to Eastern Riverside County. Mercy Air 10 will operate in tandem with sister bases Mercy Air 27 in El Centro, Mercy Air 18 in Thermal, and its sister program, TriState CareFlight, along the Colorado River. | Air Methods, March 21, 2026 - BLYTHE, CA - Air Methods, the leading air medical provider in the nation, is proud to announce the opening of Mercy Air 10, a new emergency air medical base in Blythe, CA. The base began serving the community late last year and is now fully operational, providing specialized critical care air medical services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This strategic expansion addresses the limited medical resources and the overall remoteness of Eastern Riverside County, ensuring rapid access to critical care for residents and visitors in the region. Mercy Air 10 will operate in tandem with sister bases Mercy Air 27 in El Centro, Mercy Air 18 in Thermal, and its sister program, TriState CareFlight, along the Colorado River. Together, these programs deliver seamless air medical coverage across the California-Arizona border. The Mercy Air team responds when dispatched through a 911 call, a request from a local first responder agency, or a call from a hospital needing an interfacility transfer. The flight team is comprised of a seasoned pilot and a highly trained critical care team consisting of a nurse and a paramedic. On every transport mission, the clinical team carries blood products, which can be administered in flight, if necessary, positively increasing patient outcomes. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), Mercy Air adheres to the industry's highest standards in safety and clinical excellence and provides lifesaving services without requiring a membership to avoid a costly bill. Vanessa Hayflich, Mercy Air Regional Director, said "We recognized the need for advanced emergent medical transport in Blythe and the surrounding area. Our commitment is to deliver lifesaving care where it's needed." As part of its continued commitment to exceptional patient care, Air Methods appointed Dr. Seth Dukes as the Medical Director for Mercy Air. Dr. Dukes brings extensive expertise in emergency medicine, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of urgent and emergent illnesses and injuries. In his role, he supports clinical education, continuous quality improvement, and serves as a consultation resource for flight crews. Dr. Dukes is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) in Emergency Medicine and in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), with advanced training in managing and working with EMS agencies. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch, completed his residency in Emergency Medicine, and a fellowship in EMS and Disaster Medicine. In addition to his role at Mercy Air, Dr. Dukes serves as an attending physician and assistant professor at Loma Linda University Medical Center, EMS Medical Director for multiple agencies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, and an attending at Riverside University Health System. "This role is a new chapter and a positive challenge for me," said Dr. Dukes. "My background in ground operations and critical care transport (CCT) has prepared me to move into air CCT. Air Methods has a strong national presence and an exceptional team, and I look forward to learning from them. The organization has been a pioneer in carrying blood products to better serve patients, and I see tremendous opportunity to continue advancing care for the communities we serve." | Did you know? | * Eastern Riverside County in California covers vast desert regions along the Colorado River, where remote communities often rely on air medical services due to long ground transport times and limited access to major hospitals. | See also | Mercy Air Air Medical Ambulance Services | / | Helicopters for sale Accidents Acronyms Airshows Future helicopters Flying a helicopter Helicopter stories TV and movies Helicopter books Helicopter patches Helicopter model kits Download App |
Air Methods expands lifesaving air medical coverage with Mercy Air 10. Share On... by Air Methods posted March 19, 2026 New Base Brings 24/7 critical care transport to Eastern Riverside County BLYTHE, CA - March 19, 2026 - Air Methods, the leading air medical provider in the nation, is proud to announce the opening of Mercy Air 10, a new emergency air medical base in Blythe, CA. The base began serving the community late last year and is now fully operational, providing specialized critical care air medical services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This strategic expansion addresses the limited medical resources and the overall remoteness of Eastern Riverside County, ensuring rapid access to critical care for residents and visitors in the region. Mercy Air 10 will operate in tandem with sister bases Mercy Air 27 in El Centro, Mercy Air 18 in Thermal, and its sister program, TriState CareFlight, along the Colorado River. Together, these programs deliver seamless air medical coverage across the California-Arizona border. The Mercy Air team responds when dispatched through a 911 call, a request from a local first responder agency, or a call from a hospital needing an interfacility transfer. The flight team is comprised of a seasoned pilot and a highly trained critical care team consisting of a nurse and a paramedic. On every transport mission, the clinical team carries blood products, which can be administered in flight, if necessary, positively increasing patient outcomes. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), Mercy Air adheres to the industry's highest standards in safety and clinical excellence and provides lifesaving services without requiring a membership to avoid a costly bill. "We recognized the need for advanced emergent medical transport in Blythe and the surrounding area," said Mercy Air Regional Director Vanessa Hayflich. "Our commitment is to deliver lifesaving care where it's needed." As part of its continued commitment to exceptional patient care, Air Methods appointed Dr. Seth Dukes as the Medical Director for Mercy Air. Dr. Dukes brings extensive expertise in emergency medicine, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of urgent and emergent illnesses and injuries. In his role, he supports clinical education, continuous quality improvement, and serves as a consultation resource for flight crews. Dr. Dukes is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) in Emergency Medicine and in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), with advanced training in managing and working with EMS agencies. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch, completed his residency in Emergency Medicine, and a fellowship in EMS and Disaster Medicine. In addition to his role at Mercy Air, Dr. Dukes serves as an attending physician and assistant professor at Loma Linda University Medical Center, EMS Medical Director for multiple agencies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, and an attending at Riverside University Health System. "This role is a new chapter and a positive challenge for me," said Dr. Dukes. "My background in ground operations and critical care transport (CCT) has prepared me to move into air CCT. Air Methods has a strong national presence and an exceptional team, and I look forward to learning from them. The organization has been a pioneer in carrying blood products to better serve patients, and I see tremendous opportunity to continue advancing care for the communities we serve."
Air Methods, Airbus, and ChristianaCare celebrate ribbon cutting of new H145 D3 aircraft at AMTC 2025. posted October 28, 2025 OMAHA, NE, Oct. 28, 2025 - On Monday at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) 2025, Air Methods, Airbus, and ChristianaCare celebrated the official ribbon cutting of ChristianaCare's new Airbus H145 D3 helicopter. This event marks a milestone in emergency medical aviation for the Northeast, as ChristianaCare introduces the first H145 D3 to the region, further advancing the mission of providing lifesaving care when seconds count. ChristianaCare, which was established nearly 25 years ago, provides service to Delaware and its surrounding states via two bases. One helicopter is based at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, with a second helicopter at the Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown. ChristianaCare also maintains helipads at its Wilmington Hospital and Middletown Free-standing Emergency Department. "We are proud to celebrate this moment alongside our longtime partners at ChristianaCare and Airbus," said Air Methods CEO Rob Hamilton. "The H145 D3 demonstrates what's possible when industry leaders come together with a shared purpose. Together, we're advancing innovation, elevating safety, and ensuring the best possible care for every patient, every time." The state-of-the-art aircraft joins the ChristianaCare LifeNet air medical program, operated in partnership with Air Methods, expanding capabilities to serve patients across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The D3's advanced avionics, increased cabin space, and smoother, quieter performance enable flight crews to deliver critical care with greater safety, precision, and comfort. "This aircraft represents a transformative step in our commitment to delivering critical care when seconds count," said John Roussis, program director at ChristianaCare. "With advanced capabilities that improve safety, reliability, and performance, the H145 D3 enables us to better serve patients and communities across the region while positioning ChristianaCare LifeNet at the forefront of air medical care." The H145 D3's five-bladed main rotor system and enhanced engines improve power and efficiency while reducing maintenance and vibration - key benefits that translate to more uptime and better outcomes for patients. "We're proud to showcase this beautiful aircraft and celebrate two of our strongest partners, ChristianaCare and Air Methods," said Bart Reijnen, President of Airbus Helicopters in the U.S. and Head of the North America Region. "The H145's Helionix avionics suite and advanced autopilot reduce pilot workload and enhance safety, while the new five-blade rotor delivers a smoother, quieter flight, benefiting both crew and patients. Every detail of this aircraft is designed for high-tempo medical operations."
Air Methods teammates and partners recognized as finalists for 2025 AAMS Community Awards. by Air Methods posted October 23, 2025 DENVER, CO - Oct. 23, 2025 - Air Methods is proud to congratulate its teammates and partners who have been named finalists for the 2025 Community Awards presented by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS). These awards honor individuals and programs across the air medical and critical care transport industry who demonstrate outstanding commitment to safety, leadership, clinical excellence, and community impact. "Our teammates and partners consistently demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, compassion, and dedication to patient care," said Air Methods CEO Rob Hamilton. "Being recognized as a finalist for these prestigious awards reflects their unwavering commitment to their patients and the communities they serve. We're extremely proud of each one of them and wish them the best of luck next week!" Below are the individuals and programs associated with Air Methods who have been named finalists: * Erik Thresher, Air Methods * Matt Schanz, St. Louis Children's Hospital * Ashley Cozzocrea, St. Louis Children's Hospital * Children's Nebraska Neonatal-Pediatric Critical Care Transport * Nicole Magers, St. Louis Children's Hospital * UNC Carolina Air Care Pediatric/Neonatal Specialty Team * Russell Bradberry, Air Methods/Care Flight * Tyler Lietz, Air Methods/St. Louis Children's Hospital * Eric Scoggins, Air Methods/UNC Carolina Air Care AAMS Community Impact Award "Recognition like this highlights the incredible talent and dedication across our organization and partner network," said Betsy Casanave, SVP of Customer Experience at Air Methods. "Every finalist embodies the heart of our mission, and we're honored to work alongside them to deliver timely, lifesaving care to communities nationwide." The AAMS Community Awards program recognizes outstanding achievements across a variety of categories, including operational safety, leadership, maintenance excellence, pediatric/neonatal transport, community impact and lifetime achievement. The 2025 AAMS Community Award winners will be announced during AMTC25 on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. CST at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. For more information about the awards and AAMS, click here.