Flight Nurse
About the job
- Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
- A minimum of three years of recent critical care or emergency nursing experience within the last five years, or as required by state or local emergency medical services regulations.
- Maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
- Possess skills required to practice nursing under the assigned state's scope of practice and advanced practice skills defined by the Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.
- Proficient with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Maintain current registered nurse license(s) for states of practice.
- Maintain emergency medical services or mobile intensive care nurse certification or licensure as required by state regulations.
- Maintain current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support or equivalent certifications, and TPATC, TNCC, ITLS, or PHTLS advanced provider certification when required by state or county regulations.
- Obtain specialty certification such as Certified Flight Registered Nurse or Certified Emergency Nurse within 24 months of hire.
- Complete one approved advanced trauma course before completion of third-rider training: TPATC, TNCC, ATCN, TNATC, or a CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course.
- Obtain Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification before completion of third-rider orientation.
- Complete NIMS Training IS 100, 200, 700, 800, and HazMat before completion of third-rider training.
- Provide high-quality critical care, including assessment, triage, and treatment, using standards and guidelines established by the Air Methods Community Base Services Medical Director(s).
- Assess the nature and extent of illness or injury, establish and prioritize the care needed, and safely transport critical patients to the appropriate facility.
- Provide nursing care within the scope of practice from initial contact until patient care is relinquished to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient care documentation.
- Maintain competency in knowledge and psychomotor skills through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences.
- Communicate educational needs to the Medical Base Supervisor and Medical Education Coordinator.
- Maintain documentation of required licensure, certifications, continuing education, aviation and safety training, OSHA and HIPAA training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures, and attend continuing education programs pertinent to the area of practice.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using and maintaining all equipment and supplies used by Air Methods Community Base Services.
- Report medical equipment failures and take initial steps to ensure equipment repair as directed.
- Maintain adequate supplies onboard the aircraft and keep the aircraft clean and orderly to ensure rapid response to transport requests.
- Function as a medical flight member by attending pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings and completing necessary documentation.
- Assist with the pre-mission liftoff checklist and assist the pilot with radio, navigational, and visual observation activities as requested.
- Comply with safety standards and conduct aircraft safety briefings as needed to protect patients, personnel, self, and equipment.
- Serve as a flight resource to neonatal and pediatric personnel when transporting specialty patients by helicopter.
- Perform advanced skills and procedures approved by the Air Methods Community Base Services Medical Director(s).
- Participate in patient and referring institution follow-up and planned outreach marketing and education activities.
- Act as a preceptor and participate in the orientation of new employees and students as assigned.
- Communicate program goals and objectives.
- Participate regularly in Air Methods Community Base Services meetings, activities, projects, and committees, including research and publishing opportunities.
- Maintain regularly scheduled attendance.
- A bachelor's degree in a health-related field is preferred but not required.
- Pre-hospital experience is preferred.
- Flight experience is a plus.
About the company
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
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 2026 Arkansas bases with Pafford expand Southern coverage and referrals.
- July 2026 Omaha PC-12 and Georgia H145 upgrades improve range, payload, and reliability.
- Blood, ECMO, and specialty-equipment transport deepens Air Methods' premium critical-care role.
What critics are saying
- LifeNet v. HHS challenges No Surprises Act air-ambulance payment rules in 2026.
- Oyster v. Air Methods and Briggs v. Air Methods increase ERISA and employment exposure.
- If reimbursement rules tighten in 2026, Air Methods loses out-of-network leverage and compresses margins.
What makes Air Methods unique
- Air Methods operates over 300 aircraft and dispatches 20,000 monthly flight requests.
- CAMTS-accredited crews pair full-flight simulators with Ascend clinical training and mechanic coverage.
- Hospital partnerships with Emory, Covenant, and Pafford embed Air Methods into regional systems.
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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
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 2%1 year growth
↑ 2%2 year growth
↑ 2%Air Methods, Pafford Medical Services announce launch of Pafford air med rotor wing program. Program will start with Bell 407 aircraft in Texarkana, Arkadelphia. September 29, 2026 13:44 ET | Source: Air Methods HOPE, AR, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Air Methods, the nation's leading air medical service provider, announced today a new partnership with Pafford Medical Services to launch a rotor wing air medical program across Southern Arkansas. This program, which is expected to become operational in October 2026, will operate air medical bases in Texarkana and Arkadelphia, each operating a Bell 407 helicopter. This partnership brings together Air Methods' nationally recognized aviation expertise with Pafford Medical Services' high-quality, pre-hospital emergency medical care. Once operations begin, this program will significantly enhance rapid access to advanced medical transport for patients in both urban and rural communities, supporting hospitals, first responders, and healthcare providers throughout the region. "By partnering with Pafford Medical Services, we are able to ensure that the residents of Southern Arkansas continue to have access to care, regardless of how far they may be from the nearest trauma center," said Air Methods Vice President of Field Operations Michael McGregory. "By combining our industry-leading air medical services with Pafford's long-established ground ambulance services, we are strengthening the ability of both partners to deliver timely, appropriate, and high-quality care when minutes matter most." Each base will be staffed around the clock with Air Methods' highly trained pilots and mechanics, alongside Pafford's experienced clinicians, delivering a seamless, integrated approach to emergency and critical care transport. The aircraft will have the capability to carry specialized medical equipment, including Impella, intra-aortic balloon pump, and ZOLL AutoPulse NXT devices to support complex cardiac patient transport. Crews will also carry whole blood for in-flight administration to patients experiencing severe blood loss and at risk of hemorrhagic shock. "For generations, Pafford has been committed to finding ways to bring the right resources closer to the communities we serve," said Jamie Pafford-Gresham, CEO of Pafford Medical Services. "This partnership is a natural extension of that commitment. By combining Pafford's experienced clinicians and established EMS network with Air Methods' aviation expertise, we are adding another resource that can help connect patients to the care they need when time and distance matter. Our flight clinicians bring advanced critical care experience and rigorous, specialized training to this program, preparing them to care for some of the most complex patients during transport. We are proud to bring this capability home to Arkansas and look forward to working alongside our hospitals, first responders and healthcare partners across the region." The first base, which will open in Texarkana, will operate in a brand-new Bell 407GXi. The light, single-engine turbine helicopter features advanced Garmin G1000H NXi avionics and a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 engine. The aircraft also has Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability, allowing for safe operation in low-visibility conditions. The base in Arkadelphia will operate in a Bell 407 which is already part of the Air Methods fleet. Both aircraft will feature custom medical interiors, which include an Articulating Litter Loading System (ALLS), which allows for the primary caregiver to be seated at the patient's head. As part of the launch process, Air Methods and Pafford Medical Services will work closely with local stakeholders, emergency responders, and healthcare partners to ensure seamless integration of the new air medical resources into the region's emergency response network. About Air Methods Air Methods (airmethods.com) is the nation's leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With more than 45 years of experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company's clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs. About Pafford Medical Services Since 1967, Pafford Medical Services has been a trusted provider of high-quality, pre-hospital emergency medical care. Family-owned and operated, Pafford proudly serves communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas, responding to more than 350,000 requests for service each year. With a dedicated team of highly trained professionals, advanced life support capabilities and a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Pafford continues to set the standard for excellence in emergency medical services. To learn more, visit www.paffordems.com and follow us on social media.
Air Methods, Pafford Medical Services announce launch of Pafford air med rotor wing program. Program will start with Bell 407 aircraft in Texarkana, Arkadelphia. HOPE, AR, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Air Methods, the nation's leading air medical service provider, announced today a new partnership with Pafford Medical Services to launch a rotor wing air medical program across Southern Arkansas. This program, which is expected to become operational in October 2026, will operate air medical bases in Texarkana and Arkadelphia, each operating a Bell 407 helicopter. This partnership brings together Air Methods' nationally recognized aviation expertise with Pafford Medical Services' high-quality, pre-hospital emergency medical care. Once operations begin, this program will significantly enhance rapid access to advanced medical transport for patients in both urban and rural communities, supporting hospitals, first responders, and healthcare providers throughout the region. "By partnering with Pafford Medical Services, we are able to ensure that the residents of Southern Arkansas continue to have access to care, regardless of how far they may be from the nearest trauma center," said Air Methods Vice President of Field Operations Michael McGregory. "By combining our industry-leading air medical services with Pafford's long-established ground ambulance services, we are strengthening the ability of both partners to deliver timely, appropriate, and high-quality care when minutes matter most." Each base will be staffed around the clock with Air Methods' highly trained pilots and mechanics, alongside Pafford's experienced clinicians, delivering a seamless, integrated approach to emergency and critical care transport. The aircraft will have the capability to carry specialized medical equipment, including Impella, intra-aortic balloon pump, and ZOLL AutoPulse NXT devices to support complex cardiac patient transport. Crews will also carry whole blood for in-flight administration to patients experiencing severe blood loss and at risk of hemorrhagic shock. "For generations, Pafford has been committed to finding ways to bring the right resources closer to the communities we serve," said Jamie Pafford-Gresham, CEO of Pafford Medical Services. "This partnership is a natural extension of that commitment. By combining Pafford's experienced clinicians and established EMS network with Air Methods' aviation expertise, we are adding another resource that can help connect patients to the care they need when time and distance matter. Our flight clinicians bring advanced critical care experience and rigorous, specialized training to this program, preparing them to care for some of the most complex patients during transport. We are proud to bring this capability home to Arkansas and look forward to working alongside our hospitals, first responders and healthcare partners across the region." The first base, which will open in Texarkana, will operate in a brand-new Bell 407GXi. The light, single-engine turbine helicopter features advanced Garmin G1000H NXi avionics and a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 engine. The aircraft also has Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability, allowing for safe operation in low-visibility conditions. The base in Arkadelphia will operate in a Bell 407 which is already part of the Air Methods fleet. Both aircraft will feature custom medical interiors, which include an Articulating Litter Loading System (ALLS), which allows for the primary caregiver to be seated at the patient's head. As part of the launch process, Air Methods and Pafford Medical Services will work closely with local stakeholders, emergency responders, and healthcare partners to ensure seamless integration of the new air medical resources into the region's emergency response network. About Air Methods Air Methods (airmethods.com) is the nation's leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With more than 45 years of experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company's clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs. About Pafford Medical Services Since 1967, Pafford Medical Services has been a trusted provider of high-quality, pre-hospital emergency medical care. Family-owned and operated, Pafford proudly serves communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas, responding to more than 350,000 requests for service each year. With a dedicated team of highly trained professionals, advanced life support capabilities and a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Pafford continues to set the standard for excellence in emergency medical services. To learn more, visit www.paffordems.com and follow Africa SMB Journal on social media. Chris Thompson Air Methods (720) 436-7312 [email protected] Suzie Barham Pafford Medical Services (870) 777-7427 [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. Africa SMB Journal do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Air Methods expands Air medical ecosystem with new base. Share On... by Air Methods posted August 12, 2026 SkyLife 34 opens in Contra Costa County, strengthening regional access to critical care transport. BYRON, CA - August 12, 2026 - Air Methods, the nation's leading air medical service, is expanding access to emergency critical care transport across Contra Costa County with the opening of a new air medical base. SkyLife 34, based at Byron Airport, strengthens regional emergency response by providing rapid access to advanced medical care. SkyLife 34 joins Air Methods' extensive air medical network serving communities across California. With 27 other Air Methods-operated bases across the state, the new location strengthens the company's ability to connect patients to lifesaving care and further expands Air Methods' integrated air medical ecosystem in California. "The opening of SkyLife 34 reflects Air Methods' continued investment in California and our commitment to building a strong, connected air medical ecosystem that improves access to lifesaving care," said Vanessa Hayflich, Air Methods PacWest Regional Director. "Each new base enhances our ability to respond quickly, support communities across the region, and ensure patients can reach the specialized care they need." The SkyLife 34 team consists of a pilot, flight nurse, flight paramedic, and on-call aviation mechanic - all highly trained specialists who complete rigorous annual training programs. Air Methods pilots train using Level D Full Flight Simulators, the most advanced simulation technology approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and used by most commercial airlines. Clinical crew members receive advanced hands-on instruction through Ascend, Air Methods' multi-accredited critical care clinical education program, ensuring they consistently perform at the top of their licensure. SkyLife helicopters function as hospital-level flying intensive care units, equipped with advanced technology and medications to treat critically ill and injured patients. SkyLife flight nurses and paramedics undergo extensive, ongoing training in trauma, cardiac and stroke care, respiratory emergencies, and high-risk obstetrics. The crew responds to a wide range of emergencies and carries blood for use at the scene or in flight, a resource proven to improve survival in critical cases. Crews are also equipped with the ZOLL AutoPulse(R) NXT device, which delivers uninterrupted, high-quality chest compressions during flight, freeing clinicians to provide other life-saving interventions for patients in cardiac arrest. The long-standing emergency air medical program celebrated 35 years of service to the community in May, reinforcing its commitment to providing the highest level of critical care. With the addition of SkyLife 34, Air Methods continues to strengthen critical care infrastructure across California, expanding its statewide presence and improving patient access to rapid, high-quality emergency medical transport services.
NEWDanville approves first regional air ambulance base at airport. Danville approves first regional air ambulance base at airport. by Haley Pender Thu, August 6, 2026 at 7:05 PM 00:00 01:33 Danville Regional Airport (Haley Pender) DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) - Danville city leaders have approved a partnership that will bring the region's first air ambulance base to the Danville Regional Airport, a move officials say will improve emergency medical response times for critically ill and injured patients. The project is a partnership between Air Methods Transport Services and HCA. According to documents from Danville Fire Chief David St. Clair, there were 347 calls requiring a medical helicopter in the Danville area last year - nearly one every day. Currently, patients who need to be flown to higher levels of care must wait for helicopters to arrive from hospitals located farther away. Officials say basing an air ambulance in Danville will allow crews to respond more quickly to emergencies and transport patients to specialized hospitals faster. "Any type of emergency that could not be accommodated here locally - it could be a wide range of medical issues that would be supported by the air ambulance operation," Danville Director of Transportation Marc Adelman said. "We anticipate transporting patients to hospitals within about an hour." The project also includes construction of a modular operations building and three housing units near the airport, where paramedics and nurses will stay while they are on call. Adelman said the project will not require local taxpayer funding. "The modular building that's being constructed by Air Methods - there's no local funding that will apply to the project," Adelman said. City officials have not announced when the air ambulance service will begin operating. ABC 13 will provide updates once an official launch date is announced. SPONSORED CONTENT MORE TO EXPLORE
Air Methods, Emory Healthcare announce rebrand of AirLife 5 to Emory Flight. Share On... by Air Methods posted July 29, 2026 Branded H145 helicopter returns Emory Flight name to Georgia KENNESSAW, GA - July 29, 2026- Air Methods, the nation's leading air medical service provider, announced that AirLife Georgia 5, based in Kennesaw, has been rebranded as Emory Flight 1 - as the base received a new H145 helicopter to allow for expanded in-flight critical care transport. "This collaboration joins a national leader in air medicine with a national healthcare leader in ground medicine," says Air Methods Regional Sales Director Zach Nicholson. "Having two organizations that continue to push themselves to enhance treatment options will ensure that our shared patients receive the best possible care from industry-leading clinicians, regardless of where they are located in Georgia or surrounding states." The Kennesaw base is staffed by Air Methods' highly trained pilots, clinicians, and mechanics. The new aircraft will be large enough to transport Emory Healthcare specialty teams throughout the region, as well as carry specialized medical equipment, including baby pods for infant transports and large equipment to support complex cardiac patient transports. Crews will also carry blood products for in-flight administration of patients experiencing severe blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock. "The addition of Emory Flight 1 represents an important investment in how we connect patients to the specialized care they need throughout the region," says Heather Brooks, RN, BSN, senior vice president of the Emory Healthcare Capacity Command Center. "As Emory Healthcare continues to expand access to advanced services across Georgia, this aircraft strengthens our ability to rapidly transport critically ill patients, deploy specialty care teams and support time-sensitive interventions. Through our collaboration with Air Methods, we are enhancing our capacity to deliver the highest level of care while improving access for the communities we serve." The aircraft will also act as an extension of Emory Healthcare's industry-leading Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program, the most advanced form of life support for individuals with heart or lung failure. Air Methods clinicians are trained to care for patients needing ECMO treatment and will work with Emory Healthcare's ECMO team to expand that coverage beyond traditional healthcare settings. The collaboration returns the Emory Flight brand to the community after Air Methods and Emory Healthcare previously operated co-branded bases in Griffin, Jefferson, and Cartersville. In addition to the Emory Flight base in Kennesaw, Air Methods will continue to operate AirLife Georgia bases in Griffin, Cornelia, Jasper, Newnan, Covington, and Blairsville. Air Methods also has Lifestar-branded bases in Springfield and Hinesville. AirLife Georgia's commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by its Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) accreditation - the highest standards in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry. The program is equipped to provide ICU-level care in flight, including the ability to administer blood either in the air or at the scene of an accident. In addition to providing high-quality critical care, AirLife Georgia is in-network with most major insurance providers. Its patient advocacy program also works directly with patients and families, regardless of insurance status, to ensure access to care remains affordable and stress-free. Prepaid memberships are not required.