Employment Requirements

Flight Paramedic Employment

A flight paramedic serves multiple roles within the LIFESTAR organization. The flight paramedic acts as the crew chief and ground safety officer while aboard the helicopter, ensuring safe operations during loading and unloading. The flight paramedic also has the task of "fire watch" and maintaining aircraft safety during start-up procedures. While airborne to the scene or referring facility, the flight paramedic will assist the pilot with navigation, radio communications, air traffic avoidance and operation of the "Night Sun" as directed by the pilot.

After arrival at the scene or referring facility, the flight paramedic will work with the nurse to assess the patient and provide a systematic plan of care during each mission.

Minimum requirements for employment as a LIFESTAR flight paramedic include the following:

• Minimum of 3 years experience as a paramedic in a busy 911 system
• ACLS, ITLS or PHTLS, PALS, and NRP (instructor endorsements preferred)
• Certified Flight Paramedic or Critical Care Paramedic Certification
• Tennessee Paramedic License
• National Registry Paramedic
• Kentucky Paramedic License

Most LIFESTAR paramedics have a varied background in emergency services, including a strong background in fire, resuce and EMS operations, as well as advanced medical certification classes.

 Flight Nurse Employment

A flight nurse is an integral part of the LIFESTAR team. The flight nurse provides a wealth of experience to the patient care model with a background from the emergency department or critical care unit with an intense focus on a systematic approach to the total care and well-being of the patient. The flight nurse works in concert with the flight paramedic to provide an advanced level of care to those patients suffering from a life-threatening illness or traumatic injury. The flight nurse provides the necessary background needed to care for those patients being transferred from an emergency department or intensive care unit. The flight paramedic and flight nurse complement each other with expertise in their respective professions.

Minimum requirements for employment as a LIFESTAR flight nurse include the following.

• Three years minimum experience as a registered nurse in a busy ICU or emergency department setting
• ACLS, ITLS or PHTLS or TNCC, PALS, NRP  (instructor endorsements preferred)
• Tennessee / multi-state RN license
• Tennessee EMT license (National Registry preferred)
• Specialty certification (CEN, CCRN or CFRN) within the first year of hire

Pilot Employment

Pilots are employed by LIFESTAR's aviation partner, Med-Trans Corporation (www.med-trans.net), based out of Lewisville, Texas.  Med-Trans Corporation is an industry leader in providing professional, customized air medical services, developing quality solutions for their caregiver partners.

Minimum requirements for employment as a LIFESTAR pilot include the following:

• 2000 total helicopter flight hours
• 1000 PIC in helicopters
• 1000 turbine flight hours
• 200 helicopter night-flight hours
• Current FAA commercial certificate with rotorcraft
• Helicopter instrument rating
• Current FAA Class II medical certificate
• Prefer Bell 407 or EC135 experience
• Flight currency day and night is a must!