An emergency medical service provider saves lives by transporting patients to medical facilities in time for treatment. An EMS helicopter pilot is a critical personnel in the rescue team because he facilitates movement to the medical team.
Helicopter training helps you become an efficient pilot to allow the team to focus on the patient’s status. Finding a qualified training school helps you become a fulfilled EMS helicopter pilot.
What does an EMS helicopter do?
An EMS helicopter is charged with transporting patients from an accident or injury scene to a hospital. An EMS helicopter pilot may also be needed to transport a patient from one hospital to another.s
Does an EMS need to be a medical professional? An EMS is a pilot and gets training in flying a helicopter. Therefore, he does not need to be a medic.
Some of the responsibilities of an emergency medical service helicopter pilot include:
- To complete the pre-flight checklist.
- Prepare helicopter to swiftly respond to emergency calls and launch within 5-10 minutes
- Operate the aircraft to navigate through all weather conditions and vision systems
- Balance the aircraft’s load and operations to accommodate the staff and patients’ needs
- Assist the medical team to clean up and doing other on-site duties to facilitate efficiency
- Log flights after landing and preparing the aircraft for the next trip
- Ensure the plane and the pilot fly according to the Federal Aviation Regulations
How to Become An EMS helicopter pilot
An EMS pilot spends most of their time airborne. A helicopter pilot also needs at least two licenses to operate. Read through if interested in becoming an EMS helicopter pilot.
- Pursue a degree
A bachelor’s degree in aviation is an excellent starting point.s you can also pursue an aviation technology degree to pre-qualify you for a license. It also makes you eligible for an academic scholarship in related studies.
Alternatively, you can focus on related subjects like Physics and Mathematics and then choose training in aviation studies.
- Physical examination
A pilot must qualify for a medical examination from a recognized hospital recommended by Federal Aviation Administration. The medical review ensures that one is physically fit to take charge of an aircraft.
- Military training is an added advantage
Pursuing aviation studies can be expensive training. An interested student can join the military and pursue an aviation course. The student must be ready to work diligently and commit extra time to perfect their skill. Becoming a military helicopter pilot requires an additional license from the FAA.
- Seek a private helicopter’s pilot license
A student can find an FAA-approved program from a private provider and pursue aviation studies. Later, one can earn a private helicopter pilot license to become an EMS helicopter pilot.
- Log more flight hours
A pilot with a record of flying many hours stands a better chance of landing a great job. Air ambulance companies typically require pilots with 1000-2000 hours of flight. The flying time is higher than the standard licensing requirement.
A diligent student can take different piloting jobs to increase their chances of getting an EMS helicopter pilot’s career.
An EMS helicopter pilot is a noble aviation career. Your role is to evacuate patients, reach them to the nearest hospital for treatment and work with the medical professionals on board.
