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Emt Life Flight Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Emt Life Flight information

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$29K

$67.5K

$100K

How much do emt life flight jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for emt life flight in the United States is $67,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a life flight EMT?

To become a life flight EMT, you typically need to obtain EMT certification through a state-approved program, gain experience as a basic EMT, and then pursue advanced certifications such as Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or Paramedic. Additional skills in aviation safety, helicopter operations, and strong clinical knowledge are often required, along with CPR certification and a valid driver's license.

What are EMT Life Flight personnel?

EMT Life Flight personnel are emergency medical technicians who work as part of air medical transport teams, providing critical care to patients during helicopter or airplane transfers. They are highly trained to handle emergencies in flight, stabilize patients, and assist in rapid transport to hospitals. Their role requires advanced medical knowledge, the ability to work in stressful environments, and coordination with pilots and other medical staff. EMT Life Flight professionals play a vital role in saving lives by ensuring that patients receive timely and expert care during air evacuations.

What are some unique challenges EMTs face when working on a Life Flight team compared to ground ambulance services?

EMTs on Life Flight teams often encounter unique challenges such as working in confined spaces within aircraft and managing patients in flight, which can include turbulence and limited access to medical equipment. Communication and coordination are critical, as team members must collaborate closely with pilots, nurses, and physicians in high-pressure situations. Additionally, rapid decision-making is essential due to the severity and urgency of calls typically handled by air medical services. Adapting to these dynamic environments and maintaining composure under stress are key to success in this specialized EMT role.

How do you become a flight EMT?

To become a flight EMT, you typically need to first become a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) through completing a state-approved training program and obtaining certification. Additional qualifications often include experience in ground EMS, advanced certifications like Advanced EMT or Paramedic, and specialized training in aeromedical transport and safety protocols. Some employers also require CPR certification and a valid driver's license.

What is the difference between Emt Life Flight vs Emt?

AspectEmt Life FlightEmt
CertificationsCPR, EMT-Basic, Advanced CertificationsCPR, EMT-Basic
Work EnvironmentAir ambulance, helicopter, or fixed-wing aircraftAmbulance, emergency scenes, hospitals
Employer & IndustryAir medical services, hospitals, emergency responseAmbulance services, hospitals, emergency departments

EMT Life Flight professionals specialize in providing emergency medical care via air transport, often requiring additional certifications for flight safety. In contrast, EMTs typically work on ground ambulances providing immediate care at emergency scenes and during transport. Both roles require basic EMT certifications, but Life Flight roles involve unique skills related to aviation safety and advanced medical procedures. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in emergency medical services.

Are flight EMTs a thing?

Flight EMTs are emergency medical technicians who provide pre-hospital care during air transport, often on helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. They typically require specialized training, certifications such as Advanced EMT or Paramedic, and experience in emergency medical services, working in environments that demand quick decision-making and teamwork. These roles are common in air medical services and critical care transport settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an EMT Life Flight, and why are they important?

To thrive as an EMT Life Flight, you need advanced emergency medical skills, knowledge of air medical protocols, and state or national EMT certification, often with additional training in flight physiology. Proficiency with specialized equipment such as ventilators, cardiac monitors, and communication systems is typical, along with certifications like ACLS and PHTLS. Outstanding decision-making, teamwork, and stress management skills are crucial for performing under pressure in critical, high-risk environments. These competencies ensure patient safety, rapid response, and effective care during air medical transport.

Can a paramedic work on a life flight?

Yes, paramedics can work on a life flight, often as flight paramedics, providing advanced pre-hospital care during air transport. They typically need specialized training, such as Critical Care Paramedic certification, and must be skilled in working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with aircraft equipment. Certification requirements vary by agency and region but generally include advanced EMS training and experience in ground ambulance services.

What Does a Life Flight EMT Do?

As a life flight EMT, your responsibilities involve the transportation and treatment of patients in critical care. Your duties occur in a helicopter as you transport the patient to a hospital. You may treat medical and traumatic issues and provide life support services until you deliver the patient to a higher level medical provider. You follow the Life Flight Network procedures and may perform intubation, central line placement, and ventilator management or administer general anesthetics and medications. You may also plan aeromedical evacuation and response missions. A life flight EMT often works with a flight nurse, physician, or a paramedic to assist the patient.

What cities are hiring for Emt Life Flight jobs? Cities with the most Emt Life Flight job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Emt Life Flight jobs? The most popular types of Emt Life Flight jobs are:
What states have the most Emt Life Flight jobs? States with the most job openings for Emt Life Flight jobs include:
Infographic showing various Emt Life Flight job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,524 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Paramedic III (Air & Ground) - Duke Life Flight - Smithfield

Paramedic III (Air & Ground) - Duke Life Flight - Smithfield

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

438th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke Life Flight
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke Life Flight, which is Duke Health's critical care and emergency air and ground transport team, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. The team includes paramedics, nurses, respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians, and communications specialists who work quickly to provide compassionate care and transport services to critically ill patients of all ages. Duke Life Flight also maintains a Code Blue Response Team and helps support event medicine needs.
***Paramedics may be eligible for a $7500 Commitment Bonus (terms and conditions apply)***
Position is eligible for a relocation assistance (terms and conditions apply)
Paramedic III (Ground and Flight) - Duke University Health System - Duke Life Flight
Duke University Health System's Life Flight team supports over 20 critical care procedures independently. The patient population is 22-23 week gestation neonates to geriatric (all ages). In this department you work with interdisciplinary teams including, Basic Life Support EMT's, single provider ALS Paramedic, Clinical Nurses, Respiratory Therapist (Neo/Peds team) and Critical Care Paramedics.
Work Hours & Shifts:
Full Time: Rotating shifts days/nights (mostly 12 hour nights 7pm-7am)
Location: Smithfield or Henderson

Job Summary:
The Paramedic III functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team providing direct patient care. The Paramedic III performs a variety of activities across various practices settings and patient populations in accordance with the Paramedic scope of practice as defined by the North Carolina Medical Board and with the approval of the practice setting Medical Director.
Duties and Responsibilities of Paramedic III (Critical Care Paramedic)
*Obtain pertinent history and perform a physical examination based on comprehensive knowledge, advanced skills and sound professional judgement.
Obtain historical data from an environmental survey, attending medical personnel, patient or significant other, and existing documentation.
*Complete a systematic, rapid primary assessment and a prioritized secondary survey. Analyze and assess available diagnostic data. Revise plan of care as new information becomes available.
*Provide care in a critical care environment utilizing appropriate, timely interventions, per program protocols, in a priority sequence within scope of practice not to exceed standards set by the North Carolina office of EMS (NCOEMS) and local medical direction. *Utilize Advanced Skills prioritizing the patients needs based on potential or actual needs. (I.e. intubation, Rapid Sequence Intubation, needle decompression of tension pneumothoraces, percutaneous cricothryoidotomy, placement of intraosseous and central line). *Demonstrates proficient use of advanced and basic life support equipment and maintains contact with Medical Control when necessary for protocol deviation. *Communicate essential information to all appropriate members of the healthcare team. Evaluate patient progress, analyze data, and modify the planning and implementation of care based on patient response throughout the transfer process.*Communicate between referring and receiving healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care. Act as a liaison between patients, families, referring healthcare professionals and DUHS staff.*Plan, organize and maintain equipment and supplies for use before, during and after transport. Perform inventory of transport vehicle every shift with restocking after each transport. Plan for special equipment needs for each transport. (I.e. external pacemaker, intravenous infusion pumps, intra-aortic balloon pump, isolette, baby pod). Maintain equipment repair as needed.*Provide and maintain a safe environment for fellow crewmembers, the patients, assisting agencies, and ancillary personnel.
*Maintain certifications and advanced skills.
*Complete vehicle inspection and documentation each shift and complete a road test of assigned ambulance(s). Responsible for minor repairs to the unit to include but not limited to: changing light bulbs, replenishing fluids, tightening nuts and bolts, inspecting tires, etc. Responsible for daily maintenance including fueling and cleaning of vehicle. Responsible for reporting minor and major repair needs to the site specific Fleet Safety Coordinator, Clinical Team Lead, and/or Program Manager.
*Responsible for assisting with patient care as requested to include loading and unloading, operation of commonly used equipment and providing family members information/directions to Duke.
*Responsible for providing direct patient care on ALS I, ALS II or BLS transports, not to exceed beyond the scope of The Paramedic as defined by the NCOEMS and approved by local medical direction, and documenting in the electronic medical record.
*Responsible for replenishing oxygen and medical supplies used during transport.
*Demonstrates safe driving skills and ability to use technology to complete mission safely.
*Assist with continuing education outreach programs and public relations events as assigned.
*Provide staffing coverage to all bases as needed. Assist units within Duke University Hospital when necessary.
ADVANCED SKILLS:
*Intubations (nasal, endotracheal), RSI, and needle decompression of tension pneumothoraces, percutaneous cricothyroidotomy, central line placement (EJ), and intraosseous line placement.
*Mandatory attendance in Surgical Skills Lab, Skills Blitz and Safety Day. When identified to maintain competencies, participation in patient care in clinical areas to include the Operating Room, ICUs, Labor and Delivery and Emergency Department to maintain advanced skills.
*Identify, develop, implement and evaluate clinical and operational protocols, policies and procedures. Participation in Performance Improvement. Mandatory review (75% attendance per year required) of clinical cases, policies, protocols and procedures in Monthly Peer Review with Medical Director. *Develop, implement and evaluate educational offerings related to Life Flight for internal and external groups. *Develop, implement and evaluate research studies. Collect, compile and evaluate clinical and demographic data. Complete required transport paperwork. Participate in multi-institutional research studies. Formulate research studies as needed.
Education:
  • HIgh School Diploma
  • North Carolina Paramedic Certification
  • Minimum of three years (4 years preferred) current ALS experience as a Paramedic in emergency setting with a moderate to high call volume 911 agency (20,000 to 35,000 calls/year)
  • Obtain FP-C within 2 years of hire.
  • If previous Critical Care Transport experience, FP-C required upon hire.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:
  • High School Diploma
  • Current certification as a North Carolina Paramedic or have the ability to obtain certification in the State of North Carolina.
  • NC Emergency Vehicle Driver certification or comparable is preferred (EVOC or other)
  • ACLS, PALS, ITLS (or PHTLS) and BLS required upon hire. (NRP within 6 months of hire).
  • Current Class C drivers license. Current three (3) year driving history absent of violations.

Knowledge Skills and abilities:
  • Operating knowledge of ambulance/ fire truck or vehicle equivalent to the Duke Life Flight ambulances.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to successfully complete post offer job testing for physical fitness. Vision must be 20/40 corrected
  • One current trauma course prior to hire: PHTLS, TPATC, BTLS or ITLS.
  • The following to be completed within 1 year of hire - PHTLS certification (until TPATC Certification obtained)
  • TPATC Certification within 24 months of hire. TPATC will have a 6 month grace period for renewal from expiration date.
  • The following to be completed within 2 years of hire date if Paramedic is new to SCT transport: specialty certification, i.e., FP-C, or CCEMTP.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Operating knowledge of ambulance/ fire truck or vehicle equivalent to the Duke Life Flight ambulances. *Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to successfully complete post offer job testing for physical fitness. Vision must be 20/40 corrected
  • Physically fit to allow for functional movement in an aircraft or ambulance and the ability to wear the Duke approved helmet.
  • Max weight 230 pounds- (with equipment and bag).
  • Max height 6'4"

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US