The LIFE STAR flight crew consists of a flight nurse/paramedic, flight respiratory therapist/paramedic, pilot, EMS communication specialists and mechanics.
Both LIFE STAR helicopters are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The LIFE STAR flight crew works collaboratively to function as a high performance team for the transport of the critically ill and injured patients.
Flight Nurse
The LIFE STAR flight nurse is a highly trained and experienced critical care emergency registered nurse.
Qualification Standards:
- Baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurse.
- Must have a minimum of three years of experience in critical care/emergency nursing, one of which must be in an ICU.
- Must hold current certification as a Certified Emergency Nurse or Certified Critical Care Nurse.
- Licensed as a Paramedic.
- Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Neonatal Advanced Life Support.
Flight Paramedic
Qualification Standards:
- Minimum five years Paramedic experience.
- Massachusetts Paramedic license.
- ACLS, PALS and CPR certifications.
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program and Flight Paramedic certifications within one year of hire.
Flight Respiratory Therapist
The LIFE STAR flight respiratory therapist is a highly trained and experienced critical care registered respiratory therapist.
Qualification Standards:
- Registered Respiratory Therapist, Associates Degree, (Baccalaureate Degree preferred).
- Must have a minimum of three years of critical care experience which includes adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care from a tertiary care center.
- Must hold current Respiratory license in Connecticut.
- Certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, (EMT-P preferred).
- Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Neonatal Advanced Life Support.
- AARC transport section membership required.
Pilots
Our pilots are employed by Air Methods Corporation
Qualification Standards:
- At least 3000 hrs total time
- At least 200 hrs unaided night experience
- At least 250 hrs in rotor wing turbine
- Commercial and Instrument License in category
- ATP rating in category preferred
- Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
EMS Communication Specialist
The LIFE STAR Communications Specialist position is that of a very multifaceted role, that necessitates specialized training along with very specific certifications. This role is responsible for providing communications and direction of the hospital’s Life Star Helicopters, the Connecticut Children’s Hospital’s Critical Care Transport Team and Hartford Hospital’s Security Department.
Qualification Standards
- Minimum of 1-years EMS / Law-Enforcement or Security Communications experience required.
- Must hold a valid EMT Certification recognized by the State of Connecticut's Department of Public Health.
- State of Connecticut Security Officer Certification and Identification Card.
- Experience with automated CAD System and Report Writing software, along with experience working with various computer applications and software.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Assertive communication and critical thinking skills.
- NAACS membership required although current certification is preferred.
- Minimum High School Graduate or equivalent required.
Mechanics
Our Mechanics are employed by Air Methods Corporation
Qualification Standards
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate as prescribed by FAR 65.
- FAA Inspection Authorization certificate preferred.
- Must meet recent experience requirement of FAR 65.83.
- At least 2 years experience maintaining turbine powered aircraft.
- Responsible for all aircraft maintenance.
LIFE STAR Flight Crews provide for the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of critically injured or ill patient of all ages from the scene of an accident or from referring facilities.