MedCenter Air Neonatal Pediatric Transport Respiratory Therapist

About the role

Functions as a member of the critical care transport team for Med Center Air (MCA), providing comprehensive respiratory assessment, stabilization, and intervention for ill and injured patients during transport. Operates under the supervision of the Medical Control Physician via continuous radio contact or direct consultation, while promoting safety and efficiency of MCA operations.

Responsibilities

• Collects and documents health data pertinent to the patient’s condition and transport situation.
• Uses clinical reasoning and skills to conduct accurate assessments and perform patient‑care interventions to ensure optimal safety and recovery.
• Delegates elements of care to appropriate healthcare workers.
• Utilizes resources to plan and deliver safe, effective, and financially responsible services.
• Participates in committees, shared governance, and other facility decision‑making activities.
• Maintains environmentally safe and healthy practices.
• Maintains operational knowledge of multiple transport modes (ambulances, helicopters, airplanes).
• Independently initiates advanced practice procedures, including:
  • Drug‑assisted intubation, video laryngoscopy, needle chest decompression, chest tube insertion, central line placement (UA/UV, EJ)
  • Intraosseous placement, transvenous/transcutaneous pacing, needle and surgical cricothyroidotomy
  • Initiation/titration of pharmacologic agents
  • Intubation procedures and ventilation equipment setup
  • Airway support, ventilator settings, and equipment management
  • Transport and monitoring of patients requiring ECMO, VAD/Impella, intra‑aortic balloon counter‑pulsation, internal/external pacing, ventriculostomy, and point‑of‑care therapies

Physical Requirements

The role requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. Employees must weigh less than 240 lb and maintain weight to retain flying status, possess intact sight, hearing, smell, and touch, and demonstrate finger dexterity, good motor control, and eye‑hand coordination. Clear English communication, good personal hygiene, and appropriate conduct are required. Work conditions may include extreme temperatures, confined and poorly lit spaces, exposure to infectious diseases and biohazardous materials, and demand good physical stamina and endurance. Fitness standards must meet Policy 2.210 (Fit for Duty).

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited school of respiratory care.
• Current RT license (or temporary license) in the working and residential state.
• RRT required; BSRT preferred.
• BLS certification required.
• Meets qualifications of appropriate Clinical Advancement Requirements.
• Minimum three years clinical respiratory‑care experience in an Emergency Department and/or Intensive Care Unit.
• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced procedures and skills, verified bi‑annually.
• Paramedic certification required within two years of hire; must acquire NC EMT‑P, SC EMT‑P, and National Registry certification and maintain them throughout employment.
• Trauma certification, ACLS, PALS, NRP, and S.T.A.B.L.E. required upon completion of orientation and maintained.
• Advanced certification such as Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) or equivalent, as approved, required to maintain position per CAMTS standards.
• Aviation training or flight status required; must meet FAA Part 135 “flight crew member” requirements, including Night Vision Goggles for safe landings.
• Valid driver’s license and insurability by Atrium Health insurance for operating MedCenter Air vehicles.
• Operational smartphone for communication related to MedCenter Air operations.
• Annual compliance with education related to specialty area and/or primary base location outside typical practice.
• Completion of simulation lab training covering:
  • Mechanical ventilator management
  • Certified emergency vehicle operations
  • Air medical resource management
  • Night Vision Goggle use
  • Survival practicals
  • Sleep deprivation, just‑culture, and stress management
  • Transport vehicle safety training for ambulance, helicopter, and airplane
• Current teammates required to obtain paramedic certification by December 31 2021.