Rapid industrialization and advancement in technology has created big cities, massive infrastructural setups and heavy machineries. Crowded places and messy workplace conditions give rise to adversities like accidents and catastrophes. During such medical emergencies, faster and effective relief and rescue operations contribute a great deal in saving lot of lives. Airlifting victims in such emergency situations has become an integral part of such operations. Medical aviation has got tremendous potential in terms of a challenging career option. Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Pilot is one such career, which renders a chance of serving the society and moving ahead in professional life. The employment law pertaining to this career avenue varies from nation to nation and is subjected to respective civil aviation policies.

In order to become an EMS helicopter pilot, one must have nerves of steel, physical agility, flying experience and great decision making ability. There are a number of flying schools that train pilot for special purpose flying and medical aviation is one such area that needs an absolute expertise. An EMS pilot is not only responsible for the lives of victims that are onboard but is also equally responsible for the lives of paramedical staff and crew including him/herself. Many helicopter pilots believe that EMS helicopter piloting is a pinnacle of success in any pilot’s career. This career option comes with a lucrative pay package, apart from perks and other facilities. However, expectations are much higher in terms of experience and dexterity.

Any aspiring pilot must have over 2000 flight hour experience and it should be inclusive of minimal ‘turbine time’. Mostly medical aviation helicopters are the ones that have jet engines or turbine engines mounted on them for greater speeds and swift maneuverings. In order to handle such tough machines, a pilot should have an extensive ‘turbine time’ experience. This job comes with an assured feeling of prestige, satisfaction and pride. It involves a flexible schedule and mostly EMS aviation pilots work like firemen. They can be on-duty for a few days and can opt for leave or off-duty for another few days. Those pilots who are associated with hospitals and similar medical institutions stay with the paramedical staff and crew. As soon as an emergency strikes, they immediately and efficiently respond to the crisis situation.

Natural disasters and calamities are such emergencies, which heavily rely upon medical aviation and related services. In certain cases it becomes impossible to reach the affected spot through surface or water transport modes and the onus lies upon dedicated EMS helicopter pilots. Such helicopters are specially designed for flying above difficult terrains and amidst gusty air turbulence. EMS helicopter pilots have done a great job throughout the world in crisis situations like terrorist attacks, natural disasters, road accidents, and industrial rescue and relief operations. The services offered by medical aviation pilots during the 9/11 terrorist attack, hurricane Katrina, tsunamis and during peace keeping missions in Civil War affected countries. It takes more than courage to become an expert in medical aviation service because it involves working in extreme and unpredictable conditions.

Those who aspire to become an EMS helicopter pilot can begin their endeavors by getting admitted to aviation school for undergoing basic flight training. The journey, henceforth, becomes longer because of certain prerequisites and professional parameters that are applicable in the field of medical aviation. It takes a lot of refinement and transformation for a regular helicopter pilot to get certified as an expert EMS helicopter pilot. The bottom line is that this career is highly rewarding and provides an employee with a great sense of pride and satisfaction, which comes through rendering great service to the society and humanity, as a whole.