Flight Paramedic

Introduction

HeliOtago-EMS is looking for a Flight Paramedic to work at our base in Queenstown.

HeliOtago is proud to be the trusted provider of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) across New Zealand's lower South Island. As a frontline responder in a region known for its vast and challenging landscapes, we deliver advanced clinical care and rapid emergency response when and where it's needed most.

Our expert teams are called upon for a wide spectrum of missions—from high-acuity trauma and medical incidents to inter-hospital transfers and complex rescue operations. Every mission represents a critical lifeline to the communities we serve.

 At HeliOtago, you won’t just work in emergency healthcare—you’ll help shape its future across the South Island.

About HeliOtago-EMS

Established in 1990, HeliOtago began as a modest agricultural helicopter operation. Over three decades, it has grown into one of New Zealand's leading providers of air ambulance and rescue services.

In partnership with Garden City Helicopters (GCH) Aviation, HeliOtago co-founded Helicopter Emergency Medical Services New Zealand Ltd (HEMS NZ). This joint venture delivers government-contracted air ambulance services across the South Island.

Our services extend to some of the country’s most remote regions, including the Sub-Antarctic islands. We operate 24/7 from bases in Mosgiel (Dunedin) and Frankton (Queenstown), ensuring rapid response capability across an operational area of approximately 175,000 square kilometres. Each year, our specialist teams perform over 2,000 critical missions - a testament to our pivotal role in the South Island's emergency healthcare network.

Aircraft and Equipment

HeliOtago-EMS maintains a modern fleet, including:

Airbus H145

Airbus EC145

MBB/Kawasaki BK117

These twin-engine helicopters are renowned for their reliability, versatility, and performance. Each aircraft is fitted with specialised equipment to support the demands of high-stakes missions in mountainous, coastal, and remote locations.

Capabilities include rescue winches, thermal imaging cameras, and night-vision systems — all essential for operating in low-visibility and challenging terrain.

Our EC/H145 fleet features the latest avionics, tailored for our extensive IFR routes. With spacious interiors designed for in-flight medical interventions, these aircraft offer both enhanced clinical capability and superior operational efficiency. All aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to support high-quality patient care. This equipment includes Hamilton T1 ventilators, Corpuls 3 defibrillator/monitors, Corpuls M-CPR devices, Philips Lumify ultrasound, and Braun syringe drivers. This ensures our Flight Paramedics and medical teams are equipped with the very best of medical equipment to deliver critical care in the air.

Mission Profiles

Our paramedics regularly engage in diverse missions, including:

• Primary Trauma and Medical Missions: Rapid response and advanced care for incidents involving trauma and medical emergencies.
• Inter-Hospital Transfers: Ensuring seamless continuity of care by safely transporting critically ill patients between medical facilities across the region. These transfers are facilitated by either specialist ICU flight teams with Paramedic support or alternatively Paramedic led, depending on the clinical needs of the patient.
• Search and Rescue Operations: Conducting searches, patient extrication, and emergency evacuations from remote and inaccessible locations, often collaborating closely with local emergency services.
• Neonatal and Paediatric Specialist Transfers: Transporting critically ill infants and children, requiring specialised skills and equipment.

Joining HeliOtago - EMS as Clinical Crew

As a Paramedic at HeliOtago, you will become a key member of a team committed to clinical excellence, continuous professional development, and exceptional patient care. Operating on a structured 96-hour roster system (four on, four off with embedded fatigue management), you will work alongside a Critical Care Paramedic and pilot.

We regularly collaborate with our medical directors, hospital specialists, and multidisciplinary teams to further enhance our education and clinical capability. This ongoing clinical support together with Clinical Procedures & Guidelines Extensions to standing orders ensure an increased capability and scope of practice.

The role of the Clinical Crew also encompasses the full range of Air Crew duties, that may include , but not limited to:

• Wireman
• Winch operator
• Navigation and communication
• Night Vision Goggles

Opportunities exist for staff to join specialist internal teams such as:

• Water Rescue
• Alpine Rescue

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum of two years operational experience at Paramedic Level
• Registration with Kaunihera Manapou, Paramedic Council of NZ, or overseas equivalent, with the ability to get registration in New Zealand
• Demonstrated expertise in pre-hospital critical care and emergency medicine
• A strong aptitude for operating in high-stress and complex environments
• Exceptional teamwork and communication skills, essential for successful collaboration in critical missions
• Dedication to ongoing professional education, adhering to the latest evidence-based practices
• Physically fit
• Candidates must reside in proximity to the base that enables being airborne within 20 minutes from 18.00 - 08.00

Joining HeliOtago provides an extraordinary career opportunity to impact lives directly, ensuring emergency medical services remain accessible and effective for communities across New Zealand’s South Island.