Flight Paramedic-Comm Spec

Position Summary:

The Communications Specialist serves as a central point of coordination for UT LIFESTAR air and ground transport, patient transfer activities, and regional medical communications. This position receives and processes transport requests, coordinates appropriate resources, maintains communication with clinical and operational teams, and provides accurate flight and vehicle tracking.

The Communications Specialist also facilitates patient acceptance and transfer into UT Medical Center in collaboration with the Patient Placement Center, Centers of Excellence, specialty teams, and referring facilities. The position performs Regional Medical Communication Center functions as designated, including emergency messaging, information sharing, and mass casualty incident (MCI) coordination.

Essential Responsibilities

Transport & Communications Coordination

• Receive and process requests for UT LIFESTAR helicopter and Ground EMS transport, including scene responses, interfacility transports, and specialty transport requests.

• Coordinate and allocate appropriate transport resources in accordance with established policies, procedures, and operational direction.

• Maintain accurate flight following and ground unit tracking throughout transport activities.

• Communicate timely and accurate operational information to transport crews, program leadership, referring facilities, internal departments, and other appropriate parties.

• Utilize and accurately interpret navigation, location, and transport-related information.

• Complete required Communication Center records, logs, and documentation in both electronic and paper formats.

• Perform daily Communication Center responsibilities in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Patient Acceptance & Transfer Coordination

• Facilitate patient acceptance into UT Medical Center using established acceptance protocols developed by UT Medical Centers of Excellence.

• Assist with the processing and coordination of Acceptance Protocol transfers.

• Coordinate with specialty teams when critical or specialized transport is required.

• Partner with the Patient Placement Center to facilitate timely patient acceptance and placement.

• Maintain effective communication among referring facilities, receiving teams, transport crews, and other involved departments throughout the transfer process.

Regional & Emergency Communications

• Perform functions of the Regional Medical Communication Center as designated.

• Support emergency messaging, information sharing, and coordination during mass casualty incidents and other emergency events.

• Appropriately utilize PAIP and other staff notification protocols and procedures.

Service & Professional Relationships

• Represent UT LIFESTAR and UT Medical Center professionally in all interactions with internal and external customers.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with referring agencies, healthcare facilities, emergency response partners, and other stakeholders.

• Provide professional, responsive service to patients, families, visitors, team members, and external partners.

• Support public affairs and outreach activities as directed by program leadership.

Additional Responsibilities

• Complete special assignments and projects as directed by the Communications Center Coordinator, Operations Manager, or Program Director.

• Work independently within established procedures and complete assignments within expected timeframes.

• Follow established chain of command and escalate operational concerns appropriately.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Qualification:

Education

Associates in Graduate of EMT or Paramedic Program, Preferred

Experience

Three years experience in Air Medical Communications or 911/EMS Dispatch

OR

Three years experience (recent) patient care in a 911 EMS system

Years of Experience can be related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licensure, Certification, Registration

• Basic Life Support

• Tennessee EMT, AEMT or Paramedic (National Registry Preferred)

• Valid TN Driver's License

• IAMTCS (NAACS) Certification preferred, but not required (Update from NAACS)

• EMD Certification preferred, but not required