MedCenter Air Registered Respiratory Therapist

Atrium Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Atrium Health is seeking a skilled Respiratory Care professional to join the MedCenter Air transport team in Charlotte, NC. The role centers on providing advanced patient care during transport, including airway management, ventilation adjustments, and critical care interventions under medical control.

Ideal candidates will have an accredited respiratory care degree with RRT credentials, BLS, and the ability to work across ambulances, helicopters, and airplanes.

Qualifications

• Collects data pertinent to the healthcare consumer's health or the situation.
• Uses clinical reasoning, coupled with clinical skills to conduct accurate clinical assessments and perform patient care intervention to ensure optimum patient care, safety and recovery.
• Delegates elements of care to appropriate healthcare workers.
• Maintains operational knowledge for multiple modes of transportation including ambulances, helicopters and airplanes.

Responsibilities

• Provides care for ill and injured patients transported by Med Center Air (MCA).
• Performs advanced practice procedures to improve patient outcomes as outlined (e.g., airway management, ventilation setup).
• Operates and monitors airway support and ventilator equipment during transport.
• Ensures safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of MCA operations.

Skills

Data collection

Clinical reasoning

Delegation

Air transport knowledge

Ventilator management

Education

Respiratory care degree

RRT certification

BSRT preferred

BLS certification

Job description

Job Summary

Functions as a member of the critical care transport team and is responsible for the care of ill and injured patients transported by Med Center Air (MCA). Provides patient care which includes respiratory system assessment, stabilization and intervention while promoting safety and efficiency of MCA operations. Performs under the supervision of the Medical Control Physician either by continuous radio contact or direct consultation.

Essential Functions

• Collects data pertinent to the healthcare consumer's health or the situation.
• Uses clinical reasoning, coupled with clinical skills to conduct accurate clinical

assessments and perform patient care intervention to ensure optimum patient care, safety and recovery.

• Delegates elements of care to appropriate healthcare workers.
• Utilizes appropriate resources to plan and provide services that are safe, effective,

and financially responsible.

• Participates in committees, shared governance, or other facility decision making

activities.

• Practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner.
• Maintains operational knowledge for multiple modes of transportation including

ambulances, helicopters and airplanes.

• Independently initiates advanced practice procedures to provide improved patient

outcomes

such as: drug assisted intubation, video laryngoscopy, needle chest decompression, chest tube insertion, central line placement (UA/UV, EJ), intraosseous placement, transvenous/transcutaneous pacing, needle cricothyroidotomy, surgical cricothyroidotomy, and initiation/titration of pharmacological agents.

• Initiates intubation procedures and sets up ventilation equipment. Operates,

assesses, and manages patient airway support, ventilator settings and equipment.

• Transports and monitors patients requiring ECMO, Medical Circulatory Devices

(VAD, Impella), Intra-aortic Balloon Counter Pulsation, Internal/External Pacing, Ventriculostomy, and Point of Care.

Physical Requirements

Work requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing. Must weigh less than 240 pounds and maintain weight while employed with MedCenter Air to remain on flying status. Must have intact sense of sight, hearing, smell, and touch. Finger dexterity, good motor, and eye-hand coordination. Requires good personal hygiene and appropriate conduct. Must be able to speak English clearly. Conditions of transport may vary and include exposure to extreme hot, cold and wet weather. Workspace may be confined and poorly lit. Exposure to patients with infectious diseases and biohazardous materials is possible. Good physical stamina and endurance are necessary to perform duties. Teammate must maintain fitness standards in accordance with Policy 2.210 (Fit for Duty).

Education, Experience And Certifications

Graduate from an accredited school of respiratory care required. Current RT license or temporary license as a registered petitioner in the working and residential state. RRT required, BSRT preferred. BLS required. Meets qualifications of appropriate

Clinical Advancement Requirements Required. Three Years Clinical Respiratory Care

experience in the Emergency Department and/or Intensive Care Unit required. Ability to demonstrate proficiency in advanced procedures and skills bi-annually required. Paramedic Certification required within 2 years of hire Must acquire NC EMT-P, SC EMT-P and National Registry. Must be maintained throughout employment. * Trauma Certification, ACLS, PALS, NRP and S.T.A.B.L.E. required upon completion of orientation and maintained. Advanced certification to include Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) or equivalent as approved required to maintain position according to standards of commission on accreditation of medical transport systems (CAMTS). Aviation training required or flight status and must meet requirements of “flight crew member” per FAA Part 135 regulations to include Night Vision Googles to ensure safe landings. Must have a valid driver's license and qualify as insurable by Atrium Health insurance for driving MedCenter Air vehicles. Must have an operational smartphone for use as communication device related to MedCenter air operations. Annual compliance in education related to specialty area and/or primary base location outside of typical practice

Training & Compliance

• Simulation lab
• Mechanical Ventilator Management/Lab
• Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Air Medical Resource Management
• Night Vision Goggle
• Survival Practical
• Sleep Deprivation/Just Culture/Stress Management
• Transport Vehicle Safety Training – ambulance/helicopter/airplane
• Current teammates required to obtain paramedic certification by December 31, 2021.