PLEASE NOTE. APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 ARE NOW CLOSED.
Bristow delivers Search and Rescue (SAR) operations from specialist helicopter bases across the UK on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
In 2024 we start a new, ten-year SAR contract. Are you an HCPC registered Paramedic? Interested in joining us as a Winch Paramedic? Then keep scrolling!
Bristow's Winch Paramedic Cadetship
We are open for applications from 2nd to 22nd July 2024.
Bristow offers a unique cadet programme for future Winch Paramedics, with extensive training over a year-long period followed by a permanent assignment.
So what are we looking for and how do you get involved?
What does it take to become a Search and Rescue Winch Paramedic?
Essential requirements
- The right to permanently live and work in the UK
- HCPC registered Paramedic
- Full driving licence
- Hold valid passport
- Requirement to pass and maintain a CAA Class 2 medical
- Five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including Maths, English and a Science
The person
We are looking for a physically fit and professionally competent individual who is authoritative and resilient. The ideal candidate should be emotionally strong, capable, and a natural problem solver. They must remain calm and reflective under pressure, possess excellent communication skills, and demonstrate flexibility. Leadership qualities, lateral thinking, mental agility, adaptability, and accountability are essential. We need someone who acts as an ambassador for our team, is self-motivated, and consistently strives for excellence.
The Cadetship programme 2024/2025
Applications are open from 2nd to 22nd July 2024.
Candidates who successfully pass the application process must be available for one of two selection dates – 8th & 9th October or 10th & 11th October 2024.
Candidates can specify a preference but this cannot be guaranteed. Don't apply if you can't make one of those dates.
The two-day selection event includes an interview panel, physical tests, pool tests, skills tests and medical moulages We are looking for people who can think clearly and deliver effective medical treatment in demanding conditions.
Employment with Bristow will start on 2nd February 2025. Successful applicants will travel to France, Germany & Finland in the Spring of 2025 for training.
Anticipated dates for key training elements in 2025:
- Induction 3rd – 11th February
- France – 16th February - 1st March
- Germany – 9th – 22nd March
- Finland – 3rd – 14th April
Job description
SAR Winch Paramedics operate from bases across the UK and integrate seamlessly as part of a four person crew and a six person team.
They work to a 24 hour shift and must respond within 15 minutes by day and 45 minutes at night to a wide variety of challenging and complex tasks, often in hazardous environments and extreme weather.
A successful Winch Paramedic is both a team player and a leader; they work autonomously and lead authoritatively. They must evaluate, plan and deliver patient treatment, extrication and transportation requirements without supervision.
The potential physical and emotional challenges of SAR operations can be extreme and should not be under-estimated. Bristow Winch Paramedics are expected to deliver high quality, safe, effective and compassionate pre-hospital clinical care in demanding situations.
Here's some more formal detail on what a Bristow Winch Paramedic does...
The SAR Winch Paramedic is responsible to the SAR Commander to assist in the safe and efficient conduct of the flight and shall:
- Comply with the regulations and procedures prescribed in the Bristow SAR AOC Operations Manuals.
- Immediately inform the SAR Commander about anything which may affect the SAR readiness of the helicopter or equipment.
- Operate the Mission Management and FLIR systems as required.
- Assist other healthcare professionals on scene and in-flight as part of a pre-hospital multi-disciplinary team.
- Participate in the pre-flight brief and the post-flight de-brief.
- Ensure all training requirements are met and accurately recorded.
- Ensure all associated flight documentation is completed.
- Deliver Paramedic-led pre-hospital emergency medicine in accordance with the Bristow scope of practice.
- Maintain organisational and HCPC's standards of proficiency, conduct, performance, ethics and continuing personal development.
- Inform and report incidents which may adversely impact the health and safety of staff, service-users or impact service delivery.
- Inform the Clinical Governance Department of any personal or regulatory fitness to practice concerns.
- Hold and maintain a valid Class 2 medical certificate in accordance with the Aircrew Regulation Part-MED.
- Be physically and mentally fit to perform duties and discharge responsibilities safely.
Location will be ‘as required’ during training with longer term opportunities to work at any of the following bases – Lydd, Lee-on-Solent, Newquay, St Athan, Caernarfon, Prestwick, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Inverness & Humberside. An assignment to one base does not preclude future applications to an alternate base.