How to Be Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 21, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aeromedical evacuation technicians (AETs) play a crucial role in ensuring patients are transported safely and efficiently from one medical facility to another. They provide medical care and support during transport, ensuring the patient's safety and well-being throughout the journey. The primary responsibilities of an AET include providing medical care and monitoring vital signs, administering medications, arranging for medical equipment and supplies, coordinating with the medical crew, and providing assistance in loading and unloading patients.

AETs also maintain communication with receiving facilities to ensure proper care is provided upon arrival. By providing professional medical care during transport, AETs help to reduce the risk of injury or illness during the evacuation process. In addition to these responsibilities, AETs must also be knowledgeable in safety regulations, aircraft operations, and emergency procedures in order to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation process.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. In order to become an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET), you must have a high school diploma or GED.
Enlist in the US Air Force. You will need to join the US Air Force in order to become an AET.
Complete Boot Camp. Once you have enlisted in the Air Force, you will need to complete basic training, or boot camp.
Complete AET Technical Training. After boot camp, you will need to complete the Aeromedical Evacuation Technician Technical Training course. This course is located at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and is 14 weeks in duration.
Obtain Certification. After completing the technical training, you will need to obtain certification as an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician. This certification is offered through the Air Force Medical Service.
Receive On-the-Job Training. After certification, you will receive on-the-job training from experienced AETs in order to learn the finer points of the job.
Continue to Receive Education and Training. As with any medical profession, continuing education and training is important. You will need to stay up to date on the latest technology and procedures related to aeromedical evacuation.

Aeromedical Evacuation Technicians (AETs) are highly skilled and competent medical professionals who provide medical care and support during aeromedical evacuation flights. AETs must possess a wide range of medical knowledge and training in order to properly assess and treat patients during flights. In addition to medical training, AETs must also be knowledgeable in the operation of aircraft, aircraft systems, and safety procedures.

Without this knowledge, AETs could not safely and effectively transport patients in a timely manner. To become a certified AET, individuals must complete a rigorous training program that includes both classroom and field experience. This program requires the mastery of medical skills, knowledge of flight operations, and an understanding of the safe transport of patients.

Once certified, AETs are able to provide the highest level of medical care and support for those in need of aeromedical evacuation.

You may want to check Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordinator, Search and Rescue Paramedic, and Special Operations Paramedic for alternative.

Job Description

Provide direct patient care in the transport environment.
Monitor and maintain patients vital signs, oxygen saturation, and overall condition.
Administer medications and treatments as instructed by the attending physician.
Perform assessments and provide appropriate interventions as necessary.
Complete paperwork, including patient care documentation, transfer forms, and patient tracking systems.
Assemble, operate, and maintain medical equipment during transport missions.
Prepare and maintain the medical environment for a variety of situations.
Operate vehicles when necessary to transport medical personnel and equipment.
Assist with loading and unloading of patients from aircraft or other conveyances.
Maintain communication between medical teams and aircrews during transport missions.
Ensure safety of patients, medical personnel, and aircraft at all times.
Assist with emergency medical situations as required.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations.
Ability to safely lift, move and transfer patients.
Ability to operate and maintain specialized aeromedical evacuation equipment.
Ability to accurately read and record patient vital signs.
Knowledge of patient safety protocols and procedures.
Ability to provide basic first aid, including CPR, in a timely manner.
Knowledge of aircraft safety procedures and regulations.
Ability to read and interpret aircraft manuals.
Knowledge of airspace regulations and navigation techniques.
Ability to quickly assess needs and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
Knowledge of medical recordkeeping procedures and documentation standards.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to manage stress effectively in difficult situations.

Aeromedical evacuation technicians (AETs) are highly-trained professionals who provide medical care to patients in need of emergency transportation. AETs must have a comprehensive set of skills to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient, which include technical knowledge of medical equipment, strong interpersonal communication, and a thorough understanding of the medical evacuation process. Technical knowledge is critical for AETs as they must be able to operate and maintain medical equipment in order to keep patients safe during transport.

Interpersonal communication is important for a successful evacuation, as AETs must be able to work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that the patient receives the best care possible. A thorough understanding of the medical evacuation process is essential for AETs to ensure that the plan is followed correctly and that the patient arrives safely at their destination. These skills are essential for AETs to be successful in their job and to ensure that the patient receives the best care while being transported.

Air Ambulance Paramedic, Trauma Nurse, and Industrial Paramedic are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Aeromedical Evacuation?
How would you handle a challenging situation while on a mission?
What challenges have you faced while working on an aeromedical evacuation team?
How do you ensure safety protocols are followed during a mission?
What do you know about the medical equipment used in aeromedical evacuation?
How do you manage the patient care needs of the individuals you are evacuating?
How do you coordinate with other medical personnel to provide the best care possible for patients?
What techniques do you use to maintain a safe and efficient working environment?
What strategies do you implement to ensure that all aeromedical evacuation team members are prepared for their duties?
How do you handle difficult situations in a professional and compassionate manner?

Common Tools in Industry

Airway Management Kit. This kit contains essential tools such as a laryngoscope, endotracheal tubes, and oxygen masks to provide ventilation support during aeromedical evacuation. (eg: Laryngoscope to intubate a patient)
Vital Signs Monitor. This device is used to measure and monitor the patients vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate during aeromedical evacuation. (eg: Pulse Oximeter to measure oxygen saturation)
Medical Supplies. This includes basic medical supplies such as bandages, dressings, and medications that are used to stabilize the patient during transport. (eg: Gauze pads for wound care)
Suction Device. This device is used to clear airways of mucus and other secretions when necessary during aeromedical evacuation. (eg: Portable suction machine to clear patient airways)
IV Supplies. This includes IV solutions and catheters used to provide fluids and medications to the patient during transport. (eg: IV fluids to rehydrate a patient)
Stretcher . This is a special type of stretcher designed for aeromedical evacuation that can be secured in place in an aircraft. (eg: Portable litter to transport a patient on an aircraft)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM)
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT)
American Society of Aeromedical Technicians (ASAT)
Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS)
International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP)
National Association of Flight Paramedics (NAFP)
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

We also have Remote Area Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic, and Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aircrew. A team of personnel who operate an aircraft.
Flight Surgeon. A medical doctor who specializes in aviation medicine and provides medical care to aircrews and passengers.
Aeromedical Evacuation. The movement of patients by aircraft to medical care beyond the immediate area.
Patient Care Report (PCR). A document used by medical personnel to record and track patient care during aeromedical evacuations.
Secure Patient Transport System (SPTS). A device used to safely secure a patient to an aircraft during flight.
Medical Crew Member (MCM). A healthcare professional who provides medical care to patients during aeromedical evacuations.
Decontamination. The process of reducing or eliminating the presence of hazardous materials on a patient or in an environment.
Aeromedical Training. Training which focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively perform aeromedical evacuations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET)? A1: An Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET) is a medical professional who provides medical care and assistance to patients being airlifted from one medical facility to another. Q2: What type of training is required to become an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET)? A2: To become an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET), individuals must complete a two-week course and pass a certification exam. The course covers topics such as medical terminology, patient care and transportation, and aircraft operations. Q3: What type of duties does an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET) perform? A3: An Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET) is responsible for providing medical care and assistance to ill or injured patients during air transport. This includes assessing patient condition, managing vital signs and medications, and providing comfort and support to the patient. Q4: How many Aeromedical Evacuation Technicians (AETs) are typically part of a mission? A4: An Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET) team typically consists of two or three AETs, depending on the size of the mission. Q5: What is the mission of an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET)? A5: The mission of an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET) is to provide safe, timely, and effective air medical transport of critically ill or injured patients from one medical facility to another in order to provide the best possible care.

Web Resources

Aeromedical Evacuation Technician - alumni.thomasaquinas.edu alumni.thomasaquinas.edu
Aeromedical Evacuation: Is There A Better Way To Do It? cme.dmu.edu
Nursing skills aid success of aeromedical evacuation tech nursing.buffalo.edu