How to Be Skydiving First Aid Attendant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 8, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Skydiving first aid attendants are essential to the overall safety of a skydiving experience. They are responsible for providing emergency medical care in the event of an injury or medical emergency during a skydive. By having a qualified attendant on-site, skydivers can be assured of immediate assistance if something goes wrong.

the presence of an attendant can help to create an atmosphere of trust between the skydiving team and the participants, which can lead to a more enjoyable experience overall. The attendants knowledge of skydiving safety protocols and equipment, as well as their familiarity with necessary medical treatments, are invaluable in ensuring that any incident is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Furthermore, having a first aid attendant can help to reduce the potential for legal liability should something go wrong.

Steps How to Become

Enroll in a Skydiving First Aid Attendant (SFAA) course. These courses are typically offered by skydiving organizations, such as the United States Parachute Association (USPA).
Acquire CPR and first aid certification prior to attending the SFAA course. Most courses require a valid certification for both before enrollment.
Attend the SFAA course, which typically includes classroom lectures, practical hands-on training, and a written test.
Pass the written test and complete all practical requirements in order to receive the SFAA certification.
Maintain the SFAA certification by participating in continuing education and recertification courses as required by your skydiving organization.

A properly trained skydiving first aid attendant is essential for any parachuting team. It is their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of each skydiver by providing prompt and effective medical aid in the event of an injury or accident. To be skilled and efficient, a skydiving first aid attendant should have a thorough understanding of emergency protocols and procedures, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

They should also possess basic first-aid skills such as CPR, splinting, bandaging, and wound care. Having access to the proper safety equipment and medical supplies is also important for a skydiving first aid attendant to be able to provide the best possible care. the combination of knowledge, skill, and equipment can mean the difference between life and death for a skydiver in need.

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Job Description

Perform basic first aid and CPR on skydivers in case of accident or injury
Communicate with skydivers to ensure that they are safe and prepared for the jump
Maintain and organize first aid equipment and supplies
Educate skydivers on safety procedures
Assist with evacuation of injured skydivers
Monitor weather conditions and make sure that skydiving conditions are safe
Assist with the packing of parachutes
Ensure that all safety protocols are followed
Maintain accurate records of all incidents, injuries, and treatments administered
Coordinate with other medical personnel in case of emergency

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic first aid and CPR.
Ability to assess and respond to medical emergencies in a skydiving environment.
Ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of common skydiving-related injuries and illnesses.
Knowledge of skydiving safety regulations and best practices.
Ability to properly administer medications and medical treatments.
Ability to assess and respond to environmental conditions that may affect skydivers.
Ability to provide emotional support to skydivers in distress.
Ability to effectively communicate with other skydiving personnel, medical personnel, and emergency responders.
Knowledge of skydiving equipment and its proper use.
Understanding of the principles of aerodynamics and parachute deployment.
Knowledge of proper packing and deployment of parachutes.

Good skydiving first aid attendants need to be knowledgeable in a variety of areas to provide the best possible care for their clients. Having a thorough understanding of both the physiological and psychological effects of skydiving is paramount. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of shock, hypoxia, and other medical emergencies related to skydiving can make a huge difference in the quality of care provided.

The first aid attendant must also have a basic understanding of the necessary medical equipment and supplies needed in case of an emergency. Proper training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway management, and other life-saving techniques can save lives. the first aid attendant must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively guide and calm skydivers in distress.

The ability to think quickly and react to medical emergencies accordingly is essential. Furthermore, the first aid attendant must be organized and able to keep track of all medical records related to the skydiving activity. In sum, having a well-trained skydiving first aid attendant is an integral part of skydiving safety, and can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in providing first aid and medical care?
Describe a situation where you had to provide first aid in a skydiving environment.
How would you handle a situation that requires you to provide first aid to a skydiver with a serious injury?
What is the most important thing you can do when providing first aid in a skydiving environment?
What safety procedures do you use when providing first aid to a skydiver?
Are you familiar with the safety protocols for skydiving?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while providing first aid to a skydiver.
How would you handle an emergency situation involving multiple injured skydivers?
What measures do you take to ensure that your skills and knowledge of skydiving first aid remain up-to-date?
How well do you work as part of a team when providing first aid in a skydiving environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Automated External Defibrillator (AED). A medical device that helps restart a persons heart if it has stopped. (Eg: Used to help save lives in cardiac arrest situations).
Oxygen Tank. A tank that contains oxygen which can be used to provide oxygen to a person who is having difficulty breathing. (Eg: Used to help a skydiver with altitude sickness regain their breath).
First Aid Kit. A kit that contains a variety of items used to provide basic medical care and first aid treatment. (Eg: Used to treat cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries).
Stretcher. A device used to move an injured person from one place to another. (Eg: Used to move an injured skydiver from the landing area to the ambulance).
Splint. A device used to immobilize and support a fractured bone or joint. (Eg: Used to stabilize a broken ankle after a skydiving accident).
Blood Pressure Cuff. A device used to measure a persons blood pressure. (Eg: Used to check a skydivers blood pressure in case of a head injury).
Thermometer. A device used to measure a persons temperature. (Eg: Used to check a skydivers temperature in case of hypothermia).
Emergency Medications. A variety of medications used to treat different types of medical emergencies. (Eg: Used to administer medication for an allergic reaction or shock).

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Parachute Association (USPA)
Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA)
British Parachute Association (BPA)
Australian Parachute Federation (APF)
European Parachuting Commission (CEP)
International Parachute Commission (IPC)
International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
International Skydiving Commission (ISC)
International Federation of Sport Parachuting (IFSP)
World Air Sports Federation (FAI)

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Common Important Terms

Parachutist. A person who participates in the sport of parachuting.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A medical service that provides medical assistance in emergency situations.
Altitude Sickness. A type of illness caused by exposure to low oxygen levels at high altitudes.
First Aid. The immediate care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives.
CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a life-saving technique used to restore breathing and circulation.
AED. Automated External Defibrillator, a portable electronic device used to treat cardiac arrhythmias.
DZ Safety Officer. A person responsible for the safety of skydivers at the drop zone (DZ).
FAA Certified Parachute Rigger. An individual trained and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to inspect, pack, repair, and maintain parachutes and associated equipment.
FARs. Federal Aviation Regulations which govern the safety of parachuting activities.
Landing Area Control Officer. A person responsible for maintaining safety in the landing area by controlling other peoples activities and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to be a Skydiving First Aid Attendant?

To be a Skydiving First Aid Attendant, individuals must have a valid first aid certification, such as American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED or American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider.

How often must a Skydiving First Aid Attendant be recertified?

A Skydiving First Aid Attendant must recertify every two years.

What type of duties does a Skydiving First Aid Attendant perform?

A Skydiving First Aid Attendant is responsible for providing pre-jump medical assessments and emergency medical care during skydiving activities. They are also responsible for monitoring skydivers health and safety, as well as responding to medical emergencies.