Flight Communications Specialist

LifeFlight AirCom

The Flight Communication Specialist is responsible for notifying the pilot and flight team when transport has been requested; flight follows with each aircraft and relays information to the flight team during helicopter and/or fixed wing transport; coordinates communications among flight team, hospital, scene and hangar. The Communication Specialist is able to adapt to a rapidly changing high stress environment while multi-tasking in a timely manner. The Flight Communications Center is a 24-hour operation.

This position works 12-hour shifts (6a-6p or 6p-6a) and may vary based on staffing needs.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors cameras at each air medical base and the VUH and Monroe Carell Jr. helipads.
• Monitors flight route, weather, ETE, maps, scene location by longitude and latitude, etc.
• Prioritize and disseminate accurate and pertinent information such as wind advisories and triaging helipads, to appropriate teams while keeping the safety of the crews and aircraft a top priority.
• Communicates by radio with flight crews to follow flight progress and position of each aircraft.
• Documents flight communications in dispatching software with accurate data entry.
• Notifies all involved agencies to coordinate air transport.
• Answers incoming telephone calls on a multi-line telephone system, radio communications system.
• Contact other flight services if aircraft is unavailable to transport patients.
• Coordinate when other flight services bring patients.
• Must possess excellent customer service skills and have the ability to function calmly in a high-pressure situation, think clearly and logically, and make problem-solving decisions based on information given.
• Responsible for assimilating various forms of information to make quality decisions while performing a wide range of specialized functions and complex communication services (e.g., requests for transport, assessment and triage of multiple incoming requests for transport, and radio communications with all airborne aircraft) for all transport modalities.
• Maintain effective and comprehensive communication with crew members (medical and aviation) and aircraft utilizing a complex, statewide, multi-channeled radio system. Must also perform constant flight following procedures with all aircraft during missions according to FAA and Vanderbilt LifeFlight policies.
• Accurately documents appropriate and detailed medical information pertaining to patient condition and all aspects of transport activity, which becomes a legal document.
• Coordinates the details of medical transports by working with the aviation, medical and communications departments in conjunction with the requesting agency and other appropriate resources.
• Accurately inputs all flight transport information into the network database with special regard to FAA Part 135 and Vanderbilt LifeFlight policies and procedures.
• Maintains a working knowledge of FAA rules and regulations (pertaining to Part 135) and remains current and complies with all policies and procedures.
• Implements proper procedures for notification of administration personnel and/or appropriate agencies in the event of incidents, accidents, or emergency situations involving personnel according to established policies and procedures.
• Educate callers as to all aspects of services associated with air medical transport, (i.e., aircraft, medical crew, ground ambulance arrangements, etc.)
• Assist Coding & Billing with follow-up on accounts as needed.
• Receive incoming requests for transfer center support to include identification of receiving hospital, accepting physicians, etc. Coordinate all aspects of transfer center transports.
• Maintain various statistical databases, spreadsheets, etc., for month-end reports, business development review, marketing analysis, etc.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.

These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health’s reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.

Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.

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Core Accountabilities:

* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.

Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Certified Flight Communicator - CommLink, LIC-Emergency Medical Technicians Basic - Licensure-Others

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

Less than 1 year

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity.  EOE/Vets/Disabled.