Rescue Crew Officer / Paramedic (RCO) LifeFlight Australia

[KOALA]

About LifeFlight

LifeFlight Australia is a leading aeromedical organisation dedicated to saving lives through rapid response medical services. Operating a fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, LifeFlight delivers critical care and emergency retrievals across Queensland and beyond. In addition to its lifesaving missions, LifeFlight runs a world-class training academy, equipping aviation and medical professionals with the skills needed for high-pressure environments. Our mission is to provide the highest standard of care and make a real difference in the communities we serve.

About the Role

As a Paramedic and Rescue Crew Officer (RCO), your primary purpose is to deliver high-level pre-hospital emergency care and conduct critical rescue operations as part of a multidisciplinary aeromedical team. Operating in complex and time-sensitive environments, you play a vital role in stabilising, treating, and transporting critically ill or injured patients via LifeFlight’s fleet of helicopters.

Combining advanced paramedical expertise with technical rescue and aviation safety competencies, you contribute to LifeFlight’s mission of saving lives, improving patient outcomes, and supporting communities across Queensland and beyond. Your role supports LifeFlight’s commitment to clinical excellence, operational safety, and compassionate service during medical emergencies, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, natural disasters, and remote area responses.
This role follows a 45/90 roster, meaning you'll work a total of 45 days over a 90-day period. It's designed to offer a balance between work and time off.

Your schedule might include blocks of work (e.g. a couple of weeks on, then time off), but across each 90-day window, you’ll only work 45 days. This gives you plenty of flexibility - while still being part of a high-performing rescue team when you're on shift.

About You

You’re a qualified paramedic with a calm, focused approach in high-pressure situations. Physically fit, team-oriented, and adaptable, you’re ready to take on the challenge of rescue operations in dynamic environments.

Mandatory Requirements:
Registered AHPRA paramedic with at least 5 years on road experience post-graduation from Bachelor of Paramedicine
Ability to meet the minimum FP functionality/fitness standard
Able to obtain CASA Aviation Class 2 Medical Certificate
Advanced First Aid (HLTAID014)
Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy (HLTAID015)
SLSA Bronze Medallion
Pass the LifeFlight RCO Functionality Assessment
Fully vaccinated
Eligible to hold a Working with Children (Blue Card)
You’ll be a strong communicator, team player, and calm under pressure—committed to upholding LifeFlight’s standards of safety and patient care in every mission.
Ability to be fully certified as a Rescue Crew Officer (RCO)
Desirable:
Certificate III in Aviation AVI30519 (Rescue Crew Officer)
Undertake Helicopter Aquatic Rescue and Recovery (AVIW0003)
Aeromedical experience
Remote area Pre-hospital experience
Crew Resource Management
HUET / EBS Qualified
Dangerous Good Awareness
Previous / Current RCO experience
Functionality Assessment

Successful applicants must pass the LifeFlight RCO Functionality Assessment before an offer will be extended. We will provide details on the timing and location of the assessment to those moving forward in the process.

The initial functionality assessment for Paramedic/RCO candidates consists of components 1–5 and 7–12, outlined below. Applicants will have a 2-hour timeframe to complete these components.

After qualification, RCOs will undergo regular functionality assessments, which focus on components 1–10.
Assessment 1 – Abdominal Strength Test – 30 sit-ups under 2 minutes
Assessment 2 – Upper Body Strength Test – 20 push-ups under 2 min
Assessment 3 – Safe lifting techniques – 5 kettlebell deadlifts
Assessment 4 – 1km Equipment Transfer (16kg) – under 10 minutes
Assessment 5 – 500m Stretcher Carry (16kg) – under 6 minutes
Assessment 6 – 400m Swim – under 11 minutes
Assessment 7 – 300m Swim full RCO kit – under 10 minutes
Assessment 8 – Tread Water full RCO kit – 10 minutes
Assessment 9 – 25m Survivor Tow full RCO kit
Assessment 10 – Climb out of pool/into a life raft
Assessment 11 – 2.4km run – under 12 minutes (initial RCO/RS test)
Assessment 12 – 700m Swim – under 20 minutes (initial RCO/RS test)
Why LifeFlight?

Meaningful Impact: Working with LifeFlight Australia provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. The organisation is dedicated to saving lives, delivering critical care services, and responding to emergencies. Employees can take pride in contributing to a mission-driven organisation focused on making a positive difference in the community.

Collaboration & Support: At LifeFlight, we are committed to fostering a culture of camaraderie and teamwork. Our aeromedical operations thrive on the close collaboration between medical professionals, pilots, and support staff, all working together in high-pressure environments. We value a supportive and inclusive workplace where individuals can rely on one another, creating a strong sense of purpose and unity. By harnessing the power of teamwork and pooling our strengths, we believe we can overcome any challenge, achieve our goals, and find fulfillment in the critical work we do.

Salary Packaging Options: As an employee of LifeFlight, you have the opportunity to benefit from salary packaging, allowing you to allocate up to $15,900 per Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) year towards general living expenses. This includes covering various everyday costs like groceries, petrol, mortgage, rent, and school fees, providing you with added financial flexibility and support.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and your team, while upholding LifeFlight’s high standards of safety, care, and professionalism. If you believe you have the necessary skills and experiences we would love to hear from you today.

Eligible candidates will need to be fully vaccinated against MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella, Pertussis, Hepatitis B and will be required to hold or to obtain a Working with Children Blue Card (Queensland).

Applications will be reviewed as submitted and we will be conducting interviews throughout the process.

Applications close on Friday, 6 June 2025.