Yorkshire Air Ambulance is looking for ten highly motivated doctors with excellent technical and non-technical skills to join its existing group of consultant level HEMS doctors as part of the next phase of stepwise expansion in doctor-paramedic teams for the provision of pre-hospital critical care for the people of Yorkshire.
Successful applicants will join Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) Medical Director Stuart Reid, YAA Chief Executive Kathryn Marsden, Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) paramedics and the wider YAA team both in providing expert clinical care across helicopter and rapid response car platforms, but also to play an important role in service development in a range of areas with the aim of ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
According to skillset, applicants may have the opportunity to fulfil a number of leadership, service development and quality improvement roles for YAA, become part of clinical on call rota for remote advice and form part of a group of clinical supervisors supporting a programme of doctor training in the future.
The current YAA consultant group is under-represented by female colleagues and those from ethnic minorities and applications from these groups are strongly encouraged.
The posts will be funded by the YAA and hosted by YAS, who currently provide clinical governance oversight and overarching clinical responsibility for YAA clinical operations.
JOB TITLE
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Doctor
LOCATION
Shifts initially to be primarily delivered at Nostell Air Support Unit, but opportunities for regular working from the Skipton Bridge Air Support Unit may also be possible.
As our stepwise expansion in clinical services continues, applicants will be required to work across both bases in the future.
REPORTING TO
YAA Medical Director
HOURS
Part time, 2.5 programmed activities per week.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Requirement to work unsocial hours, evenings/lates and weekends, to support a move to Doctor-Paramedic shifts 0700-0130 7 days a week by April 2027.
JOB PURPOSE
As part of the YAA clinical team, to deliver pre-hospital critical care of the highest quality to the people of Yorkshire and its environs.
SALARY
Programmed activities payable as per NHS consultant contract pay scale.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent charity dedicated to saving lives across the vast and diverse communities of Yorkshire.
Operating from bases near Wakefield and Thirsk, we provide advanced, rapid-response emergency critical care to those in urgent need-whether in remote rural areas, busy urban environments, or at the scene of serious incidents on the region's roads and motorway networks.
The charity brings advanced life-saving treatment and interventions directly to patients, often making a critical difference in those vital first moments following an accident or medical emergency.
Unlike many emergency services, Yorkshire Air Ambulance receives no direct government funding for our day-to-day operations and relies entirely on the generosity of the public and supporters to remain operational. Each mission is made possible through donations, fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and philanthropic contributions. This strong connection with the communities we serve lies at the heart of the organisation's ethos and ensures that every flight is powered by local support.
To undertake a period of mandatory induction probation; demonstrating completion of all aspects of HEMS clinical training and successful completion of the YAA personal fitness assessment and summative sign off by a member of the YAA Clinical Leadership Team prior to beginning unsupervised clinical shifts
To deliver a high standard of pre-hospital emergency care across a full range of trauma and medical presentations in a mixed urban / rural operational area, to include the provision of pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia and resuscitative thoracotomy
Working seamlessly as one clinical unit with the YAA paramedic team, pilots and technical crew members, and to positively contribute to their education and development
Working closely on scene with colleagues from Yorkshire Ambulance Service and other emergency services
To provide evidence based care and best practice, in line with YAA standard operating procedures and guidelines
To comprehensively and accurately document all jobs and contribute to routine audit of cases and outcomes
To work closely with the YAA medical director, YAA Clinical Governance Lead and YAA Clinical Operations Manager and their respective teams
To fully engage in all aspects of clinical governance and help foster a safe, open, transparent culture where colleagues feel able to raise concerns for discussion
Routine duties on base including drug management, aircraft and medical equipment checks
Whilst working for YAA, to act as an ambassador, recognising that every interaction presents an opportunity to support fundraising and raise awareness of the charity’s work. YAA clinical staff are required to demonstrate this ambassadorial role consistently throughout the year, including appearances within media and social media ensuring they represent YAA in a professional, informed, and engaging manner
To provide expert input to clinical developments with the opportunity to take a leadership role in areas of interest
To contribute to a “top cover” rota for remote clinical advice and support - dependent on experience, this will be subject to additional competitive selection post initial probationary period of no less than 3 months
To work at all times according to Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Yorkshire Air Ambulance organisational values.To undertake other duties and training as may reasonably be required from time to time
Person Specification
Essential:
Full GMC registration with licence to practice and up to date appraisal / revalidation.
Substantive Consultant or having accepted an Advisory Appointments Committee (AAC) approved substantive post in Anaesthetics/ EM/ ICM
Diploma in Immediate Medical Care (DipIMC)
Completion of PHEM training post OR completion of full time HEMS fellow post leading to sign off for independent practice OR equivalent training
Evidence of formal training in anaesthesia to include RCOA initial competencies and rapid sequence induction
Evidence of ongoing experience in pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia.
Demonstrable engagement in clinical governance processes
Demonstrable ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
Demonstrable ability to work under pressure
Exemplary communication skills
Ability to successfully complete a fitness test
Evidence of previous / ongoing qualification in ALS / ATLS – ETC / APLS or equivalent
Evidence of ongoing CPD relevant to HEMS practice
Demonstrable enthusiasm for evidence based medicine and applying research to clinical practice
Good IT, data management and interpretation skills
Professional indemnity insurance
Ability to travel to both YAA airbases, YAA charity HQ in Elland and throughout the region
Willingness to participate in an annual 1:1 with YAA Medical Director
Agreement from head of service at base trust to undertake the post if appointed
Ability to engage flexibly in a period of induction
Desirable:
Fellowship in Immediate Medical Care (FIMC)
Significant PHEM experience beyond PHEM training or HEMS fellow post
Experience and knowledge of pre-hospital care systems in Yorkshire
Current experience of delivering major trauma care within a Major Trauma Centre
Level 1/RCEM Core equivalent qualification in point of care ultrasound
Leadership role in pre hospital care, clinical governance, resuscitation or major trauma related area
Experience in major incident or mass casualty incident – preparedness or clinically
Life support course instructor
Role in Postgraduate Medical Education eg College Tutor, TPD
Higher Degree (MD/MSc) in allied subject: (Resuscitation /Trauma Sciences)
Postgraduate research portfolio/Senior Lecturer post
Evidence of audit and/or quality improvement activity
Experience in delivering remote advice in a pre-hospital or emergency setting
Trained appraiser
Involvement in a clinical trial eg site principle investigator
