A Comparative Evaluation of Selection Processes for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Paramedics in Australasia

Objective

Providing transparency on the state of selection processes in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) across different services is a vital step in developing universal standards for HEMS aircrew. This study aimed to consolidate, rate, and evaluate information on selection processes from 9 HEMS across Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

This was a descriptive study combining objective and subjective assessment of selection to HEMS teams. Service leaders representing air medical services across Australasia participated in semistructured interviews to detail their selection processes. Selection assessments were then scored by independent subject matter experts (SMEs) using a predefined rating scale to evaluate characteristics of selection, including physiological intensity and task complexity. Furthermore, SMEs explored themes of service leaders’ opinions on selection to HEMS teams.

Results

In evaluating the objective data in the context of service demographics, this study found that although job tasks were similar between services, selection processes and components differed significantly. However, qualitative exploration of service leaders’ opinion on selection criteria, job tasks, and staff expectations closely aligned.

Conclusion

This study finds shortcomings in the state of HEMS team selection processes and suggests a critical job task analysis at each service to verify the qualitative evaluations. These results may aid HEMS team leadership in developing evidence-based selection tests to ensure equitable and fair processes at their services, ensuring staff are suitable and safe to perform their critical roles.