Critical Care Paramedic

HeliOtago is proud to be the trusted provider of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) across New Zealand's lower South Island. As frontline responders in a region known for its vast and challenging landscapes, we deliver advanced clinical care and rapid emergency response when and where they're needed most.

Our expert teams are called upon for a wide spectrum of missions—from high-acuity trauma and medical incidents to inter-hospital transfers and complex rescue operations. Every mission represents a critical lifeline to the communities we serve.

At HeliOtago, you won’t just work in emergency healthcare—you’ll help shape its future across the South Island.

About HeliOtago

Established in 1990, HeliOtago began as a modest agricultural helicopter operation. Over three decades, it has grown into one of New Zealand's leading providers of air ambulance and rescue services.

In partnership with Garden City Helicopters (GCH) Aviation, HeliOtago co-founded Helicopter Emergency Medical Services New Zealand Ltd (HEMS NZ). This joint venture delivers government-contracted air ambulance services across the South Island.

Our services extend to some of the country’s most remote regions, including the Sub-Antarctic islands. We operate 24 / 7 from bases in Mosgiel (Dunedin) and Frankton (Queenstown), ensuring rapid response capability across an operational area of approximately 175,000 square kilometres. Each year, our specialist teams perform over 2,000 critical missions - a testament to our pivotal role in the South Island’s emergency healthcare network.

Joining HeliOtago as Clinical Crew

As a Critical Care Paramedic at HeliOtago, you will become a key member of a team committed to clinical excellence, continuous professional development, and exceptional patient care. Operating on a structured 96-hour roster system (four on, four off with embedded fatigue management), you will work alongside a second clinical crew and pilot.

We regularly collaborate with our medical directors, hospital specialists, and multidisciplinary teams to further enhance our education and clinical capability. This ongoing clinical support together with Clinical Procedures & Guidelines Extensions to standing orders ensure an increased capability and scope of practice.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Six months of experience at Critical Care Paramedic Level
• Registration with Kaunihera Manapou Paramedic Council NZ
• Demonstrated expertise in pre-hospital critical care and emergency medicine
• A strong aptitude for operating in high-stress and complex environments
• Exceptional teamwork and communication skills, essential for successful collaboration in critical missions
• Dedication to ongoing professional education, adhering to the latest evidence-based practices
• Physically fit
• Candidates must reside in proximity to the base that enables being airborne within 20 minutes from 18.00 - 08.00

Joining HeliOtago provides an extraordinary career opportunity to impact lives directly, ensuring emergency medical services remain accessible and effective for communities across New Zealand’s South Island.

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