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Contacting EMS Bases Directly


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It is nearing the time that I am able to apply for EMS jobs and have been told by a lot of EMS pilots to call or visit the base I desire and talk to them first, or at least in addition to applying online. I have found a few jobs at bases that I am interested in, but cannot find any contact information. I am looking specifically with Air Methods. How can I find contact information for these bases? Additionally, if I did contact these bases, who would I talk to? The pilot on duty? Are there regional hiring managers that I can email or talk to? Is this even the right approach?

 

I don't really like the idea of applying for a position online and waiting. I am also about 80 days away from being able to be hired. I would like to be able to convey my position, and talk about the bases individually, especially in regards to how fast they need a pilot, and if they would be willing to wait 80 days.

 

Thanks

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  • 3 weeks later...

Direct, I have a few corporate connections at AM. Shoot me a PM with the bases you are looking at and I will see if I can get you some phone numbers. I am sure they have a directory of some sort internally with all the base phone numbers. Also, if they are called something specific like "LIFE SAVER 1" etc under a specific program, that usually helps to know.

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It is nearing the time that I am able to apply for EMS jobs and have been told by a lot of EMS pilots to call or visit the base I desire and talk to them first, or at least in addition to applying online. I have found a few jobs at bases that I am interested in, but cannot find any contact information. I am looking specifically with Air Methods. How can I find contact information for these bases? Additionally, if I did contact these bases, who would I talk to? The pilot on duty? Are there regional hiring managers that I can email or talk to? Is this even the right approach?

 

I don't really like the idea of applying for a position online and waiting. I am also about 80 days away from being able to be hired. I would like to be able to convey my position, and talk about the bases individually, especially in regards to how fast they need a pilot, and if they would be willing to wait 80 days.

 

Thanks

 

If you are in the area, come on by. There are jerk EMS pilots, but the ratio is about the same as in the population at large. If you encounter one on your visit, strike that base from your list. Jerks are hard to work with long term...

 

Don't come first thing in the morning (I'm busy with millions of details that accumulated since I signed out) or late afternoon/early evening unless you want to watch me leave. If you want to be a pilot, talk to the pilot on duty. If I'm busy, I'll tell you. Otherwise, I like talking about flying, my job, etc. You might even talk with med crew, base mechanic, see the bird- little details that might make a difference.

 

You didn't get within striking distance of this job by sitting on your hands. Don't sit on your hands now, 80 days is no time.

 

My base hasn't had an open position filled by a new hire in 13 years- me. My boss, on the other hand, is a good guy (for a management puke) who might need you elsewhere.

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Visiting my base won't get you a job, but you can stop by and visit and see if you would like to work for the company. I have no say in hiring or firing. Unlike med crews, pilot hiring is not done at the base level, and you'll have to interview with my boss. I could probably put in a word for someone if I knew them, but I would have to know them fairly well before I put my reputation on the line for them. I don't know how other companies do things. We haven't had an opening in some years, and openings here tend to be filled from within the company, not by new hires.

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The one base I called the guy who answered said "Im not really comfortable answering questions over the phone" and gave me the main company phone number.

 

Another base I called for the same company, I couldn't get the guy off the phone :) They got a call and he apologized for cutting it short. I swear in the middle of the night he's going to call me back and pick up mid sentence where he left off!

 

I get it both positions. If you get me started talking about flying, I usually watch for people to start looking at their watches as my cue to wrap it up :D

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The problem is most operators have strict requirements that you can't talk about specific company policies to outsiders. That's why you'll see some pilots just refer you to HR. Of course on PR events we get asked company policies all the time but we really have to be careful about what we say. They always want to know how much a flight costs, or flight acceptance policy. You have to do your best to provide information without revealing confidential information.

 

Visiting a base is a good idea to get the feel for the job. Don't be surprised though if no one at the base has any pull in getting you hired. Some of these companies have unions with hiring policies that have nothing to do with networking at a particular base.

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Contacting a base directly makes sense if they have an opening. With most big operators (AMC, PHI, etc) there are bases that are desirable and any/all openings will be filled with internal transfers. Then there are the bases that will actually take on new hires, those are the ones you gotta keep an eye out for. If you do get a hold of a base that might be a good question to ask, if they've historically taken outside applicants.

 

If a base does have an opening for asking to come by and do a base visit isn't unreasonable. Thats something any pilot on duty can take care of for ya.

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Thank you all for the advice and information. I am only attempting to contact bases that have open positions posted on the Air Methods website. I have submitted several applications on the website but have not been contacted. The few people I know who have gotten a job with Air Methods have all had a connection or spoke with a base lead directly. None of them got the job by submitting an application. I am not sure if this is the norm. I would be happy to hear from anyone who has any information about the Air Methods hiring process. I exceed all CAMTS and Air Methods minimums. I am not being extremely picky with the bases. Most of the ones I have applied to have been listed on the website for over a month. A few are even offering Hard To Fill stipends. I have made a few calls to regional program HRs and left my information for a lead pilot or hiring manager but have not received any calls. I have yet to find any solid contact info for anyone that can affect a hiring. I assumed that if a location has been needing a pilot for over a month, then there must not be very many people applying. If they did get an application from someone who meets the minimums like me, I figured they would have attempted a contact for more information.

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I worked for AMC for 3 years and it seemed to be normal for them not getting back to their applicants. I would visit bases, chat with them and pass on your resume. If they like you they will make couple phone calls and you will hear from their regional/area manager soon.

I got in because I knew one of their check airmen who flew with me in the past during a checkride.

 

AMC is not a bad company to work for BUT keep in mind you are just a number and management isn't really on your side but that's a different subject.

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Is it safe to assume you want a base in North Carolina ?

I am not looking only in NC. I have applied for openings in NC, SC, CA, AZ, NV. I'm not overly picky with location. I'd prefer to stay out of the Midwest though.

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I am not looking only in NC. I have applied for openings in NC, SC, CA, AZ, NV. I'm not overly picky with location. I'd prefer to stay out of the Midwest though.

An AMC base in AZ just closed. I hope you weren't looking at that one.

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Lake Havasu, yes I did apply to that one. Winslow, AZ was also recently filled. I have 5 applications in right now for bases still open per the Air Methods website. I'm very surprised that they haven't even contacted me about the bases I've applied for with Hard to Fill stipends.

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I wouldn't be surprised to hear your applications/resumes were getting pushed back by more immediately pressing tasks at Air Methods Corporate headquarters. The bases, program, and area aviation management, on the other hand, would be very aware of and interested in filling the open positions. Sell yourself to them or get a not interested, direct:

Winslow (928) 289-3404

Phoenix (480) 988-3840

Native Air (Air Methods) (480) 988-1325

I don't have a clue what these numbers are, but shake the tree and see what you can pick up.

 

Or, look at this-

 

http://www.azdhs.gov/bems/documents/ambulance/air/LicensedAirProviders.pdf

Edited by Wally
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My hiring experience with Air Methods was similar to the other pilots at my former base. Applied online, didn't hear anything from months and then when HR got around to actually looking at my resume they contacted me and asked which of the bases I'd applied for would be my first, second, and third choice and then hiring me for the base I picked. Waiting a while seemed to be the norm.

 

As far as the bases you mentioned, Havasu was a crap shoot as far as hiring from the outside of being filled with a transfer. Casa Grande closed and the pilots there filled a few of the open positions in AZ. If you're looking for a base that should be easy to get in to look at Springerville, AZ. I can assure you no one will request a transfer there.

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  • 1 month later...

I would suggest trying to find out when the Lead Pilot will be on shift at the base and try to speak to him/her. A visit is even better.

 

I went to the base I started at with my company and spoke to the Lead Pilot. He was actually in on the interview process and was able to put in some input in at to what his first impressions were. The company I work for values the opinion of the Lead and it turned out to be a positive experience for me.

 

Good luck!

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