Qualifications

Professional Standards

Each member of the HALO-Flight team is required to maintain certifications specific to their role, participate in ongoing training and stay updated with the latest industry practices. Whether attending professional conferences or completing specialized courses, our staff is dedicated to continuous learning and development to provide the highest level of service and safety.

Medical Flight Crew

Our medical flight crew members are required to obtain and maintain currency in numerous advanced medical certifications. In addition to these certifications, our team attends specialized medical conferences throughout the year, including the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC), the Texas EMS Conference and the Critical Care Medical Transport Conference (CCTMC). All Medical crew members also attend an annual cadaver lab to practice low-frequency, high-risk skills such as thoracostomy and cricothyrotomy.

Life Support Course:

American Heart Association – Basic Life Support (BLS)

American Heart Association – Advanced Life Support (ACLS)

Pediatric Course:

American Heart Association – Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Emergency Nurses Association – Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)

American Association of Pediatrics – Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Trauma Course:

American College of Surgeons – Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)

American College of Emergency Physicians – International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)

Emergency Nurses Association – Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum (TNCC)

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

Nationally Recognized Critical Care Certification for Registered Nurses:

Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN)

Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)

Nationally Recognized Critical Care Certification for Paramedics:

Flight Paramedic Certified (FP-C)

Critical Care Paramedic – Certified (CCP-C)

Minimum Standards - Flight RN:

Current RN license (must have Texas RN license prior to employment)

Minimum of 4 years critical care experience (combination of ER and ICU experience preferred)

Current BLS, ACLS, TNCC

Current PALS or ENPC

Current CFRN or CTRN preferred (obtained within 24 months of hire)

Pre-hospital experience and current DSHS license preferred

Must weigh less than 240 pounds

Minimum Standards - Flight Paramedic:

Current paramedic certificate or license (must have Texas Paramedic certification prior to employment)

Minimum of 4 years 911 experience in a busy EMS system

Current BLS, ACLS, ITLS or PHTLS

Current PALS or ENPC

Prefer current FP-C or CCP-C (must obtain within 24 months of hire)

Must weigh less than 240 pounds

Pilots

All HALO-Flight pilots exceed the minimum standards, with most having over 20 years of aviation experience. Our pilots are former military or have prior EMS experience, undergo annual training at the Bell Helicopters Training Academy and pass two FAA qualification checks per year.

Minimum Standards:

2,500 hours flight experience

1,500 hours pilot-in-command (PIC) helicopters

1,000 hours turbine time

100 hours unaided night

100 hours Night Vision Goggle (NGV)

Instrument or Airline Transport rated

Communications

All HALO-Flight communication specialists have prior experience in 911 dispatch, EMS or fire services and are proficient in the operation of Public Safety Radio Bands.

Minimum Standards:

National Association of Air Communications Specialists (NAACS) Certified Flight Coordinators

EMT-B or higher (Emergency Medical Technicians)

Minimum of 3 years telecommunications experience

Maintenance

All HALO-Flight mechanics undergo extensive training and bring over 10 years of experience in aviation, working across general aviation, military, oil & gas, law enforcement and EMS fields.

In addition, we partner with the Del Mar Aviation Department to provide hands-on training and field experience for paid interns annually.

Minimum Standards:

FAA certifications in Airframe, Powerplant and Inspector Authorization

Minimum of 80 hours of factory training from Bell Helicopters, Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney