SAR Technical Crew
Hi all,
I'm currently a military rotary crew member and have been for a number of years. I am interested in SAR which as I'm sure most of you know in the UK is now mostly run by Bristow Helicopters, although I know Babcock and CHC also have a contract. My question to you all is, how many years/hours of experience is needed to transfer to civilian SAR as either winch operator or winchman? What sort of experience are they looking for? I know that they now like their winchmen to be registered paramedics, is this a prerequisite or something that can be achieved through the company? I hardly ever see Bristow advertising, is it more of a who you know and asking the company directly than waiting for a vacancy to arise? Thanks all for your help J |
This is what went out from Bristow in 2014.
================================== Minimum experience and qualifications: 3 months’ previous experience on a dedicated SAR unit as a Winchman on helicopters 50 hours as Winchman on helicopters 20 hours operating experience in helicopters gained in an operational environment similar to the intended operation HCPC registered Paramedic A safe flying record A clean criminal record The right to reside and work in the UK The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR controlled technology, goods and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR controlled technology and goods will be required to undergo an additional screening process as part of the recruitment process ================================== The following is from the 2019 Cadetship advertising. ================================== Essential Requirements: Right to permanently live and work in the UK HCPC registered Paramedic Full UK/EU driving licence Five GCSEs at grade C or above including Maths, English and a Science (or equivalent academic qualification) Current passport holder Key Attributes Physically fit, Professionally competent, Authoritative, Resilient, Capable, Emotionally strong, Problem solver, Calm, Good communicator, Reflective, Flexible, Leader, Self-motivated, Lateral thinker, Ambassador, Mentally agile, Accountable, Adaptable. ================================== |
I believe Bristow are running light on technical crew so it might be worth starting the conversation with them. In the mean time start learning anatomy and physiology if you are going to be a paramedic.
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How did the cadetship go in the end? Are they likely to recruit paramedics again?
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You have to be an ex RAF or FAA helps as well, as the "old boy" secret handshake network is in force. Won't last forever though as those types are a dying breed now as there is no Mil output. Better chance of going overseas and cutting your teeth outside of UK first.
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Thanks for all the advice and info here, should help me a lot.
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Originally Posted by lowfat
(Post 11045808)
You need to be a qualified paramedic to get a look in.
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Originally Posted by lowfat
(Post 11046014)
They have recruiting programs for qualified paramedics to become winchmen. Not seen any programs or offers for winch op.
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For the OP (as 'promised' by TUPE):
https://bristow.wd1.myworkdayjobs.co...Crew_R-0001937 "Bristow Helicopters UK Search and Rescue are inviting applications from qualified and experienced SAR technical crew for our Stornoway base, in the roles of :
Qualification requirements for both roles
Experience Requirements Winch Operators
Winch Paramedic
All applicants must be currently eligible to work and live in the UK. All Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter, clearly indicating which role they are applying for." |
From LinkedIn:
Air Rescue UK is recruiting SAR TC for our All Weather dedicated SAR Operation in the Falkland Islands and other global positions. The nature of the existing contracts means we must recruit based on experience and qualification. Please see the attached for minimum qualifications and how to apply. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update...7381477445632/ |
Originally Posted by TUPE
(Post 11046179)
Watch this space.
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Presumably there's still a reasonable number of military SAR crew available if they are able to advertise for experienced TC? Do you think they will continue with the experienced paramedic route for ab initio winch operators as well in the future? Ambulance technician level was what was required for winch operators - paramedic is for winchmen. |
Originally Posted by [email protected]
(Post 11056269)
There is no front-line SAR in the UK military now (apart from 84 Sqn in Cyprus). Most went to Bristow when the service was privatised. Few outside of UK SAR will have kept up their professional medical qualifications.
Ambulance technician level was what was required for winch operators - paramedic is for winchmen. |
I know there's a long tradition of some excellent rear crew working for Bristow/CHC who weren't initially paramedics and was just wondering if this route will be closed off in the future to all those who aren't HCPC registered etc. The fashion and thinking is definitely to take qualified paramedics and teach them to be winchmen, even if some of this is outsourced too. A 'year of experience as a winch-op' is as open to abuse and broad interpretation as calling yourself a SAR pilot so some strict professional filters will have to be applied. Not sure about the implications for the technician qualification. |
As for tempting people out of the military, they don't pay enough and you will almost certainly end up in the locations no-one else wants.
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Originally Posted by [email protected]
(Post 11056560)
As for tempting people out of the military, they don't pay enough and you will almost certainly end up in the locations no-one else wants.
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Most of the RAF rearcrew were a minimum of Sgt and many were FSgt or MACr - that would give a pay range (including flying pay) of mid to top 40K to well over 50K. ISTR the starting salary for Bristow was 35K with some additional paramedic pay.
Considering the rearcrew are the ones who get their hands dirty and are at the risky business end of SAR, I have always thought that level of remuneration derisory and could only have been approved by ex-pilots - the SAR Captain salary was circa £95K which was a big step up for many leaving the RAF who were Sqn Ldr or Flt Lt on between 60K and 70K. The claim they had to offer parity with N Sea pay was cobblers. The degree requirement has reduced the numbers of nurses going into the profession and will probably do the same for paramedics since the pay doesn't reflect the post-graduate earning capability one might expect. I wouldn't be surprised if Bristow try desperately to undercut all the other bidders in the SAR 2G competition, they know they can rely on Ch 11 bankruptcy in the US to resolve any shortfall in cashflow once the contract is won. |
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