Call for more flight nurses from USAF

The need for more Air Force Reserve flight nurses is still a main concern, according to the US Air Force, which said that roughly 90 per cent of military aeromedical evacuation missions are currently supported by Reserve and Air National Guard medical crews. Thus, recruiters from Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) are pursuing the appointment of professionals for the specialised career.

Senior Master Sgt Ruben Uscanga, AFRC Western Region Recruiting Service, Health Professions flight chief, out of March Air Reserve Base, California, oversees the hiring of Reserve medical personnel at McChord Field. He said one of the reasons why the profession is continuously sought after is because of the mandatory qualifications that need to be fulfilled to stay certified: “There’s always a demand for flight nurses,” he said. “Sometimes units’ manning needs may change, but flight nurses have to maintain certain requirements throughout the year. Getting the training can take time.”

Most of these requirements are met through in-flight training and real-world missions. McChord Field’s flying medical specialists serve in the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, and they ensure training flights are planned every Reserve weekend.