Royal Air Force Medic role clarification

kf-2025

I was a RAF Medic from 1997-1998 RAuxAF (Reserves) and 1998-2020 RAF (Regulars (Full time). Just wanted to clear something up. I initially trained to a medical technician level contrary to popular belief, so that meant Immediate Emergency Care including Oxygen therapy, defib, cannulation and venepuncture, prescription processing with ability to prescribe under a set formulary in the early days, and ECGs to name but a few. Yes the role in peacetime is based in medical admin roles, however, if at a flying unit we were expected to provide medical cover for the military airfield and respond to any emergencies within a certain radius of the unit. Once were selected for deployment on operational duties we would be given extra courses, including advanced resus techniques and aeromedical evacuation. I deployed many times to challenging situations one of which was as a lone medic on the back of a Puma Helicopter, which unfortunately has just been retired. This was the same for many colleagues. If you hear from some that this is not true, well it is. I also trained as an RAF Instructor to be a permanent member of the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and whilst there all permanent members of the section had to be Immediate Life Support (ILS) trained including me. To be disbelieved is upsetting to many including me that served, so I ask that people keep an open mind. I know the helicopter role is undertaken by a paramedic now and they work as part of a medical emergency response team (MERT) which I do think is for the better even though we did nothing wrong, it is just that times change and for the better. So for anyone looking to join the RAF as a medic, yes unfortunately at first you may have to train as I have however there is the opportunity to train as a Paramedic in service or you can join as what is called a 'direct entrant' if you have a BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Science. There are many other opportunities and you will be trained very highly, however, it is best to speak to an RAF Medic that is still serving if you can or contact RAF Recruitment who will signpost you to the right point of contact. Thank you