Air Medical Communications Specialist (NIGHTS) - Duke Life Flight
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Requisition Number: 268412
Regular or Temporary: Regular
Location:
Durham, NC, US, 27710
Personnel Area: DUKE HOSPITAL
Date: Aug 23, 2026
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that
changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No
matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health
together.
About Duke Life Flight
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke Life Flight, which is Duke Health's
critical care and emergency air and ground transport team, accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. The team includes
paramedics, nurses, respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians, and
communications specialists who work quickly to provide compassionate care and
transport services to critically ill patients of all ages. Duke Life Flight
also maintains a Code Blue Response Team and helps support event medicine
needs.
Air Medical Communications Specialist– Duke University Health System - Duke
Life Flight
Duke University Health System seeks to hire a Comm Specialist for the Duke
Life Flight team, who will embrace our mission of Transforming Lives
Transforming Care.
Perform a variety of activities in the Air Medical Communications Center to
include the operation of phone, radio console, weather radar system, computer
database, mapping systems and related systems and equipment in support of air
medical and ground based patient transport services.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operate communications center phones, two-way radio transmission and
receiving console, weather radar system, computer database, mapping
systems and related systems and equipment in support of air medical and
ground based patient transport services.
Respond to emergency transport calls and dispatch the crew according to
established procedures; receive incoming calls and set up teleconferences
with attending physician(s), transport nurse, referral source and
appropriate receiving units; provide information on aircraft or ground
transport availability, weather projections, locations and time
projections.
Recommend appropriate utilization of Communications Center services to
medical control officer on duty; outline available options and recommend
course of action based on assessment of all relevant factors.
Maintain interface with Public Safety (i.e. Durham EMS, Fire, Police and
Rescue) to ensure proper coordination of transport services in emergency
and trauma-related transport activities.
Provide statistical information as requested by flight crew to include
average flight distance, average time, latitudes and longitudes; provide
directions for specific landing sites. Monitor and read weather radar
information as requested.
Coordinate emergency and direct admissions from outside hospitals in
conjunction with charge nurses and physicians based on treatment plan and
bed availability. Accurate and timely documentation of trauma divert
status for hospital.
Work collaboratively with the MCO's, Transfer Center Nurses, Patient
Placement, Life Flight Nurses, Case Managers, Billing Department, and all
other Departments associated with the Air-Medical Transfer Center to
ensure proper information is gathered and entered into the computerized
dispatch software correctly and patient transport is complete.
Maintain database on referrals and hospital locations; access, read and
interpret county, state and specialized maps for determining locations of
accident scenes or referral sources.
Provide superior customer service in interpersonal relationships with co-
workers, patients, visitors, families, and Doctors in a courteous,
professional, and friendly manner. Promote teamwork by exchanging ideas.
Enter and record a variety of data and maintain a file of reports, forms,
records and daily log.
Participate in Life Flight educational outreach programs as directed.
Participate in departmental and/or hospital committees.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
WORK SCHEDULE:
3 - 12 hour shifts
Shifts available: 6:30P to 6:30A
Location: 14 Moore Drive, Durham NC 27703
QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Two years of dispatching experience in 911 control line, fire/police
dispatching, air traffic control,
hospital-based health or related setting or an equivalent combination of
relevant education and/or experience
Certified as a North Carolina EMT or EMD. Hold current IAMTC, IAED, or
CommLink CFC
Maintain certification through continuing education
CommLink Certified Flight Coordinator Certification (CommLink CFC)
within 18 months
Ability to operate radio/console equipment and transmit information.
Ability to learn Maestro and Dispatch software applications. Master
competencies in these areas within 6 months.
Evaluate progress in these areas within the 90 day probationary period
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment
opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender,
gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin,
race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions),
sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation,
creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust
exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our
perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this
exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and
welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all
voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold
these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include
essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental
abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable
accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh
