Duke Life Flight

Ride-a-long program

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Weight can not exceed 200 lbs (90kg) to fly. We also offer ride-a-long shifts with our ground units.
• Ride-a-long candidates are nurses, EMT-B, I, or P, police, fire, doctors, PA’s, PT/OT, and students of those disciplines.

What you can expect:

• When you arrive at our office you’ll be introduced to one of the duty crews.
• You’ll be involved in the shift brief with the pilot and nurses that compose the duty crew.
• Following shift brief you’ll be given a tour of the aircraft and helicopter safety instruction.

What’s expected of you

• Be on time for your shift; if you’re unable to attend the shift brief you’ll be ineligible to fly.
• You must bring a valid drivers license, which will be copied and kept for our records.
• You must call our Operations Center at 800-362-5433 the morning of your ride a long to ensure there are no weather or aircraft issues that would preclude your ride a long.

FAQ’s

• Our ride alongs are now scheduled for all days of the week, not just Thursdays and Saturdays as was the previous practice.

• Shifts are from 0700-1500, you may stay longer at the discretion of the duty crew.

• Simply, when our aircraft leaves the ground there is a maximum amount it can weigh by law. With fuel, medical equipment, patient and crew considered, it was determined that the maximum weight for a ride along was 200lbs.

• You will be the only person riding with us that day.

• We have one aircraft available for you to ride with. Our second aircraft is based out of Smithfield, NC for the duration of it's service time.

• No. Due to high demand I ask you only schedule a day if you’re very certain you can make it.  If you cancel your original ride-a-long day, you will only be allowed to reschedule one time due to the demand for days.

• The crew you are scheduled with will be expecting you. If you’re unable to make it you should email me or call 800-362-5433 and inform the crew.

• Generally each aircraft flies 1-2 missions per 12 hour shift, depending on call volume this could be more or less. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you will go on a flight, though we make every effort to see you do. It’s advised you bring materials to entertain yourself with.

• Wear the uniform appropriate for your normal area of work, i.e. scrubs or EMS uniform . Wear shoes or boots, no clogs. You will be provided with a helmet.

• Absolutely, we’re happy to answer any questions you have and want to help you maximize your experience with us.

• Our office is located on the zero (basement) level of Duke Hospital, room 0652.  To access the zero level use the patient elevators behind the main lobby elevators, walk straight down the hall on the zero level to the end, take a left then a quick right.  The door is locked, please use the call button to request entry.