At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team delivering critical care in pre-hospital settings and support fellow paramedics.
- Company: Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, dedicated to high standards of patient care.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Engage in clinical governance and educational support within a highly-skilled team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in emergency medicine while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in pre-hospital critical care or in training for it is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT) are seeking motivated doctors to join the existing team of Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care (SPCCs) and Critical Care Doctors. Successful candidates will be passionate about, and experienced in, delivering high standards of critical care to patients in the pre-hospital environment.
They will be required to demonstrate an enthusiasm to support Clinical Governance, a passion for training and education, and a strong sense of the importance of CRM and team-working principles. Those interested in this role should have current practical experience of delivering autonomous pre-hospital critical care medicine, including pre-hospital anaesthesia, within the NHS (or be in the process of acquiring that experience in a defined posting), or other comparable healthcare system.
Those currently acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications for this role are encouraged to apply for a deferred commencement, provided they are able to demonstrate that they will be able to satisfy all essential criteria for the role no more than 12 months from date of interview. Those delivering this role will be experienced and competent in the field of prehospital critical care as part of a highly-skilled team.
Clinicians will attend patients as part of a HEMS or RRV response, and will enable CAAT to move to deliver a 365-day Critical Care service to the population of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Integral to the role is the provision of clinical and educational support to our team of highly-motivated Critical Care Paramedics during their study towards a Masters Level qualification in Critical Care and Retrieval Medicine, acquisition and development of focussed ultrasonography skills, Non-Medical Prescriber training, and the Diploma and Fellowship in Immediate Care.
It is expected that successful applicants will have experience working in a robustly governed pre-hospital service and take a leading role in clinical governance activities such as case review, policy and service development, training sessions, medical simulation and clinical feedback and debrief.
The above role will be undertaken through an Honorary Contract with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, with whom responsibility for Clinical Governance responsibility lies. Interested applicants should therefore review the SWASFT Air Ambulance Doctor Job Description in the application pack to ensure they meet the requirements.
Closing date: Friday 6th February 2026, 5pm. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview and selection process on Friday, 27th February 2026. For full details of the placements, including application instructions, please download the Candidate Application Pack linked below.
For additional information, please contact the unit Lead Doctor, David Ashton-Cleary (d.ashton-cleary@nhs.net) or Air Operations Officer, Steve Garvey (Stephen.Garvey@swast.nhs.uk). Please return your completed application form along with a copy of your curriculum vitae to Dr Ashton-Cleary via email as above.
Those interested in the role are actively encouraged to arrange to meet the Lead Base doctor and other key members of the senior leadership team. Observer shifts with the team may be accommodated with prior notice. All applicants are warmly invited to join the monthly unit governance meeting via Teams, to meet a wider section of the clinical team. Please contact the Lead Base doctor for joining details.
HEMS Doctor employer: CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE TRUST
The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for HEMS Doctors to work in a dynamic and supportive environment dedicated to delivering high standards of pre-hospital critical care. With a strong emphasis on clinical governance, training, and education, employees benefit from ongoing professional development and the chance to make a significant impact on patient care across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The collaborative work culture fosters teamwork and innovation, making it an ideal place for passionate medical professionals to thrive.
Contact Details:
CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE TRUST Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HEMS Doctor
✨Tap into Medical Trainee Networks
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Attend local medical events, workshops, or conferences to meet professionals in person. These gatherings can give you insider knowledge about internship openings and help you make a lasting impression on those in decision-making roles at places like CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE TRUST.
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✨Apply Early and Often
Trainee positions can be competitive, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on application windows. Make sure to apply through our website to increase your chances at CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE TRUST. Remember, early applications often make a better impression!
We think you need these skills to ace HEMS Doctor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Passion for Human Medicine:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you’re passionate about human medicine. Share any experiences, whether in academia or volunteering, that show your commitment to the field. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in healthcare!
Show Off Your Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in human medicine, your grades and academic achievements matter a lot! Be sure to include your relevant qualifications and any special courses or projects you’ve worked on that relate to the field. A solid academic background can really help you stand out!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications like First Aid or basic life support, don't forget to mention them! These qualifications can demonstrate your readiness and commitment to the field. It shows that you’re proactive about gaining skills that matter in human medicine.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this trainee role with CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE TRUST. Highlight any clinical or research experience, even if it's just shadowing or internships, and clearly outline your aspiration to learn and grow in human medicine. A customised CV shows that you truly care about this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE TRUST
✨Know Your Anatomy!
Brush up on your anatomy and physiology knowledge, as questions on these topics are likely to come up in the interview. Be prepared to explain concepts clearly, and maybe even think about how you'd teach them to a patient – that shows understanding and communication skills!
✨Show You're a Team Player
Human medicine is all about working with others, so be ready to discuss examples from your studies or volunteering experiences where you’ve collaborated in a team. Think about situations where you had to communicate effectively with peers or patients, as this will help showcase your interpersonal skills.
✨Passion Over Perfection
As a trainee, the interviewers are looking for motivation and potential more than polished experience. Be genuine about why you chose this path and what excites you about the world of medicine. Your enthusiasm could be the winning factor!
✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios
You might face some clinical scenario questions that test your problem-solving skills. Practice structuring your thought process on how you would approach a patient case, focusing on history-taking and treatment options. This will show that you’re thinking like a future healthcare professional!
