LOUIS GRUBER: FROM CONSTRUCTION TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Whether on the ground or in the air, flight paramedics provide first aid in emergencies, care for injured persons, ensure the wellbeing of patients, and work hand in hand with emergency physicians. Aspiring SAR flight paramedics undergo three years of intense medical training covering fields such as anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.

Louis Gruber is among their ranks. The 24 year-old originally completed a masonry apprenticeship, but his passion for helicopters soon brought him to Air Zermatt for vocational training. He worked at the heliport for one and a half years as a task specialist. “I was always impressed by the rescue crew on the helicopter. That’s why I began looking into working as an SAR flight paramedic.” Due to the high number of applicants, it also takes a bit of luck to land a training place at Air Zermatt. In Louis’s case, luck was on his side: “The training spot at my first choice of company ended up working out at the last minute. I was able to start an internship there in November 2019 before my vocational training began in the following March.”

Starting training in lockdown: no easy task

Thanks to the pandemic, though, his training experience was far from typical right from the start. His first day of vocational school was already held online rather than in person in Bern. The online schooling was a particular challenge during the first training year, not least because the first block of courses was canceled. Louis made the most of the extra free time, however. The lack of rescue missions was an opportunity to gain experience in other areas. For example, he was able to work as a caregiver at the hospital in Visp, where he continues to work as a freelancer today.

The vocational training to become an SAR flight paramedic is no walk in the park. The biggest initial challenge for Louis was his lack of medical experience. “Compared to the others who had worked as medical assistants and health specialists, I had a lot of catching up to do in that area. I really wasn’t familiar with either anatomy or the various illnesses and injuries,” he explained. 

For the St. Niklaus native, being able to learn at Air Zermatt was a huge benefit. Although the school-based training is identical for both ground-based and air rescue operations, he gained extra insight from his extraordinary work environment at the helicopter company. “An emergency physician is always on board for our helicopter missions. He has even deeper medical expertise and gives me valuable tips along the way.” Louis also appreciates the skills he’s developed and the sometimes technically demanding rescue missions he’s participated in. 

Rescue crews look out for each other in the air

The aspiring SAR flight paramedic can still remember his first mission like it was yesterday: “I was extremely nervous and didn’t have any experience or self-confidence. I do still get tense before rescue missions, but now I know what I have to do.” The other SAR flight paramedics supported Louis from the beginning. “Each person has developed their own approach to their work over the years – and I can learn something new from all of them.”

Louis has now reached his third and final year of vocational training, and his preparations for the final examination are in full swing. “Right now it’s all about how to lead a mission and commit the processes to memory. We’re now learning to think more holistically so that we can act as a team in the best way possible in an emergency.” 

Although the training is demanding and has taken tons of effort, Louis wouldn’t change a thing about his decision. Successful missions have confirmed his aptitude, even if he says there’s still plenty to learn: “You know you’ve done a good job when patients thank you after a rescue. This gratitude is a big motivator at our company, and we really get to feel how people appreciate us.” 

But what exactly is the appeal to being an SAR flight paramedic? “You start to look at people and various life situations differently. Not only when you’re on the job, but also in your private life. I’ve seen only benefits so far.” The past three years have taken lots of grit, and Louis reports often wondering if he’d make it. However, he says the job satisfaction is worth it. His message for anyone considering the job is this: “Do it. You’ll quickly be sure whether you’re meant to be a flight paramedic.” 

We asked Louis if he’s ready for his position as a certified paramedic once his training is complete this year. He laughed: “It doesn’t feel like it yet. But you never stop learning in this job, and you have to keep developing your skills to stay ready for the next mission.”