Dear Fly-Along Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in the Fly-Along Program at the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network (UCAN). Our ride-along program offers a unique opportunity to licensed or registered healthcare professionals, who are currently employed by a hospital, healthcare agency or pre-hospital care provider,
We offer two fly-along shifts for scheduling each day: 7am-3pm, and 3pm-11pm. We ask that you please be punctual and allow yourself a minimum of an additional 15 minutes once you’ve arrived at the University of Chicago Medical Center to find parking and then locate our offices. Briefing begins promptly at 7am and 3pm and you must be in the UCAN office when briefing begins. The UCAN offices are in the basement of the Wyler Children’s Hospital building, Room C-038.
On the day you are to fly-along, we ask that you contact the UCAN Communications Center [800-621-7827] at least one hour prior to the start of your shift. There are times that inclement weather or aircraft maintenance may require that fly-alongs be rescheduled.
UCAN requires that all fly-along participants are properly attired – both a professional appearance and appropriate for the weather. We prefer that you wear your professional uniform, if you have one. If you do not have a uniform, we suggest that you wear black or dark blue pants and an appropriate shirt and footwear with laces. We do not allow fly-alongs to wear jeans, T-shirts, skirts, clogs, sandals, or high-heeled shoes. You MUST WEAR TIED SHOES. Scrubs are not recommended, but are permitted with an appropriate lab coat during warm weather. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in being sent home and having to reschedule.
Be sure to dress for current and forecasted weather conditions. Helicopter transports frequently involve considerable ground time outdoors. In addition, we must always be prepared for an unexpected landing that may expose everyone to weather extremes.
Please bring proper picture identification (Driver’s License or State ID). In addition, in the unlikely event that the aircraft is “grounded” away from UCAN, or you are “bumped” to make room for an additional patient, we suggest that you bring cash and a credit card with you.
It is not possible to predict the type and frequency of UCAN transports. We ask that you bring work or reading materials to occupy your time in the event there are no flight requests during your shift. At times, it may be necessary to “bump” the fly-along in the event additional UCAN personnel are required for a specific patient mission, on flights involving other transport teams, or if conditions dictate that we limit the aircraft weight.
Please complete and fax the enclosed Fly-Along Application PDF with a copy of your picture ID, professional license or certification to UCAN at 773 702-1993. After receipt of you application, a member of the UCAN team will contact you to schedule your Fly-Along shift.
Any Questions please email Steve.Espinoza@uchospitals.edu
We look forward to flying with you!