Magpas Air Ambulance comes from a history of pioneering pre-hospital emergency medicine training. One way we’re committed to helping the next generation of pre-hospital emergency medicine trainees and those interested in the world of PHEM, is by offering observer shifts and elective placements for medical personnel to get first-hand experience of what it’s like to work at the forefront of critical care.

As the Magpas Air Ambulance advanced medical team is providing lifesaving treatments and procedures to the most critically ill and injured patients across the region, applicants for these shifts and placements do need to meet certain criteria. Before applying, please ensure you read the relevant standard operating procedures.

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Application process

Observer shifts

Applications are open for 2026, but are limited due to operational demands.

Join our clinical team for a shift (day or night) to gain exposure and experience working in a critical care setting.

All details of the application process are enclosed in the Observer SOP. To apply for an observer shift with Magpas Air Ambulance, please read this SOP and complete the online application form.

Elective placements

Applications are now closed for 2027.

Magpas Air Ambulance offers two elective placements to both medical and paramedic students each year. These placements are four weeks long and will take place in May and June 2027.

All details of the application process can be found here.

These places are always in high demand.

Advanced paramedic observer shifts

Any East of England Ambulance Service Trust employees who wish to undertake an observer shift with an advanced paramedic must apply for this through EEAST 24, via the Critical Care Observer Request form.

If you’ve completed an observer shift or elective placement with Magpas Air Ambulance, we want to hear how your shift went! Please spend a couple of minutes to provide some feedback.

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Richard Knight

Operations Officer

Have any questions about observer shifts or elective placements that haven't been answered in the SOPs?