This month, we interviewed Sebastian Rivas — a former military helicopter pilot who worked with BreakTurn to transition to the world of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services. Keep reading to hear his experience with SkillBridge, why he chose HEMS, and how military training prepared him for high-pressure medical missions.
1. Tell us a little about your military background and what led you to explore SkillBridge with Air Methods through BreakTurn?
After more than 23 years in the military, most of that time doing what I love—flying helicopters—I wasn’t ready to stop flying. About a year before retirement, a coworker told me about BreakTurn and how they were helping him transition into a civilian helicopter flying position. That conversation made me start looking into SkillBridge opportunities, and eventually it led me to the program with Air Methods, which operates in most of the states.
2. Before starting SkillBridge, what were your biggest questions or concerns about transitioning into civilian aviation?
My biggest concern was the hiring and interview process. I felt like there was a big gap between the military environment and how civilian companies hire. I had the experience and the flight hours, but I wasn’t familiar with how interviews worked or what companies were really looking for in military pilots transitioning to the civilian side.
3. What initially attracted you to the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) industry instead of a traditional airline path?
I wanted to continue helping and serving the community. For me, the fulfillment that comes from helping people is very rewarding. Compared to the airlines, HEMS also offers a lifestyle that works well for my family—I’m home every day and I sleep in my own bed every night.
4. For those unfamiliar with HEMS, how would you describe the mission and daily rhythm compared to military or airline flying?
HEMS missions are very different from military flying. Most programs operate on a schedule of seven days on and seven days off, with 12-hour shifts. Our missions typically involve transporting patients either from an accident scene to a hospital or transferring patients between hospitals. Every call is different, so you always have to be ready.
5. What makes flying in the HEMS environment uniquely challenging or rewarding?
One of the challenges is how quickly everything has to happen. When a call comes through, I have to plan the flight route, check the weather, and brief the mission in a matter of seconds. You have to be extremely efficient to ensure we reach the patient safely and as quickly as possible.
6. What advice would you give to other service members who assume airlines are their only option after transition?
The airlines can be a great career, but they’re not the only option. Starting in the airlines can come with long days, long stretches away from home, and a lot of time living out of hotels. That lifestyle isn’t for everyone. For me, it was important to be home and watch my kids grow up. My advice would be to figure out what matters most in your life and find a path where you can keep doing what you love—flying—without sacrificing more time with your family than you already have during your military career.
7. How does the schedule impact your family life or personal time compared to your military experience?
My current schedule is fantastic. It makes it much easier to spend quality time with my family and also take care of projects around the house. Those are things that weren’t always easy to do during my time in the military.
8. How does the “on-base” or standby nature of HEMS flying shape your day compared to other flying jobs?
Once you understand the mission and expectations, the standby time becomes very manageable. After learning the routine, I’m able to plan my time at the base much better. I can work on personal things, take online classes, or even take a nap. There’s even a saying in EMS—“Earn Money Sleeping.” Those are definitely things you usually can’t do in most other flying jobs.
9. Was there a moment on a call when your military training directly influenced how you handled the situation?
My military experience definitely helped me handle stressful situations better. Flying single pilot in an EMS environment through busy Class B airspace while managing the mission can be demanding—but it’s still easier than flying a helicopter in combat while providing cover for a wingman and communicating with multiple radios at the same time. The military teaches you how to stay calm and focused under pressure.
10. Can you share a mission that has stayed with you — and what made it meaningful?
There are many patients that leave a lasting impression. One that stands out involved a teenager who had been ejected from a vehicle and suffered severe injuries. Getting her to the hospital quickly was likely the reason she survived. Moments like that remind me how important this job is. It also makes me think about simple things like wearing a seatbelt—something I always remind my own kids to do.