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Aviation Survival Technician
ASTs are the Coast Guard’s specialized rescue swimmers, equipped with the survival training and experience necessary to keep themselves and others alive at sea or on land. With the gear you maintain, you’ll fly on Coast Guard helicopters into a range of challenging situations, from emergencies at sea to floods on land to cliff-side rescues. AST tasks require the highest degree of physical fitness. ASTs are typically assigned to Coast Guard air stations.
Aviation Survival Technician specialty in the United States Coast Guard. As an Aviation Survival Technician, you will dive into many challenging scenarios, ranging from hurricanes and cliff rescues to emergency medical evacuations from ships at sea.
Journey to Becoming an Aviation Survival Technician
The path begins with a six-month course in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, covering:
- Helicopter rescue swimmer procedures
- Aviation life support equipment fundamentals
Advanced courses include:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training
- Advanced Helicopter Rescue School
- Operational Fitness Training
- Survival Instructor Resident Courses
Post-Service Careers
Post-service opportunities may include:
- Land and Water Survival Instruction
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Aircraft Operations