Working as a FIFO nurse or paramedic is one of the most demanding yet rewarding careers in Australia’s resource and construction industries. These professionals are the backbone of remote-site healthcare, providing emergency response, clinical care, and mental health support to workers operating hundreds of kilometres away from major hospitals.
In 2026, the demand for qualified medical staff in the FIFO sector remains strong. Mining operations in Western Australia, coal and gas projects in Queensland, and expanding sites across the Northern Territory all rely on experienced clinicians. As sites grow in scale and isolation, the need for skilled healthcare professionals who can operate independently is more critical than ever.
This guide explores what it takes to work as a FIFO nurse or paramedic — from qualifications and day-to-day responsibilities to pay expectations, roster types, and pathways into these specialised roles as part of a broader FIFO career plan.
2. The Role of FIFO Medical Staff
FIFO medical personnel provide comprehensive healthcare to remote-site workforces. Their job extends far beyond basic first aid; they act as clinicians, emergency responders, counsellors, and educators for crews working in remote FIFO environments.
Typical Responsibilities
- Conducting pre-employment and fitness-for-work assessments
- Managing medical emergencies such as fractures, cardiac events, and heat-related illnesses
- Delivering primary care, wound treatment, and medication management
- Coordinating emergency evacuations by air or road
- Conducting health and safety training for site workers
- Promoting mental health awareness and supporting wellbeing programs
Work Environment
Most FIFO medical professionals work alone or within small health teams stationed on-site. They typically report to a Health and Safety Manager or Site Superintendent and liaise with external providers such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) during emergencies. On larger projects, they may also coordinate closely with the site’s safety and emergency response teams.
3. Industries and Employers Hiring FIFO Nurses and Paramedics
The majority of FIFO medical roles are found in:
- Mining and resources: BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Roy Hill, and Newmont
- Oil and gas: Woodside, Chevron, and INPEX
- Construction and infrastructure: CPB Contractors, Thiess, and John Holland
- Offshore operations: Oil platforms and marine logistics in regions like the North West Shelf and Timor Sea
- Emergency medical providers: St John WA, Aspen Medical, and International SOS
Many companies contract specialised medical service providers who staff and operate clinics on remote sites. These providers often recruit directly for registered nurses, paramedics, and emergency response specialists.
4. Qualifications and Training
Minimum Requirements
- Registered Nurse (RN) qualification with current AHPRA registration
- Bachelor of Paramedic Science or equivalent diploma (for paramedics)
- Minimum of 3 years’ acute or emergency experience (hospital or field-based)
- Current Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification
- CPR, First Aid, and Manual Handling certificates
- Drug and Alcohol Screening and Spirometry training (highly desirable)
Additional Skills
- Confident decision-making in isolated environments
- Strong communication and record-keeping skills
- Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) systems
- Ability to conduct health education and preventative programs
Many employers also prefer candidates with remote area nursing or industrial paramedicine experience, as these roles often require operating with limited supervision or resources. Adding relevant industry tickets and training (such as mining inductions and safety courses) can significantly strengthen your application.
5. Roster Types and Work Schedules
FIFO medical professionals typically follow rosters similar to operational crews. Common patterns include:
- 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off (standard for large mining camps)
- 8 days on, 6 days off (for high-activity construction projects)
- 14 days on, 7 days off (for paramedics attached to production sites)
Workdays are long, often 12-hour shifts with on-call availability overnight. Nurses and paramedics are expected to respond to all emergencies on-site, whether during their shift or after hours.
Most roles are FIFO from Perth, Brisbane, or Darwin, depending on the project’s location. Camps are typically remote but well-equipped, with single-room accommodation, gyms, catering, and high-speed communication links for telehealth coordination.
6. Pay and Benefits
| Role | Typical Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| FIFO Registered Nurse | 130,000 – 170,000 |
| FIFO Paramedic | 140,000 – 190,000 |
| Senior Site Medical Officer | 180,000 – 240,000 |
| Offshore Paramedic | 200,000 – 260,000 |
Benefits
- Paid travel, meals, and accommodation
- Salary packaging options and relocation assistance
- Additional allowances for remote work and on-call duties
- Access to continuing professional development (CPD) funding
- Rotational flexibility with generous leave periods
7. Daily Life on Site
A typical day for a FIFO nurse or paramedic begins early, often with pre-start health checks for shift workers. Medical staff may run daily clinics, treat minor injuries, or conduct wellness assessments.
When emergencies occur, they manage incidents until higher-level support arrives. This may involve stabilising a patient for an RFDS evacuation or liaising with hospital staff in Perth or Brisbane.
Outside of work, site life is social and structured. Most camps offer recreational facilities, Wi-Fi, and fitness areas. Many medical professionals report strong camaraderie among staff, though isolation can be challenging during extended rosters.
8. Career Pathways
There are multiple avenues for progression within the FIFO healthcare sector.
For nurses:
- Remote Area Nurse (RAN) → Senior Site Nurse → Medical Coordinator → Health Manager
For paramedics:
- Onsite Paramedic → Emergency Response Coordinator → Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Advisor → Offshore Paramedic
Some medical professionals also move into corporate health management, occupational medicine, or training and education roles within large industrial companies, often alongside formal WHS or safety qualifications.
9. Challenges and Considerations
- Isolation: Extended time away from home can affect personal relationships and mental wellbeing.
- Workload: FIFO medical staff handle both emergency and primary care responsibilities with limited backup.
- Environment: Extreme heat, dust, and long shifts demand strong resilience.
- Professional independence: Medical staff often make critical decisions without immediate hospital support.
Employers provide counselling and support programs, but maintaining personal routines and connections outside of work is essential for long-term sustainability in FIFO healthcare.
10. Tips for Getting Hired
- Highlight emergency or trauma experience in your application.
- Obtain mining safety training such as Standard 11 (Queensland) or other mining induction courses recognised in WA and the NT.
- Network with companies that operate site clinics such as St John WA, Aspen Medical, or International SOS.
- Keep your immunisations and professional registrations current.
- Prepare for behavioural interviews that assess independence, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure.
11. Future Outlook
With new mining projects planned across the Pilbara, Bowen Basin, and Northern Territory, the demand for FIFO nurses and paramedics is expected to grow steadily through 2026. As companies expand their focus on mental health, wellness, and remote medical support, there will be increasing opportunities for qualified healthcare professionals to take on leadership roles across the sector.
The shift toward automation and electrification in mining is also changing the nature of site work. While injuries are declining, the complexity of medical management, including fatigue monitoring, psychological care, and occupational health, is rising. This creates more diverse, specialised roles for experienced clinicians.
12. Final Thoughts
Working as a FIFO nurse or paramedic combines the challenge of remote healthcare with the reward of autonomy, adventure, and excellent financial return. It is a role that suits those who can adapt, remain calm under pressure, and take pride in supporting the health and safety of entire site communities.
For medical professionals seeking to broaden their horizons while contributing to Australia’s vital industries, FIFO healthcare offers one of the most fulfilling career paths available — where skill, compassion, and resilience meet the vast landscape of opportunity that defines modern mining life.
