And yes we do discriminate again people who are overweight when they can not perform their duties. 200 or 220 is the max for HEMS or flight medics. Someone who weighs in at 400 pounds probably won't make it in the Fire or Police academy. I'm sure there are many other jobs where size matters and an obese person can not apply. Even some helicopters can not transport an obese patient. Discrimination or safety?
Let me elaborate a little more about the weight issue. It is not just for "Flight teams" but it affects any specialty team (neo, pedi, cardiac, ob) that requires the use of a helicopter as one of their transportation methods. We have had some very good Neo RNs or RRTs who would be excellent on a team but can not be full members since they can not take call if a transport requires a helicopter. They might be able to do routine ground transports if previously scheduled.