Early Life and Background
Robert Gross, born to Mary Johnson of Birch Creek and Venetie and Richard Gross of Fairbanks, Alaska, carries deep ties to his Native heritage. His maternal grandmother, Virginia Johnson of Birch Creek, instilled cultural pride that shapes his identity. Gross was raised in Florida, and began dancing at PowWows in 2008, a tradition that continues to ground him in his roots.
Path to Paramedicine
Gross’s journey to becoming a paramedic began in 2012 during a non-emergency rescue in North Carolina, igniting a passion for helping others. After relocating to Florida, he enrolled in EMT school and worked with Coastal Ambulances. Driven to do more, he completed advanced training and earned his paramedic certification in 2021. Encouraged by his instructor, Gross envisioned a future serving Native communities in Alaska, inspiring youth to see the paths available to them.
Return to Alaska and Career with AirCare Alaska
With his fiancée and child, Gross returned to Fairbanks, Alaska, joining AirCare Alaska as a flight paramedic. His career began with the Bridge to Flight program, which equipped him with the skills to transition from ground critical care to flight operations. As a flight paramedic, he serves communities like Fort Yukon, Birch Creek, and Venetie, responding to emergencies across the state. For Gross, each mission is a homecoming and an honor to serve his people. “My greatest goal was to be able to come to the villages and have others know that ‘Hey, one of your relatives is coming in to take care of the Tribal Members here,’” he says.
Credentials and Training
As part of AirCare Alaska’s critical care flight team, Gross is diligently studying to earn his FP-C (Certified Flight Paramedic) certification, a requirement for flight paramedics, and is preparing to sit for the exam. He currently maintains additional endorsements, including:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Transport Provider Advanced Trauma Course (TPATC)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP)
Ongoing training ensures he meets the rigorous standards of critical care in Alaska’s unpredictable transport environment. Some colleagues pursue advanced certifications like Certified Neonatal Pediatric Transport (C-NPT), reflecting the team’s commitment to excellence.
A Day in the Life
Gross’s workday begins at the hangar, where he checks gear, inspects aircraft, and prepares with his team for any call. Alaska’s harsh conditions—severe weather, remote locations, and unique emergencies like ATV or snowmachine accidents—demand critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and strict safety protocols. “Safety is everything,” Gross emphasizes. The adrenaline of flying into a village, with a clinic awaiting his arrival, fuels his purpose. “It’s honoring,” he says.
Challenges and Philosophy
Gross wishes others understood the complexity of his role. “We’re on the front line. We don’t run away—we run in.” Beyond certifications, the job requires compassion, courage, and split-second decisions that can mean life or death. His cultural pride infuses his work, making every village visit a chance to honor his heritage.
Message to the Next Generation
To Alaska’s youth, Gross offers a powerful message: “There IS a path here—for all of us—to serve your people. You don’t have to be a paramedic to do that. You can honor them through construction, through anything you choose.” He hopes to inspire Native youth to pursue their dreams while staying connected to their communities.
Legacy of Service
For Robert Gross, every flight is an act of service, every call a chance to make a difference, and every village visit a homecoming. His dedication to studying for his FP-C certification reflects his commitment to growth, ensuring he can continue serving his people with the highest level of expertise.
