Mixing it in competition with the top military medics in the country has inspired Hamilton's Scott Endres to fly higher in his aviation medicine career.

Leading Aircraftman Endres was one of two Royal New Zealand Air Force medics fighting alongside 13 New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Navy medics for the title of ‘top medic' last month.

The 25-year-old took out third place after the gruelling three-day Medic Match competition.

The competition is designed to find the best all-round medic and includes physical endurance tests, shooting, advanced medical skills, cognitive problem-solving and public speaking. For the first time it was held over more than one day.

On day one, medics were tested for resilience at the shooting range at Auckland's Tamaki Leadership Centre, followed by a ‘Rescue Randy' scenario; dragging an 80kg casualty over 75 metres and applying a tourniquet and pressure bandage.

On day two they completed a swim rescue and resuscitation at Devonport Naval Base.

First placed in Medic Match 22, NZ Army medic Staff Sergeant Andrew Kennedy shows his skills on a medical dummy.

Four medics made it through to the third and final day, with clinical and technical excellence tested at RNZAF Base Auckland. NZ Army Staff Sergeant Andrew Kennedy eventually took first place.

'Medic Match has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences for me. I can hand-on-heart say the competition has increased my passion for aviation medicine and my passion for the Air Force,” says Leading Aircraftman Endres.

'While we were tested on trauma, it was great to also be assessed on primary health care. It really meant the many facets of our job were put under the spot light.”

Medic Match 22 co-ordinator Lieutenant Aidan Bilbe says the participants were very impressive this year and the top spots were hotly contested.

'It's the first time the biennial challenge has been spread across more than one day, and the challenges were carefully designed so that they don't favour one service or another.”

Leading Aircraftman Endres joined the Air Force straight from leaving Hillcrest High School and always knew medicine was for him.

'Growing up through school and being part of the Cadet Forces, I thought I'd give the real deal a try and the medic trade as you get great skills and opportunities. There are so many intelligent and experienced people that can teach you how to grow as a medic.”

Medics were also tested for resilience at the shooting range on the first day of the Medic Match 22 competition, at Auckland's Tamaki Leadership Centre.