Flight paramedic
A flight paramedic is a highly trained paramedic that provides care to sick and injured patients in an aeromedical environment on either fixed or rotor wing aircraft. Typically a flight paramedic will work with a registered nurse, physician, Respiratory Therapist, or another paramedic.[1] Flight paramedics must have an advanced level of medical knowledge along with years of clinical experience in a high acuity environment. Flight paramedics usually hold advanced certifications like the FP-C or the CCP-C.
Education and Training
Within the US, the minimum requirements for most flight paramedics include:
- Licensed as a paramedic by a state EMS board
- 3-5 years as the lead paramedic in a high call volume EMS ground service
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support
Additional requirements may include:
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program
- Certifications such as the FP-C or CCP-C (typically required within 2 years of initial hire)
- Critical care classes such as the CCEMTP by UMBC.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Perform as a member of an aeromedical evacuation team on rotor and/or fixed wing aircraft
- Responsible for planning and preparing for aeromedical evacuation missions
- Provide in-flight critical care to patients
- Care for patients with both medical and traumatic issues
- Advanced understanding of mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, vasoactive medications and intensive care skills
- Specialized clinical skills in union with knowledge, theory, education and expertise in hospital and pre-hospital environments are required
- Perform advanced medical procedures without supervision of a doctor such as intubation, ventilator management, thoracostomy/chest tube insertion, intra-osseous line placement, central line placement, intra-aortic balloon pump management, pericardiocentesis, titration of vasoactive medications, administration of general anesthetics and paralytics for intubation, as well as sedatives and analgesic medications for pain and anxiety.
See also
- Aircrew (Flight crew)
- Air medical services
- Combat medic
- Medic
- Museum of Aerospace Medicine
- Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
- Enlisted Medics (U.S. Air Force)
References
External links
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