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


References

  1. ↑ Ron Walls MD; John J. Ratey MD; Robert I. Simon MD (2009). Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Expert Consult Premium Edition - Enhanced Online Features and Print (Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts & Clinical Practice (2v.)). St. Louis: Mosby. pp. 2469–75. ISBN 0-323-05472-2.
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