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)
  • Flight Paramedic certification or FP-C


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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