Flight paramedic

A flight paramedic is a paramedic who provides care to sick and injured patients in an aeromedical environment. Typically a flight paramedic works with a registered nurse, physician, respiratory therapist, or another paramedic. Flight paramedics must have an advanced medical knowledge along with years of clinical experience. Flight paramedics in the United States usually hold certifications such as the FP-C or the CCP-C, while in countries like the United Kingdom, they are typically required to hold a postgraduate certificate in critical care as a minimum, with many holding a master's degree in advanced practice or aeromedical critical care.

Education/training

United States

Within the US, the minimum requirements for flight paramedics generally include:

Licensed as a paramedic by a state Emergency Medical Services (EMS) board
3-5 years as the lead paramedic in a volume EMS ground service
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support or ITLS

Additional requirements may include:

Neonatal Resuscitation Program
Certifications such as the FP-C or CCP-C (usually required within 2 years of commencing employment in the United States)
Critical care classes such as the CCEMTP by UMBC.
Postgraduate certificate or master's degree (United Kingdom/British Commonwealth)

Roles and responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities vary by organisation and country. Typical responsibilities include:

Perform as a member of an aeromedical evacuation team
Plan and prepare for aeromedical evacuation missions
Provide in-flight critical care to patients
Care for patients with both medical and traumatic issues
Possess advanced understanding of mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, vasoactive medications and intensive care
Possess specialized clinical skills combined with knowledge, theory, education and expertise in hospital and pre-hospital environments
Perform advanced medical procedures without supervision of a doctor such as rapid sequence intubation, ventilator management, finger thoracostomy/chest tube insertion, central line placement, intra-aortic balloon pump management, pericardiocentesis, administration of general anesthetics and paralytics for intubation, and initiating, maintaining, and titrating numerous medications not found on a typical ambulance.

References

↑ 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 978-0-323-05472-0.
↑ "Join Our Medical Crew – Clinician Recruitment". The Air Ambulance Service. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
↑ "Advanced HEMS Practice". Bangor University. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
↑ "Flight Paramedic (FP-C®) Recertification- IA MED". iamed.com. 5 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
↑ Surgeons (AAOS), American Academy of Orthopaedic; Physicians (ACEP), American College of Emergency; UMBC (2017-03-20). Critical Care Transport. Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN 978-1-284-04099-9.
↑ Faudree, Kyle (2011-11-11). Flight Paramedic Certification: A Comprehensive Study Guide. Immediate Action Medicine, LLC. ISBN 978-0-615-56313-8.
↑ "Wisconsin Critical Care Transport Paramedic Curriculum" (PDF).

External links

International Association of Flight Paramedics

[rosen-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 978-0-323-05472-0.

[2] "Join Our Medical Crew – Clinician Recruitment". The Air Ambulance Service. Retrieved 2021-04-12.

[3] "Advanced HEMS Practice". Bangor University. Retrieved 2021-04-12.

[4] "Flight Paramedic (FP-C®) Recertification- IA MED". iamed.com. 5 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.

[5] Surgeons (AAOS), American Academy of Orthopaedic; Physicians (ACEP), American College of Emergency; UMBC (2017-03-20). Critical Care Transport. Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN 978-1-284-04099-9.

[6] Faudree, Kyle (2011-11-11). Flight Paramedic Certification: A Comprehensive Study Guide. Immediate Action Medicine, LLC. ISBN 978-0-615-56313-8.

[7] "Wisconsin Critical Care Transport Paramedic Curriculum" (PDF).