Flight paramedic
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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 in the United States usually hold certifications such as the FP-C or the CCP-C, while in countries like the United Kingdom they will usually be 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.[2][3]
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 (usually required within 2 years of commencing employment in the United States)
- Critical care classes such as the CCEMTP by UMBC.
- A Postgraduate certificate or Masters degree (in the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth)
Roles and Responsibilities
The Roles and responsibilities will vary by organisation and country. Typical responsibilities will include:
- 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[4]
- Care for patients with both medical and traumatic issues
- Advanced understanding of mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, vasoactive medications and intensive care skills[5]
- 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 rapid sequence intubation, ventilator management, finger thoracostomy/chest tube insertion, 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.[6]
See also
- Aircrew (Flight crew)
- Air medical services
- Certified Flight Paramedic
- 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
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Join Our Medical Crew - Clinician Recrutiment". The Air Ambulance Service. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
- ^ "Advanced HEMS Practice". Bangor University. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
- ^ 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).
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