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.[1] 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.[2][3]

Education/training

United States

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

Additional requirements may include:

  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program
  • Certifications such as the FP-C[4] 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[5]
  • Care for patients with both medical and traumatic issues
  • Possess advanced understanding of mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, vasoactive medications and intensive care[6]
  • 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, titration of vasoactive medications, administration of general anesthetics and paralytics for intubation, as well as sedatives and analgesic medications for pain and anxiety.[7]

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 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).
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