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.^[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:

• 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^[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, administration of general anesthetics and paralytics for intubation, and initiating, maintaining, and titrating numerous medications not found on a typical ambulance.^[7]

See also

• Aircrew (Flight crew)
• Air medical services - Use of aircraft to transport medical patients.
• Certified Flight Paramedic - Certification for flight paramedics.
• Combat medic - A soldier who provides medical care.
• Medic - A practitioner of medicine.
• Museum of Aerospace Medicine
• Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
• Enlisted Medics (U.S. Air Force)