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
editUnited States
editWithin 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
editRoles 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
edit- 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)
References
edit- ^ 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).