View source for Flight paramedic

{{Short description|Paramedic that is qualified to work in an aeromedical environment on either airplane or helicopter}}
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|respiratory therapist]], or another paramedic.<ref name="rosen">{{cite book |author1=Ron Walls MD |author2=John J. Ratey MD |author3=Robert I. Simon MD |title=Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Expert Consult Premium Edition - Enhanced Online Features and Print (Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts & Clinical Practice (2v.)) |publisher=Mosby |location=St. Louis |year=2009 |pages=2469–75 |isbn=978-0-323-05472-0 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Join Our Medical Crew – Clinician Recruitment|url=https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/our-work/work-with-us/join-our-medical-crew/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=The Air Ambulance Service|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Advanced HEMS Practice|url=https://www.bangor.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/advanced-hems-practice-msc|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Bangor University|language=en}}</ref>
==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]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Flight Paramedic (FP-C®) Recertification- IA MED |url=https://www.iamed.com/fp-c-certification-recert-course/ |access-date=31 January 2023 |work=iamed.com |date=5 January 2023}}</ref> 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<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Surgeons (AAOS)|first1=American Academy of Orthopaedic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pUVwDwAAQBAJ|title=Critical Care Transport|last2=Physicians (ACEP)|first2=American College of Emergency|last3=UMBC|date=2017-03-20|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning|isbn=978-1-284-04099-9|language=en}}</ref>
* Care for patients with both medical and traumatic issues
* Possess advanced understanding of [[mechanical ventilation]], hemodynamic support, [[Vasoactive|vasoactive medications]] and [[intensive care]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Faudree|first=Kyle|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kjWHoAEACAAJ|title=Flight Paramedic Certification: A Comprehensive Study Guide|date=2011-11-11|publisher=Immediate Action Medicine, LLC|isbn=978-0-615-56313-8|language=en}}</ref>
* 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|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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wisconsin Critical Care Transport Paramedic Curriculum|url=https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/training/ccpcurr.pdf}}</ref>
== 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]]
* [[United States Air Force Medical Service#Enlisted Medics|Enlisted Medics]] (U.S. Air Force)
==References==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.flightparamedic.org/ International Association of Flight Paramedics]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Flight Paramedic}}
[[Category:Emergency medical responders]]
[[Category:Air ambulance services]]