Flight Paramedic
Definition: A Flight Paramedic is a licensed paramedic who operates within helicopters for emergencies or situations beyond the capabilities of an ambulance. This includes situations such as accidents out of range for an ambulance and time-sensitive accidents. Due to the possibility of a medical emergency at any given time, flight medics must be on call 24 hours a day. This role not only includes basic flight operation knowledge but also patient care, helicopter safety knowledge, and communication between the accident site and the triage site.
How do I get there?
All of this information may vary depending on locations, state laws, and or program rules.
To become a flight paramedic, you first must become an EMT. To become an EMT, you must ( typically ):
Obtain a high school diploma or GED
Become CPR-certified
Have the ability to lift at least 100 pounds
pass a criminal background check
Complete an accredited EMT training program, including clinical training
Pass the National Registry of EMTs Exam
Now that you're an official EMT, you have the option of enrolling in a paramedic education program. Typically, you must:
Become an EMT first ( you just did, yay you! )
Enroll in a paramedic program ( ranges between 6 months to 2 years )
Pass the NREMT-P certification exam
Obtain multiple certifications, some of which include: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support experience.
Now that you're an official ( WOOOOO!!! YEAH! ), let’s talk about how to officially be a flight paramedic. Typically, you must:
Maintain the role of a paramedic for multiple years
Pass the Flight Paramedic- Certification exam ( FP-C )
Let’s talk about locations
Flight paramedics can work in many different locations in and out of the hospital, some of which include:
Air ambulance services
hospitals
trauma centers
Government agencies
private medical transport companies
But what do they do?
According to the untiekEMT, flight paramedics still provide the same level of care expected of a traditional EMT, with additional responsibilities due to flight management and patient protection.
Some tasks that Flight Paramedics do include:
Onboard flights to and from medical emergencies
Administer stabilizing care in the field ( including medication, injections, ventilators, intubation, general anesthetics when necessary )
Maintain the supply inventory.
Inspect first aid equipment when necessary.
Assist other medical professionals at the triage site.
Assist with the loading and unloading of patients onto aircraft.
Communicate with the triage site and the emergency site
Work Cited
“Flight Paramedic Careers – PHI Air Medical.” PHI Air Medical, 12 Aug. 2024, https://www.phiairmedical.com/career-opportunities/flight-paramedics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Jordan, Alyssa. “EMT to Flight Paramedic: How to Become a Flight Paramedic.” Unitek EMT, 6 June 2022, https://www.unitekemt.com/blog/from-emt-to-flight-paramedic-emt-career-guide/.
Moschera, Allyson. “Obtaining Your FP-C® Certification.” Impact EMS, 10 Mar. 2023, https://www.impactems.com/blog/obtaining-your-fp-c-certification/.
