Paramedics curious about the job of a flight medic, or the road neceassary to become one, might find this informational as it describes the fundamental procedure for how to pursue a career as a flight medic. The video at the end of this article is also informatory.
As you know, flight medics help transport critically ill or critically injured patients to hospitals or emergency care facilities. The work is similar to what a paramedic does within an ambulance run, but the primary difference is apparent; a flight medic performs those tasks all the while airborne. Flight medics provide a crucial service which enables ill and injured persons to become transported over a lengthy distance, much more quickly to the hospital or facility. This offers cutting the necessary critical care time into a much shorter period.
Before becoming a paramedic flight medic, you will have to prove yourself as a capable paramedic. This usually means having worked in the paramedic field for at least two years after completing your paramedic degree and being licensed. However, this varies by state and you should thoroughly research what the requirements are for each state.
Prerequisites for flight medic certification
- Acquire certification and licensing as ground paramedic.
- Pursue continuing education.
- Take as many EMS course and obtain as many certifications as possible.
- Obtain certification and experience (at least 2-5 years) as a critical care professional.
- Keep all the certifications and licenses up to date.
- Undertake a flight paramedic certification exam.
The flight medic exam (FP-C exam) requires the following:
- BLS or Basic Life Support
- ACLS or Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- TNACT, ATLS-Audit and CCEMTP
- PALS/PEPP which is Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- PHTLS/ITLS or Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support
- NREMT Certification
Obviously the working environment associated with transporting critical ill patients in the air can be very stressful. Not only the care of a critically injured or ill patient, but you have to do your job and not be distracted, simultaneously, all during the movements of flight. Understandably, a paramedic who has the working experience of at least two years would be better prepared to perform critical paramedic duties on board a flying ambulance – a.k.a. - aircraft.
There is stiff competition to become a paramedic flight medic position, over 200 applicants may apply for single job, so any additional education you can obtain, such as an advanced paramedic degree would help your application. Additional recommended qualifications includes having experience in a hospital or ICU setting, experience working with a high patient load, experience in the transportation of critically ill patients from one hospital to another, as well as current certifications in PALS, ACLS, and other courses. The more education you have the better your chances; if you are up to date in the latest in terms of research into the transportation and care of critically ill patients, then this can also improve your job prospects all the more.
If you are truly dedicated to becoming a flight paramedic, time, skills, and commitment will work in your favor.