How to Be Air Ambulance Paramedic - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 6, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of air ambulance paramedics has evolved significantly over the years. Their role is to provide high-level medical care while in flight to a destination hospital. By providing medical care in the air, they can help save the lives of critically ill or injured patients who would otherwise not have access to such care.

This has had a major impact on reducing mortality rates associated with trauma, stroke, cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies. The air ambulance paramedic is now equipped with the necessary resources to provide advanced life support and stabilization of the patient during transport. This can include medications, equipment, and techniques such as intubation, chest tube insertion and advanced cardiac life support.

Furthermore, they are able to provide a rapid response to emergency situations. As a result, air ambulance paramedics are playing an increasingly important role in providing life-saving medical care and improving the odds of patient survival.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. In order to become an air ambulance paramedic, individuals must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete a post-secondary education program. An associate degree in paramedicine, or a related health field, is typically required to become an air ambulance paramedic. These programs can take anywhere from one to two years to complete and provide students with the education needed to perform life-saving procedures in emergency medical situations.
Obtain certification. After completing a post-secondary education program, individuals must obtain certification as a paramedic. This requires passing both the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and the state's paramedic certification exam.
Become licensed. Paramedics must be licensed in the state in which they plan to work. Each state has its own requirements for paramedics and may require additional testing and licensure.
Obtain additional certifications. Air ambulance paramedics should obtain additional certifications, such as for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), as these are often required for employment in this field.
Gain experience. Many employers require experience or internships prior to hiring paramedics for air ambulance roles. Working as a paramedic in traditional ambulance situations can provide the valuable experience necessary for air ambulance jobs.

Staying updated and efficient as an Air Ambulance Paramedic requires a combination of dedication, self-improvement, and continued learning. Dedication to the job is key, as it allows paramedics to remain focused on the task at hand and remain diligent in their work. Self-improvement is also important, as it allows paramedics to continuously refine their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest medical techniques.

Finally, continued learning is essential, as it allows paramedics to stay informed about new treatments, protocols, and industry standards. By taking the initiative to dedicate time to these three aspects of their work, Air Ambulance Paramedics can ensure that they remain informed and efficient in their job.

You may want to check Event Paramedic, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Manager, and Ambulance Dispatcher for alternative.

Job Description

Provide medical care to patients while in flight.
Administer medications, fluids, and other treatments to patients in accordance with doctors orders.
Monitor and assess patient condition during transport.
Provide oxygen therapy and other treatments as necessary.
Perform medical procedures such as intubation and cardiac monitoring.
Maintain medical equipment and supplies.
Document patient care and transport information.
Report any changes in patient condition to the medical team.
Communicate with medical team members, pilots, and other personnel during transport.
Assist with loading and unloading of patients upon arrival and departure.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS)
Ability to assess patient needs and provide appropriate pre-hospital care
Ability to perform medical procedures, such as intubation, defibrillation, and medication administration
Ability to communicate effectively with other medical personnel
Ability to successfully carry out a mission plan and remain calm under pressure
Knowledge of air medical transport safety protocols
Knowledge of medical equipment and its proper use
Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions
Knowledge of aviation safety regulations and procedures
Ability to provide emotional support to patients and families

Being an Air Ambulance Paramedic is a highly specialized role that requires a certain set of skills and expertise. The most important skill to have is the ability to think quickly and act decisively in emergency situations. This means being able to assess the situation, determine the best course of action, and act on it quickly and efficiently.

Air Ambulance Paramedics need to possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to coordinate with other members of the medical team, as well as to effectively communicate with patients and their families. Furthermore, Air Ambulance Paramedics must be knowledgeable about the latest medical equipment and protocols, as well as having an understanding of the local environment and geography, in order to provide the best possible care. Finally, the ability to remain calm under pressure is essential in these often high-stress situations.

Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET), Critical Care Paramedic, and Ambulance Paramedic are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in emergency medical services?
How do you respond to stressful medical situations?
What safety protocols do you follow when working in an air ambulance environment?
Are you familiar with the aviation regulations related to air ambulance operations?
What challenges have you faced when transporting patients by air?
How do you ensure patient comfort and safety during air transport?
How do you handle difficult decisions in a medical emergency?
What strategies do you use to manage high-pressure emergencies?
What type of medical equipment do you feel comfortable working with?
Describe your experience with flight tracking and navigation technology.

Common Tools in Industry

Stretcher. A wheeled device used to transport patients to and from medical facilities (e. g. Ferno Stair-Pro Stair Chair).
Oxygen Tank. A cylinder or tank of compressed oxygen used to provide oxygen therapy to patients (e. g. E-Cylinder Oxygen Tank).
IV Stand. A stand that holds an intravenous fluid bag and administration set (e. g. Medline IV Pole).
Suction Unit. A machine used to provide suction to patients (e. g. Ambu Suction Unit).
Defibrillator. A device used to provide electric shocks to the heart in order to restore normal heart rhythm (e. g. Philips HeartStart Defibrillator).
Monitoring Equipment. Equipment used to monitor a patient's vital signs (e. g. Welch Allyn Vital Signs Monitor).
Medication. Prescription drugs used to treat patients (e. g. EpiPen Auto-Injector).
Basic Life Support Kits. Kits containing basic life support supplies, such as airway management devices, oxygen masks, and various medications (e. g. Laerdal Pocket Mask Kit).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP)
National Association of Air Medical Services (NAAMS)
Air Medical Physician Association (AMPA)
International Association of Medical Transport Communications Specialists (IAMTCS)
The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS)
The Air Ambulance Association (AAA)
Emergency Medical Services Administrators' Association (EMSAA)
Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC)
Critical Care Transport Medicine Conference (CCTMC)

We also have Pre-Hospital Care Technicians (PHCT), Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT), and Special Operations Paramedic jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Advanced Life Support (ALS). A type of medical care provided by paramedics and other healthcare professionals who are trained to provide life-saving interventions and treatments.
Basic Life Support (BLS). The basic level of medical care used to treat patients in an emergency situation.
Prehospital Care. Medical care provided to a patient before they reach a hospital or other medical facility.
Flight Physician. A physician who works with air medical teams to provide medical oversight for air medical transport services.
Critical Care Transport. A type of air medical transport that focuses on providing high levels of care for critically ill or injured patients.
Trauma Care. Medical care provided to patients who have suffered severe physical injuries as a result of an accident or other event.
Airway Management. The process of managing the airway of a patient, which can include intubation, suctioning, and administering medications.
Medical Emergencies. Life-threatening medical events which require immediate medical intervention to avoid serious injury or death.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). A medical procedure used to restore blood circulation and breathing in a patient who has suffered cardiac arrest or another type of life-threatening medical emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications must a paramedic have to work for an air ambulance service? A1: A paramedic must meet the minimum qualifications set by the National Council for the Training of Paramedics (NCTP) and hold a valid HCPC registration. They must also have completed approved aviation medical training and be proficient in the use of aircraft systems and airway management. Q2: How long is a typical shift for an air ambulance paramedic? A2: A typical shift for an air ambulance paramedic is 12 hours, although shifts can vary depending on the service. Q3: What type of equipment do air ambulance paramedics use? A3: Air ambulance paramedics use a variety of specialized equipment including advanced life support kits, oxygen delivery systems, defibrillators, and other medical supplies. Q4: How many air ambulance services operate in the United States? A4: According to the National EMS Pilots Association, there are over 200 air ambulance services operating in the United States. Q5: What is the primary mission of an air ambulance service? A5: The primary mission of an air ambulance service is to provide rapid medical transport and specialized medical care to critically ill or injured patients.