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

Nov 20, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a flight paramedic is vital in providing urgent medical care to patients who are in need of assistance in the air. This role has become increasingly important as air travel has become more commonplace. Flight paramedics must be trained and certified to provide medical care during a flight, and are responsible for evaluating and treating any medical conditions or injuries that occur in the air.

They must also be able to stabilize patients and administer medications as needed. The effects of having a flight paramedic on board are significant: it can help to quickly identify a medical emergency so that the patient can be taken to a hospital as soon as possible; it provides an extra layer of security, as the flight paramedic is available to monitor the patient's condition throughout the flight; and it ensures that the patient receives the highest quality of care while in the air.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. To become a flight paramedic, you must first obtain a bachelors degree in emergency medical services (EMS). This degree program typically requires four years of study, and covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, clinical assessment, trauma management, pharmacology, emergency medical technician (EMT) field operations, and flight paramedic operations.
Obtain Licensure. Flight paramedics must be licensed or certified as a paramedic in their state. This requires passing a written exam as well as practical skills tests and obtaining a valid license to practice.
Get Certified in Flight Paramedicine. After obtaining a license and degree, an individual must become certified in flight paramedicine. This certification is achieved by completing an accredited flight paramedic training program. These programs typically include coursework in aviation physiology, aeromedical transport, flight operations, and emergency medical care.
Obtain Experience. Flight paramedics must accumulate experience in order to become proficient in their field. This can be achieved through working with an experienced flight paramedic team, volunteering with a local EMS service, or working as an EMT in the field.
Get Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). ACLS certification is required for all flight paramedics. This certification demonstrates proficiency in providing advanced cardiac life support during a medical emergency.

Being an ideal and capable flight paramedic requires a unique set of skills, knowledge, and experience. Those who pursue this career must be highly trained in emergency medical services, which includes being familiar with the latest medical protocols and techniques. They must also possess excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of the medical field, and the ability to remain calm in high-stress situations.

they must be physically fit and able to handle the demanding physical aspects of the job. In order to ensure their safety and the safety of their patients, flight paramedics must also stay up-to-date on aviation regulations and procedures. By having these skill sets and qualifications in place, flight paramedics are able to provide optimal care for their patients in an emergency atmosphere.

You may want to check Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordinator, Disaster Medical Technician (DMT), and Event Paramedic for alternative.

Job Description

Operate aircraft to transport medical personnel and patients
Provide medical care and treatment to patients throughout the transport
Administer pre-flight and post-flight assessments for patient safety
Prepare and organize medical supplies for transport
Monitor vital signs and medical condition of patients during transport
Provide emergency medical care onboard the aircraft
Maintain detailed medical records of all transports
Liaise with emergency services personnel and other medical staff while in flight
Remain current in all medical protocols and procedures related to air medical transport
Assist with loading and unloading of patients from aircraft

Skills and Competencies to Have

Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).
Advanced trauma life support (ATLS).
Pediatric advanced life support (PALS).
Neonatal advanced life support (NALS).
Basic life support (BLS).
Flight physiology and pathophysiology.
Aviation safety/regulations.
Knowledge of aircraft systems/structure.
Pre-flight/in-flight patient assessment.
Aeromedical evacuation procedures/protocols.
Advanced airway management.
Venipuncture and IV therapy.
Medication administration.
Triage and emergency medical treatment.
Crisis management and communication.
Patient transport/stabilization.
Documentation/record keeping skills.
Flight risk assessment/patient selection criteria.
Pharmacology and drug calculations.
Aeromedical equipment operations and maintenance.

The role of a Flight Paramedic is complex and requires a range of skills. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to think quickly and act decisively in a situation. This requires a high level of knowledge, training, and experience.

It also requires the paramedic to remain calm and focused under pressure. In addition, having strong interpersonal and communication skills is essential to being successful in this position. Good judgement, decision-making skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to work as part of a team are also important.

The flight paramedic needs to be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. They must also be able to provide effective treatments and medications to patients on board the aircraft. With the right skills and experience, a flight paramedic can be a valuable asset to any organization.

Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET), Trauma Paramedic, and Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT) are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Flight Paramedic?
How do you ensure patient safety during a flight?
How do you handle emergency situations during a flight?
What strategies do you use to manage the stress of working in a medical emergency aboard an aircraft?
Describe your experience working with a variety of medical equipment in an aircraft setting.
How do you handle conflicting instructions from pilots and medical personnel during a flight?
What is your experience in developing treatment plans for patients while in-flight?
What techniques do you use to maintain communication with other medical personnel during a flight?
How do you keep up with changing FAA regulations related to patient transport by air?
Describe your experience with critical care transport in an aircraft setting.

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. Used to listen to the patient's heartbeat, lungs, and other organs. (E. g. To check the patient's heart rate during the flight. )
Defibrillator. A device used to provide an electric shock to the heart in order to re-establish a regular heartbeat. (E. g. To revive a passenger who has gone into cardiac arrest. )
Oxygen Tanks. A portable storage device that contains oxygen to be administered to the patient. (E. g. To provide oxygen to a passenger who is having difficulty breathing. )
Intravenous kits. A kit used to provide intravenous fluids or medications directly into the bloodstream. (E. g. To administer fluids to a dehydrated passenger. )
Intubation kits. A kit used to create an airway for the patient by inserting a tube into their throat. (E. g. To provide an airway for a passenger who is having difficulty breathing. )
Medications. Specific medications used to treat a variety of conditions such as pain, infection, allergic reactions, and more. (E. g. To administer epinephrine to a passenger who is having an allergic reaction. )

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP)
Air Medical Physician Association (AMPA)
Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS)
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
National Conference of State EMS Officials (NCSEMS)
National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP)
International Federation of Air Medical Services (IFAMS)
National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE)

We also have Industrial Paramedic, Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), and Emergency Response Technician (ERT) jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Flight Physician. A physician who works on the flight crew of an aircraft and is responsible for providing medical care to passengers and crew members.
Flight Nurse. A nurse who works on the flight crew of an aircraft and is responsible for providing medical care to passengers and crew members.
Pre-Hospital Care. Care provided before a patient arrives at a hospital, usually in the form of emergency medical services or ambulance transport.
Trauma Care. Care provided to a patient who has sustained an injury or trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or gunshot wound.
Critical Care. Care provided to a patient who is critically ill or injured, usually in an intensive care unit or trauma center.
Medical Equipment. Various medical devices used to diagnose and treat patients, such as IV pumps, oxygen tanks, and defibrillators.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A system of medical personnel, vehicles, and equipment that provides emergency medical care to people in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Flight Paramedic?

A Flight Paramedic is a healthcare professional who provides advanced life support to patients while in transit by helicopter, plane, or other air ambulance. They coordinate with other medical staff and pilots to ensure the safe transport and care of patients.

What qualifications are needed to become a Flight Paramedic?

To become a Flight Paramedic, an individual must be a qualified paramedic and have at least two years of experience as a ground-based paramedic. Additionally, they must have certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support.

How much does a Flight Paramedic make per year?

The average salary for a Flight Paramedic is $57,000 - $68,000 per year, depending on the region and type of employer.

What type of aircraft does a Flight Paramedic fly in?

Flight Paramedics typically fly in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

What type of medical equipment do Flight Paramedics use?

Flight Paramedics use specialized medical equipment such as cardiac monitors, ventilators, and portable x-ray machines. They also carry drugs and IV fluids to provide life-saving interventions while in flight.