Flight medic

A flight medic, is a paramedic (EMT-P), that functions in an aeromedical environment. Typically the flight medic will work with a registered nurse, physician, another paramedic, or other allied health professional like a Respiratory Therapist. The flight paramedic is usually highly trained and has years of clinical experience in a high acuity environment. Flight paramedics usually are either also qualified as FP-C (certified flight paramedic) or CCEMTP (Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Program) as well. Most hold certificates as instructors in various fields and educational topics.

Work Environment

The flight paramedic works in either a fixed wing aircraft or a rotor wing aircraft. The environment is usually small and requires organization and a very keen sense of awareness. Flight Paramedics generally operate a more advanced set of protocols and are allowed to use more advanced skills than their ground counterparts. This more advanced set of skills are based on their training and years of experience. Some of the advanced skills may include.

*RSI (rapid sequence intubation)
*Chest Tube Insertion
*Advanced Pharamcology, including use of Thrombolytics and whole blood.
*Neonatal Isolette Transport
*Surgical Airway Establishment
*PICC and Central Line Insertion
*Use of Balloon Pumps and LVADs
*Advanced 12-Lead EKG Interpretation
*Issues of Care involving increasing altitudes
*Advanced invasive monitoring including arterial lines and ventriculostomy ICP monitoring
*Use of point-of-care laboratory equipment, such as I-Stat ABG and Chem labs, and Bedside Cardiac Enzyme machines.

References

* http://certifiedflightparamedic.org/cfp/docs/BCCTPC%20handbook.pdf
* http://ehs.umbc.edu/CE/CCEMT-P/faq.html