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Life flight paramedics use their specialized training to provide emergency medical care and rapid transportation to the critically injured or ill. Working in teams with other paramedics or specially trained nurses and respiratory therapists, life flight paramedics respond from several hundred life flight bases across the U.S. In 2008, the Association of Air Medical Services estimated that over 550,000 life flight missions were occurring each year in the U.S.
In New Zealand, flight paramedics work largely from helicopters, rather than fixed wing airplanes. In the vast majority of cases, paramedics are recruited from St John Ambulance Services. St John is a national organization providing road ambulance services to 85 percent of the population. The organization receives some funding from the government but relies heavily on volunteer paramedics, particularly in rural areas. As of 2010, there are 700 paid and 2,200 volunteer St John Ambulance Officers. To become a flight paramedic in New Zealand, it is essential to first join this organization.
The requirements for flight paramedics depend upon the employer and/or facility the flight paramedic is employed with. The minimum requirement for a flight paramedic is to have completed an accredited paramedic course and hold a current paramedic license prior to employment. (See References 1 and 2) Some employers require extensive experience working in emergency oriented positions, such as fire, rescue, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations, as well as job specific certifications. (See References 1)
Flight paramedics receive advanced training in medical treatment and emergency response procedures. In addition to completing training as emergency medical technicians (EMT), flight paramedics must know how flight affects critical patient care. Additionally, flight paramedics must understand aircraft operations and emergency procedures and must exhibit leadership and diplomatic qualities while caring for and transporting critically ill or injured patients.
A flight paramedic works as part of a small team on a helicopter or other aircraft, transporting critically ill or injured people to hospitals. The paramedic assists the flight nurse in providing life support to patients and keeping them stable. Some air ambulance services land at scenes of accidents or natural disasters, while others fly to remote areas where people can't get to a hospital quickly by a road vehicle.
A flight paramedic is responsible for riding in helicopters or fixed-wing airplanes with a nurse and a pilot, delivering emergency rescue services to patients in need. In Texas, flight paramedics must have a variety of base credentials before they can even begin looking for a job on an aircraft, and most employers require significant experience in high-volume and high-intensity EMS situations.
Flight paramedics fly aboard helicopters and other special flights as part of a medical team. Their job is to help stabilize patients in critical emergency situations who are being flown to hospitals or other health care facilities for treatment.
