Becoming a flight paramedic requires a degree and a series of certificate programs, including CPR, BTLS, BLS, and BPLS. Experience is key, and most students spend four to five years training in other aspects of the field before working while in the air. Advancement in EMT services is necessary, and it usually takes five to seven years of critical care experience before participating in a flight program.
The steps to becoming a flight paramedic vary depending on the desired position, but most require a degree and a series of certificate programs. Some required certificates may differ based on employment location. A key tenet to becoming a flight paramedic is experience, and after the educational process, most students spend four to five years training in other aspects of the field. This extensive training phase allows the student to practice their medical skills under pressure before working while in the air. A flight paramedic is trained to administer emergency medical care and assess a patient’s medical condition during transport aboard an aircraft.
People who want to become a flight paramedic should generally research local schools and courses offered in emergency medical training (EMT) to determine which location has a fully developed program. There are usually a variety of programs available, including university courses leading to a degree or vocational programs that focus on certification. Most courses include science, anatomy, premedical studies, math, and physiology. These courses prepare the student for the intense training associated with most certificates. Some students earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in some form of paramedic studies before beginning a training program.
The general certifications generally required to become a flight paramedic are cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic trauma life support (BTLS), basic life support (BLS), pediatric basic life support (BPLS) and any certifications additional ones obtained during university or vocational courses. Training can be obtained from a local hospital, as an emergency attendant (ER) or from ambulance services. There are additional courses that accompany the positions mentioned, and these are usually organized by the school attended. These programs assist in acquiring more often needed certifications, including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Neonatal Life Support (NALS).
Advancement in EMT services will help a person become a flight paramedic because most companies want to ensure that the potential employee is fully competent in emergency situations before assigning him or her to duty aboard a helicopter or plane. It usually takes five to seven years of critical care experience before participating in a flight program to become a paramedic. These are considered high-intensity programs because the work is physically demanding; therefore, the student must also focus on personal fitness. Due to patient interaction, the student should also practice good hygiene to avoid transmitting or contracting infections.
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