If you are considering pursuing the career path of a flight paramedic there are a few things you may want to learn before moving forward. The nature of the air medical path requires flight paramedics to work 24 hour shifts. They must also be able to perform other advanced procedures including serving as a flight safety resource to personnel when transporting specialty patients, complying with safety standards to make sure all staff, ones self, patients and equipment are safe and secure. With flight paramedic jobs you will be required to wear flight suits and helmets to maintain a professional appearance during work. This is important to maintain positive interpersonal relationships with patients and colleagues.
In order to pursue flight paramedic jobs you will have to have the following:
- High school diploma
- At least three years of experience in a 911 system
- Registered EMT license in states you work in
- National certification
- Specialty certification
- Certification in BLS/CPR, BTLS, PHTLS, or PALS
- Advance trauma courses
- NRP program
- NIMS Training
Patients have already received initial care
- Flight paramedic jobs have the same duties and responsibilities as EMTS in general except they are required to keep the patient in a stable condition until they get to the hospital where they can get the appropriate care. The difference between flight paramedic jobs and EMTS on Ambulance services is that those in the ambulance field are working on patients to help give them the initial care. Flight paramedics are working with patients who have already received some level of care already from other medical professionals. Instead of going directly to the site where the injury or illness occurred like an ambulance they are transporting patients between medical routes to go from one medical facility to another for more in depth care.
Salary
- The average salary for flight paramedic jobs within the United States is between $34,313 and $50,949 a year. With an average of 50% making between $37,569 and $46,276 per year. The majority of flight paramedic jobs also come with benefits like health insurance and pensions.
Job Growth
- The number of jobs for EMT’s and flight paramedics is stated to continue to growth greatly within the next coming years. This is one position that has expected job growth up until the year 2030 as ob right now.
Working with those in need
- If you enjoy helping others in need then flight paramedic jobs might be just for you. A flight paramedic is there to ensure that the patient remains stabilized and comfortable while they have a short trip to another medical facility. They can do this by monitoring the patient’s vital signs and watching for any signs of distress. In addition they can talk with the patient if the patient is awake and alert to help keep them calm in this stressful situation. Some flight paramedics can even talk with a family member that comes along with the patient as well to keep them up to date on how the patient is doing, and help them to stay calm during the stressful situation also. This is extremely important in situations where a child is being transported and a parent is riding along with them.