I have been a paramedic for some time now and am interested in becoming a flight paramedic for a rotor wing service. I have been taking advanced paramedic classes but would like some advice on making myself more marketable. I plan on taking FP-C but are there any classes or certifications that I should take to improve my chances of getting a flightmedic position. What critical care courses should I be taking? Any advice will help.
Getting started in flight paramedicine
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Ridryder911
EMS Guru
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The main area is to be known by local flight crews as being sharp and an excellent Paramedic. Usually most require the minimum of five years as a Paramedic level. As well, what type of EMS are you working with? Are they progressive and also perform specialty or critical care transports?
Personally, when I was hiring flight nurses and Paramedics, we liked them from an urban type system so they were used to having long patient contact time, as well have good critical thinking skills. Hospital experience, neonate, etc. is all a plus too.
Hopefully, you have already attended an CCEMT/P type course before attempting to challenge the FP-C examination. It is NOT similar to a general Paramedic examination. I highly suggest you fully understand ventilator care, as well as gas exchanges and ratios, detailed cardiology and aviation medicine.
Yes, have the usual alphabet courses... it is a standard.
R/r 911
Personally, when I was hiring flight nurses and Paramedics, we liked them from an urban type system so they were used to having long patient contact time, as well have good critical thinking skills. Hospital experience, neonate, etc. is all a plus too.
Hopefully, you have already attended an CCEMT/P type course before attempting to challenge the FP-C examination. It is NOT similar to a general Paramedic examination. I highly suggest you fully understand ventilator care, as well as gas exchanges and ratios, detailed cardiology and aviation medicine.
Yes, have the usual alphabet courses... it is a standard.
R/r 911
Ventilators
IABP
LVAD and other VADs
12-lead ECG interpretation
Hemodynamics
Lab values
Various venous access devices
Arterial lines and PA catheters
Chest tubes
Formulas to anything from gas laws to gas exchange and acid-base correction
Certs are impressive as long as you got something out of each class for the certification. Being able to pass a test is not good enough and the BS factor will be evident in the interview if you memorized and don't actually understand the material.
Of course, if you haven't already taken college level A&P (at least 2 semesters), Pharmacology, Microbiology and Pathophysiology, I would suggest getting that foundation established. These classes will make the above list a lot easier.
IABP
LVAD and other VADs
12-lead ECG interpretation
Hemodynamics
Lab values
Various venous access devices
Arterial lines and PA catheters
Chest tubes
Formulas to anything from gas laws to gas exchange and acid-base correction
Certs are impressive as long as you got something out of each class for the certification. Being able to pass a test is not good enough and the BS factor will be evident in the interview if you memorized and don't actually understand the material.
Of course, if you haven't already taken college level A&P (at least 2 semesters), Pharmacology, Microbiology and Pathophysiology, I would suggest getting that foundation established. These classes will make the above list a lot easier.
Ridryder911
EMS Guru
- 5,923
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I keep forgetting there are still generic Paramedics out there. Fortunately, we are beginning to eliminate the "general" Paramedic training in my area.
R/r 911
R/r 911