So, you want to be a flight medic?

Many of you have asked me, "What do I have to do to be a flight medic?" Well what I'll do is disect an ad for a flight paramedic and explain the what and why. Plus I'll share my thoughts and offer any advice.

Position: Flight medic (yeah I know duh!)

Qualifications: Minimum of 5 years experience in a high call volume 911 system. Reason is for the exposure to a large number of patients. Most of these systems are in the larger urban areas and transport times are relatively short. I feel that if you have a mix of urban and rural experience you make a better candidate. Why you ask? Rural areas have longer transport times and you're with your patient longer so you have to think outside the box more often than not.

Must have current ACLS, PALS, CPR (self explanatory). I would encourage PHTLS or ITLS as well. There's also ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support), NRP (Neonatal Resucitation Program), and a whole plethera of other classes. Each flight program has a education system in place and if they require certain classes outside of what is "normal" for a paramedic this will be provided to you. If you like teaching I would STRONGLY encourage getting your instructor status in something you rally enjoy (CPR really doesn't count sorry folks). Make sure you want to teach and you're not trying to pad your resume.

Any critical care experience or even hospital experience is great it gives you a nice balance and understanding of how each piece of the puzzle fits. Some services require you obtain your FP-C (Flight Paramedic Certified) after 2 years of employment. While this exam is challenging it's not impossible. I would also strongly encourage further education in the way of college; not only does it make you a better clinician but it makes you a better person (or so I think).

Now for some more pointers or advice. If this is where you really want to go you have to be committed to it. It is challenging getting a flight position it takes time and effort. I interviewed on three seperate hiring processes before I was hired. Being consistant is a key factor and learning from previous interviews is also important. Even before you interview, do your research on the company or companies you want to work for. Safety is a HUGE factor, along with work schedules, benefits, and the support the service gives their employees.

Don't forget about networking with others and making as many connections as possible. It helps in the long run and you get an inside track on the industry as well as any info on a particular service. Hopefully that helps out some, tell me you thoughts or ask questions.