Depending on the seriousness of the illness and the care requirements, a patient may be transported through any form of medical air transport. It could be through an air ambulance, commercial stretcher or medical escort. The point to be noted, however, is that all these forms of medical air transport invariably need the services of a flight nurse. It is one of those air ambulance careers that is seeing a high degree of demand currently and is slated to grow steadily. There is also a sense of adventurism that comes with the job as you are expected to be in the midst of challenging situations.
The Mindset of a Medical Air Transport Nurse
The salaries of air ambulance nurses are pretty high; however, it is also a high-pressure job. Often, flight nurses, especially critical care flight nurses, are expected to take calls that can mean the difference between life and death. Not every medical air transport vehicle carries a doctor on every rescue. So, remaining unflustered in tough situations is a quality that takes the front seat if you want to become a flight nurse. The ability to take calls independently and improvise to make the best of the situation is another welcome trait. It is always an on-call duty. If being available round the clock is too much for you, then this career is not for you.
Qualifications of a Medical Air Transport Critical Care Nurse
The foremost requirement is the license to practice in the state where you’re based. Most medical air transport companies demand an experience of at least 5 years, if you’re targeting critical care. The nurse might be required to attend Aviation Physiology courses once a decade. The course must meet the Department of Transportation specifications. The following certifications are deemed necessary:
- International Basic Trauma Life Support Provider
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider
Most medical air transport companies prefer additional Advanced Pediatric Life Support Provider certification, although this is not compulsory.
Above all, a flight nurse needs to posses compassion and excellent interpersonal skills.
