With the responsibility of providing specialized emergency care to patients, air ambulances need to be staffed with the most competent and professional medical personnel. A typical air ambulance crew comprises of an air ambulance pilot, an in-flight doctor, an in-flight nurse, and a paramedic. The number of people assigned for each task may differ according to the air ambulance company and its needs.
Among the most crucial positions in an air ambulance crew is that of a critical care flight nurse, but not everyone is capable of becoming one. So read on to find out more about becoming a critical care flight nurse and see if you have what it takes to become one.
Basic Requirements to become a Critical Care Flight Nurse for Air Ambulances
Although different organizations and charities have varying requirements and standards for recruiting a critical care flight nurse, most air ambulances have the same basic requirements. You will need to check about the specific requirement set by the company you’re planning to apply at. However, take a look at the basic necessities first and see if you can proceed with your application:
- Licensed nurse with authorization to practice in that state you’re based in
- Experience in critical care or emergency medicine ER (minimum years of experience may differ according to organizations)
- High level of competency and proficiency with patient assessments
- High level of proficiency, expertise, and knowledge in transporting and caring for critically ill patients
- Ability to perform physical activities involved in performing aeromedical transport
- Good problem-solving skills with the ability to combine judgment and experience in coming up with a solution
Possession of current certifications for Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider and International Basic Trauma Life Support Provider. Some companies may also require that you possess a certification for Advanced Pediatric Life Support Provider
