Helicopter EMS

Course overview

Objectives Explain how to establish a landing zone LZ correctly Describe how to approach a helicopter and load a patient safely List the factors that affect a flight crews ability to both fly and land Content Summary Holly talks about her background as a paramedic and flight nurse. Dan discusses certifications he obtained to become a flight paramedic. Holly discusses her path to become a flight nurse. The trio outlines similarities in protocols for flying a critical patient in the field. Holly touches on the importance of flying patients with time sensitive presentations whether medical or trauma related. Dan and Holly describe their typical day and what their crew and individual agencies look like. The two discuss logistics when responding to a scene call in the helicopter. The influence of weather on flying is discussed and Holly reviews the limitations of IFR and VFR aircraft. Ground contact protocol and communication between ground units and the flight team are reviewed. Steve reviews a call from his agency and asks Holly and Dan questions regarding logistics and patient care. Learning Points Common certifications required or recommended to become a flight paramedic include FPC Flight Paramedic Certified CCPC Critical Care Paramedic Certified ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support Common certifications required or recommended to become a flight nurse include nursing degree BSN Bachelors of Science in Nursing Certified Flight Nurse Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics Advanced Life Support Burns NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program STABLE Experience is extremely important when pursuing a career as a flight paramedic or flight nurse Geographic location patient presentation and available resources dictate whether a patient will be flown by helicopter Flight agencies have weight limitations for crew members and overall weight restrictions for patients Placing a helicopter on standby ensures the entire flight crew and pilot are ready for activation if needed Daytime helicopter lift off requirements include a 1000 ft ceiling and 3 miles visibility Nighttime helicopter lift off requirements include a 1000 ft ceiling and 5 miles visibility IFR instrument flight rules VFR visual flight rules Know how to locate and prepare a landing zone for the flight team 100 x 100 ft is ideal for a landing zone Active deliveries and combative patients cannot be flown LED lights cannot be seen with night vision goggles