How long does it take to become a flight paramedic?
EMTs interested in a career as a flight paramedic will first need to go through paramedic training and certification. This includes 1,200+ hours of training in addition to EMT training, which can take one to two years to complete. (Click here to learn how to become a paramedic).
How hard is it to get a job as a flight paramedic?
The answer to the second question is easy. Yes. The International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP) estimates 250 applicants for each flight paramedic opening. The result is a fiercely competitive job market.
What qualifications do you need to be a flight medic?
Within the US, the minimum requirements for most flight paramedics include:
- Licensed as a paramedic by a state EMS board.
- 3-5 years as the lead paramedic in a high call volume EMS ground service.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support.
How much do you have to weigh to be a flight paramedic?
Special Qualifications and Requirements
Life Flight requires a maximum weight of 250 pounds when fully outfitted for the job. Some flight operations cover multiple states, and the paramedic might need to be licensed in more than one state. Air Methods, for example, operates in 43 states.
Why are paramedics paid so little?
There are other reasons EMS pay is so low. Certification is minimal — it only takes 120 to 150 hours of training to become an EMT (paramedics require significantly more). Ambulances in rural communities are often staffed by volunteers, which depresses wages for those who do pursue the role as a career.
How tall do you have to be to be a flight medic?
To illustrate, STATMedEvac has a height limit of 6’2″ for full-time and causal flight paramedics. The best way to determine whether you qualify for a position is to contact the hospital or transport company. Ask them what their physical requirements are before applying to determine whether you meet the qualifications.