Flight nursing

Flight Nursing is a specialized field of nursing that involves providing comprehensive pre-hospital, emergency critical care, and hospital care to a vast array of patients during aeromedical evacuation or rescue operations aboard helicopter and propeller aircraft or jet aircraft.

History

The concept of Flight Nursing originated during World War II, when the U.S. military recognized the need for medical personnel to care for wounded soldiers during transport. The first flight nurses were members of the United States Army Air Corps.

Role and Responsibilities

A Flight Nurse's primary role is to manage patients during aircraft transportation. They are responsible for performing comprehensive critical care, including resuscitation, intubation, pain management, and administering emergency medications. They also provide for patients' basic needs, such as feeding and personal hygiene.

Education and Training

To become a flight nurse, one must first be a registered nurse (RN). Additional training in critical care or emergency nursing is also required. Many flight nurses hold certifications such as Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) or Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN).

Challenges

Flight nursing poses unique challenges not found in other areas of nursing. These include the effects of altitude, noise, vibration, and limited space. Flight nurses must also be prepared to respond to a variety of medical emergencies and traumatic injuries.

Associations

There are several professional associations for flight nurses, including the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) and the International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP).

See Also

• Aeromedical evacuation
• Critical care nursing
• Emergency nursing
• Military nursing