so Im fat, i cant be a flight nurse?

maturner · Jul 1, 2004

Yeah, you might have a little difficulty moving in most EMS Helicopters. Okay, a lot of trouble. Not to mention, the effect 290lbs has on the performance of a Helo on a hot and humid day on the East Coast. There is always fixed wing flying if the low carb thing doesn't work out.

Trauma Columnist · Jul 1, 2004

I too wanted to do flight, but the only thing I could fly would be micro-preemies - lol!!!

qanik · Jul 1, 2004

Hello,

I would say losing weight will help. It all depends on the program. Most have weight limitations. I fly in Chicago and three of the programs in this area do not have weight limitations. ( we have 2 nurses over 250 and 2 over 275 as well as a 300lb medic and several 250 lb medics). Now that is not the norm. We fly a newer BK117 and it can handle it. I know of several programs with 200lb and 210 lb weight limits. For our program you would need 5 years of experience including ICU as well as ED. We also like pre-hospital experience. You also must have per the State-ACLS, PALS, NRP, PHTLS or BTLS and TNCC or TNS. Within 1 year CFRN. Good luck.

Qanik

QUOTE=TraumaInTheSlot]Im 6 foot 290 lbs. i have almost 4 years er experience. i am interested in treating prehospital patients in a helicopter. it has always been a dream of mine.

i guess i better start eating less carbs...lol

Trauma Columnist · Jul 1, 2004

I'm moving to Chicago - I meet all those requirements!

Friesw/that · Jul 1, 2004

some flight programs, like hospital wing in memphis, require all flight nurses to be EMT-basics. the program is only a semester, and EASY for nurses.

you might want to get certified in this while you are losing the weight.

also, if your hospital has a flight program, find out who the big cheese is(director of program, or head nurse of the flight team), and let them know you are there, and interested(that's what i've done)

i, too, am interested in becoming a CFRN, and have taken the appro. steps. just gotta(huff puff), lose the weight.....

a vast critical care background also helps.

lastly, you may want to consider ground transport. if nothing else, you get great experience, and if you still want flight, the DEFINITELY look at that.

flashpoint · Jul 3, 2004

I'm not big enough to fly...can't lift high enough to get the patient into the bird...

flashpoint · Jul 3, 2004

I'm not big enough to fly...can't lift high enough to get the patient into the bird...

zenman · Jul 12, 2004

Posted by TraumaInTheSlot: Im 6 foot 290 lbs. i have almost 4 years er experience. i am interested in treating prehospital patients in a helicopter. it has always been a dream of mine.

Just ask to pilots to offload some fuel! :rotfl:

i guess i better start eating less carbs...lol

Yes, and you want to get nimble and flexible. That also helps when the bird doesn't land the way you want it to. :rotfl:

JenHarrisRN · Jul 18, 2004

I'm not big enough to fly...can't lift high enough to get the patient into the bird...

I do good to keep my weight in the 3-digit range, yet have never had trouble getting the patient into the bird. Just problems getting my flightsuit custom made :chuckle Usually there's an abundance of people just dying to help out onscene or at the airport. We have more problems with the patient being "launched" into the aircraft with the extra adrenaline of onscene personnel.

Blue skies!

Jen

shinerchia · Jul 31, 2004

im 6 foot 290 lbs... i guess i better start eating less carbs...lol

eat what you want, but remember that lance armstrong, inarguably one of the most physically fit people on the planet, consumes 70 to 80% carbs.

paranurse · Oct 21, 2004

Fixed wing may be more accomodating to someone of your stature. never let your dream die, or you will be next.