Gaining EMT-P while in flight nurse training?

[KG MSN RN CCRN CEN, MSN, RN]

Hello all,

The big air care service from around my neck of the woods incorporates paramedic training with their flight nurse orientation (if they don't already have their EMT-P), so they end up with that certification. Is this common for all flight companies? Or is it typically something you would get on your own time?

[Dobi]

No. Most duel credentialed crew members were paramedics first and later obtained nursing certification.

[BR157]

No. Most duel credentialed crew members were paramedics first and later obtained nursing certification.

This is not true. There are a lot of RNs doing flight who later got their Paramedic patch either because the company required it or for personal and professional achievement.

Several flight companies do mandate that nurses get their Paramedic cert but many of those will also have a way for them to take the necessary training or help them with the necessary requirements with the state and the NREMT to challenge the skills and exam. Florida and California are like that along with a few other states. One of the larger transport companies in Washington is like that but they also still use Respiratory Therapists if they get their Paramedic credential. I believe there is a school which allows them to use some of their education towards the requirements to be a Paramedic. They are now starting to incorporate more Critical Care Paramedics into their transport team model.