August 2013

Flight nurses (also known as aero-medical nurses) play a critical role in patient care in some of the most emergent situations possible. They provide life supporting care while a patient is transported from medical facility to medical facility or in some cases, from the scene of an accident to a trauma center.

A flight nurse will work alongside a flight paramedic to delivery advanced critical care. They follow strict guidelines and established life saving protocols, processes, and techniques. These nurses play a primary role in direct patient care and are responsible for a continual patient assessment. During the flight they may initiate IVs, apply splints, administer medications, and any other number of procedures that he or she deems appropriate for the situation.