Role of Nurses in Facilitating Safe Patient Air Travel

There are a few key parties who will often play a role in facilitating safe air travel for patients who require assistance with this sort of travel, and nurses are high up on this list. Commercial flight nurses are often vital for medical flight transport and other medical transport services, and they handle several specific roles that are important for ensuring safe travel.

At Flying Nurses, we’re here to offer the very best medical transport services available, with flight nurses and other professionals available for any kind of need, plus facilitators who ensure everything is in place prior to a flight – including any flight nurse needs. What exactly are flight nurses, what do they do, and what are some of the top roles and responsibilities they may play for patient air travel? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is a Flight Nurse?

Flight nurses are similar to regular nurses in that they provide direct patient care, but they are specifically trained to work in the unique environment of air travel. They must be highly knowledgeable and skilled in emergency medical situations, as well as possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Flight nurses must be registered nurses (RNs) with additional training and certifications. They may also have experience working in emergency departments, intensive care units, or other critical care settings.

Flight nurses play roles in both civilian and military medical flights, providing care to patients of all ages and conditions.

Specifics on Training or Qualifications

While this may vary somewhat depending on the specific professional, flight nurses will typically have some or all of these forms of training or certification:

• RN licensure: As we noted above, flight nurses must start as registered nurses before moving on to this specialty. They must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the national licensure exam.
• Additional certifications: In addition to RN licensure, flight nurses may also seek out additional training and certifications specific to their role. This could include advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), neonatal resuscitation program (NRP), or others.
• Flight nurse programs: There are various specialized programs available for flight nurses, such as the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) program offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. These programs provide additional training and testing specific to flight nursing.

Roles and Responsibilities

Flight nurses have a wide range of responsibilities, but some of the most common include:

• Basic assessment: At multiple times throughout the flight, a flight nurse will assess the patient’s condition and vital signs. They will also monitor any medical equipment being used for the patient.
• Stabilization: In many cases, often before flights begin, flight nurses may be involved in stabilizing a patient’s condition to ensure safe travel. This could include administering medications or performing basic procedures. It could also involve stabilizing them physically, such as with a splint or brace.
• Emergency response: In the event of any emergency during the flight, flight nurses are trained to handle a wide range of medical situations and provide necessary care to stabilize the patient. This could include administering emergency medications, performing life-saving procedures, and coordinating with ground medical teams for further care upon landing.
• Communication: Flight nurses must also communicate effectively with other members of the medical team on board, as well as with air traffic control and ground medical personnel.
• Managing equipment: If the patient requires any medical equipment during the flight, such as oxygen or a ventilator, the flight nurse will be responsible for setting it up and monitoring it.
• Patient advocacy: Flight nurses act as advocates for their patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout the flight. They may also communicate important medical information to the patient’s family members or caregivers.
• Full documentation: Another vital responsibility is keeping detailed records of the patient’s condition, any treatments or medications given, and any other important information related to the flight.

Flight nurses are highly trained and skilled professionals who play a crucial role in ensuring safe air travel for patients. From providing direct medical care to managing equipment and communicating with various parties involved, they are key members of any medical transport team. At Flying Nurses, we understand the importance of having top-quality flight nurses on board our flights, and we are committed to providing the best possible care for all our patients. Our facilitators will always ensure that every detail is in place before your flight begins, including any flight nurse needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist with medical transport needs for you or your family.