A Day In the Life: Critical Care Flight Paramedic

[@Youre_Right]

I owe my life to an air ambulance. I was in a major car wreck. I was a passenger in the back seat. We pulled out of an apartment complex that had a now leasing sign obstructing the view. We pulled right into the path of a car going an estimated 70 mph on a 45 mph road. The impact tore the aorta off my heart. That was the most major injury as well as multiple broken bones and other internal injuries. Had I not been airlifted to a level 4 trauma unit I probably wouldn’t be typing this.

[@Planespotterdude]

That’s amazing you didnt bleed out. I used to be a ff EMT. Major issue where most die in less than 3 mins

[@hilarityhilarious]

God bless, glad you’re still with us.

[@wendyannh]

Holy s***! It’s amazing you lived long enough to even be loaded on the chopper.

[@JustinandCodysLawnCare]

Happy your still with us

[@bigd2829]

That is insane, I’m so happy your here with us still.

[@luciansorrell2851]

I’m a volunteer firefighter so I have to deal with flight paramedics often and I must say y’all are the coolest most humble people ever and I’m thankful for y’all makes my job easier

[@christinabellamoore]

thank you very much for everything you do too x

[@Warrior1_]

Thanks for what you do

[@Atonement46]

We have LifeFlight we use here in our rural county and they are the best human beings ❤

[@blakslee720]

I like starting your shift off with “I’m safe.” Seems like it would set a good mood for your crew

[@bryankruk7382]

It's an FAA checklist for flight crew to assess if you are fit to fly. (Illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, eating/emotion) It's mainly used for pilots but I like how they use it for the rest of the crew in this operation as well.

[@blakslee720]

@@bryankruk7382 we talked about it for fire apparatus driver training too

[@bryankruk7382]

@@blakslee720 interesting, cool to see how it's used in other fields!

[@silntstl]

@@bryankruk7382 We used it in Coast Guard aviation as well. It was the responsibility of each crew member to inform if they felt they were unfit to fly. Usually this was asked at the ready briefing but at anytime during your 24 hour duty shift you were expected to speak up if something changed and you felt you were no longer fit/safe to fly.

[@jayraymond9707]

A couple of cool “inside baseball” things: 1) You might hear them say “sterile” during the interfacility transport at night. That refers to a sterile cockpit. Only essential communication and safety communications is done by the crew during this phase of flight. 2) The interfacility transport can be incredibly simple with the potential of something going wrong or an incredibly complex call with a potential of something going sideways as well. When the nurse says “all the things”, they’re referring to lifesaving materials as well as ICU stuff like ventilators and pumps and the potential to have what amounts to a (temporary) flying ICU. You have to realize the strain this type of work puts on your body. By the time they’re doing checkout in the morning, he’s 6 plus hours into his day. They’re gone for 24 hours and the sleep is a really precious resource. Often times, crews like this can run non stop and really be running on muscle memory and training. It’s a very unique position with critical thinking and multiple different skill sets working in unison to save lives.

[@therougechipmunk8058]

Thanks very information comment, I know literally nothing about this so this is helpful.

[@titusdaniel]

these guys are so badass. I'm an emt in a rural mountain town in the Colorado Rockies, minimum 1 hour transport to the nearest level 4 trauma. It's such an amazing feeling when you know the shit has hit the fan, but you're able to get medevac from a "nearby" city helo crew. You know that patient is going where they need to go, as fast as humanly possible, with the best providers available.

[@beardly0121]

Level 1 trauma center is the one that handles the worst injuries, they're generally the largest regional provider. Level 4 is just an emergency room with a helo pad that stabilizes patients for transport to a level 1(or whatever higher level they may need, but generally it's a level 1). Unless the system in Colorado is completely different from almost every other state in the country. Either way, flight medics are badass.

[@pjhaebe]

Level 4 huh? So like Express ER?

[@DocM.]

*I hope NOBODY ever has to see you at work unless it's on a video* ❤️ Thank you for your service and sacrifices!

[@MrJRod891]

Definitely would have been nice to see the patient care but I understand the HIPPA laws for that. But it was still good to see what y'all go through. Just a day in the life of what a flight medic/nurse/pilot is. I enjoyed it.

[@pacificblue3955]

For years I was a flight medic for a fixed wing service. It was one of the most challenging, incredible, career defining experiences I have had thus far. Treating a patient on multiple drips and pumps and on a vent can be truly intense. For several years I also have worked as a firefighter/paramedic and have responded to some critically injured people, and I have loved every shift that I’ve worked, but I can truthfully say, there’s something pretty amazing about being a flight medic.

[@pacificblue3955]

What the actual f*** are you talking about. What does sone bible thumping malarkey have to do with flight medicine.

[@xmzru]

how did you pay for flight school

[@pacificblue3955]

@@xmzru flight school? I never went to flight school. I was a flight paramedic, not the pilot.

[@xmzru]

@@pacificblue3955 ah okay my bad

[@pepperroni6252]

That's an interesting team composition, in the UK it's typically a critical care paramedic and a doctor on a helicopter/RRV.

[@Izak213]

In the US it varies. Sometimes it’s a paramedic&doctor, or paramedic & nurse or both nurses

[@Izak213]

Or doctor and nurse

[@timheunisch]

Same in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

[@marcinnomercy9681]

Same Poland

[@pepperroni6252]

@@marcinnomercy9681 witam polski znajomy

[@russellwilliams3209]

My mother and father work on the same crew for air medical in Tempe, AZ and have been doing so for 20 years! One a doctor and the other a pilot! I am getting edju-muh-cated to follow their footsteps and can not put into words how proud I am to be their son! All of the air medical crews in the USA and the world are heroes. Thank you for all ya'll do!

[@neat.1316]

I’m looking into being a medevac(however the hell you spell it) pilot. I’ve always wanted to do something in aviation that does some good. Thought about fighter pilot for the Air Force but very dangerous, and the requirements for being one and chances of being selected are terribly low. This has good pay, not sure if I will be single or married. Either way it’d be a very interesting and action packed job. I definitely do NOT want to be at a desk job. Not for me

[@rhabeldibabeldi6812]

@@neat.1316 How is your path going so far? Really interested because I want to become a pilot too. Currently I´m figuring out how to get the money for my ppl (h) to have a start. If thats done, I´m thinking about getting into voluntary work where a pilot is needed. This will give me some flight hours which I dont have to pay to come closer to my cpl (h) which allows me to be a paid pilot.

[@kevinfrantz6458]

I greatly appreciate the flight group out of Indiana ( Parkview Samaritan ) who saved my life not once but twice and I owe them so much ! Fracture skull in 1996 & motorcycle versus 2 deer @ 70 mph ! If not for these top notch professional's I wouldn't be here today ! Thank you all , you are a God's gift ❣

[@stonedragongaming7799]

I am currently just 17 years old, turning 18 in a couple months and I want to go to school to be an EMT and work up to being a flight medic. This video makes me even more excited than I already was :)

[@covillsa]

heyyy i’m also an 05’ and turning 18 in a couple of months, i’m also thinking abt pursuing this career or something similar, let’s hope we actually get there :D

[@Warrior1_]

Hope yall the best

[@jamesdeclan7538]

Get your Paramedicine degree right away, way more worth it than starting as an EMT.

[@randompost78154]

Flight nurse *cough*

[@stonedragongaming7799]

@@covillsa that'd be so cool!!

[@mtnride4930]

Was a Flight Paramedic in Southern California for a few years part time as I was a full-time career Fire Fighter at the time. Worked with some great professional folks and flew quite a few missions. LOVED IT. Be Safe up there.

[@flhtc0383]

As a former Flight RN doing Helicopter, Airplane and Ambulance transports for ten years, this is an awesome video! I miss those days. Stay safe and thanks for what you do!

[@biggrobb1551]

I was a EMT 1 and a ER tech for 11 years combined and I also worked for Cal Fire on a Strike team . Seen a lot , Loved it All

[@KVaughnG]

As an EMT-B, I love to see more advanced critical care in the EMS world

[@user-vt1ib5ch3i]

The production quality of this video was spectacular! Well done, Sam!

[@guntersgaminggroup]

I recently got EMT certified. Working my way up to flight paramedic. One step at a time

[@IlIlIlllIlIlIllli]

Im Still in highschool and going for the same route as you are. Godspeed

[@PrepMedic]

It takes time and patience but it is absolutely worth it.

[@JA-jb4ti]

Awesome!! Good for you and congratulations!

[@aydenhargis4308]

@@IlIlIlllIlIlIllli same I start emt in June

[@GuapoAJ]

i have 3 more weeks in class then i take the NREMT is it as hard as they say? Im like freaking out

[@thatonedaniel98]

I agree with Eric. Unless you love aviation, your training can get very painfull in some parts and preparation for some exams can be even worse. So big props to Eric for doing this and saving people's lives! Also I find it interesting, that the heli is only single engine.

[@friarbishme]

From the UK myself but just want to still say Thank you for the great work you do. You're all heroes

[@MisterRawgers]

Flying through the Rocky Mountains saving lives, crazy stuff and much respect

[@scottd4406]

For ppl that follow this field..I can attest to the dangers the crew face on every flight to provide such a high level of care . On jan 11 2022..my brother was a flight medic transporting a young patient to Philadelphia children's hospital for much needed care. Little did the crew know how different this flight would be much different than any other mission. Just outside of Philadelphia the aircraft began having difficulties and at one point the aircraft was inverted. Somehow the pilot was able to right the aircraft enough to avoid disaster and miraculously all survived what was a very hard landing/ " controlled " crash....right next to a church. The crew sprung into action upon the crash to ensure the safety of its patient. All are recovering well. These men and women are true heroes that perform these missions. My deepest gratitude and appreciation to all of you.

[@christopherfisher128]

I think it's really cool that you showed a typical day and didn't try for a "highlight reel" of selected clips. Loads of info. Thanks.

[@searchBLOC941]

My father is retired USCG. He was a flight mechanic and basket operator. He spent years pulling people out of the Bering Sea. He slowed down a bit and made Chief and ran a desk for the last decade or so of his career. Balls of steel on anyone in any form of airborne profession. Props brotha.

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

So great to see some of my favorite colleagues doing what they do best!

[@aportman58]

Flew one time with our local Houston Hermann Lifeflight and loved every second of it...being in a career fire department (captain) I just didn't ever have time to pursue being a flight nurse/paramedic. It would definitely would have been my next option with the fire service my number 1 career choice. I also worked part-time/full-time 13 years in the emergency department. Never a dull moment...but does become physically, emotionally, spiritually psychologically oppressive the longer and older you get!

[@GirlScoutC00kiez420]

Air EMT/Paramedics, Nurses and of course the Pilots are badass Angels of the Sky. Much Respect.

[@DividedWeAllFall]

You all are so incredible, thank you for your service to your community!

[@trob0914]

Former flt. medic & NFPA member, I flew in rural Alaska, mostly "fixed" wing. I am very grateful to have never had an inflight incident and I worked with some awesome people! I love how the progression to the CC/flt nurse has taken hold, keep up the good work, thx!!

[@nicholasrodriguez8502]

St. Anthony’s Hospital Paramedic Cycle 90 grad here!! I worked in Conifer for several years. Used you guys a lot. Thanks guys and gals!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Angles in the air… Thanks to all of you that fly to save. Great overview and videography.

[@douglascloud4484]

God bless you all for what you do. Please be safe

[@mpccenturion]

Much respect to you and the group you work with. You can only show us a glimpse of the day. Thank you! I am 10 yrs out of a 1 IC of a Secr group. I worked for 28yrs. Never a dull day. It took us years to get to a schedule all could agree with. RCMP in the high north, came upon a 24/7 for a week. Then you were off. I settled on 3-12 hrs and off. Same 12 - every week. Everyone had 4 days off. For 20 yrs, I only higher-ed a single PT, to cover a Vac here and there. Sadly - if you are busy - someone has had a bad/sad day. Wish you well! Cheers!

[@carbon3d]

What a badass career to have. I love helping people, and always contemplated a medical career. Those shifts are the kind I live for. Night shift/3-12's or 2/24's would be amazing. I used to work 3 12's as an Airline Mechanic, and it was a blast.

[@Jake-be9ji]

Working two days a week and you have a badass career. You are living the dream man.

[@CecilyPogue]

uhhhh those are two TWENTY FOUR HOUR SHIFTS THANK YOU.

[@CecilyPogue]

Which is actually four days plus worth of work

[@Jake-be9ji]

@@CecilyPogue that’s nothing man up jeez

[@CecilyPogue]

@@Jake-be9ji HA! I guess if you want to be a smart aleck about it then it's not. There's no way for us to know if you work the job or not, but either way it varies upon person, location, and staff number that are present when heavy work loads do arise.

[@CecilyPogue]

@@Jake-be9ji and also...I'm not a man. I am a woman. thank you

[@SixEcho]

Well done! I’m sure that took a lot of time to put together and edit but I think it turned great. Keep up the good work!

[@PrepMedic]

Thank you brother!

[@Jdrew27]

How cool to see this, as I am a flight instructor out Rocky Mountain Metropolitan hear you guys on the radio all time!

[@bobpaulino4714]

I had the privilege of knowing and working with many of the original medics who joined Grant's LifeFlight program - also came to know many of the flight nurses and pilots. When in doubt, fly 'em out!. Was invited to fly with them at LF 1, and then LF 2' (Wellston - which was the country's first non hospital based emergency medical helicopter) I travelled for a large industrial hvac contractor and the owner of the company was one of my fire captains in Delaware county. Knew and worked with one of the heads of SEOMES, as well as many of those involved in rural fire and ems in my travels. Carried my gear and assisted with mutual aid as needed in my travels. Was blessed to know so many stellar caregivers. Was a heck of a ride ----

[@gnagyusa]

Thank you for doing the incredibly important job you are doing.

[@williambrenkley2322]

Sam I really appreciate what you do for the community

[@dominicdigginnursingstuden7833]

I just became a FP-C and this was basically the day to day life of a flight paramedic summed up well I am still learning but I can say it is very intense.

[@MrCEPPaulT]

Nicely done. Definitely entertaining. Most informative. Even got mild nausea when tones dropped. From another flight medic, this represents well what we do on an average shift.

[@rmp5s]

24 hour shifts (AKA, duty in the Corps) always jacked me up, but two days a week? That doesn't sound too bad. Keep rockin, man!!

[@buckybadger.4510]

Thanks for doing what you do sir it's a reassuring feeling knowing people like you are one call away! Stay safe

[@pgbergeron5569]

In just the add you said something I was going to encourage. You didn't directly address it but you got really close. I'm a retired Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic who injured out after about 7⅔ years. That's at the end. About 5½ years at EMT-P Level. Point I wanted to make was. We all began as Basics. I ran into some who wanted to forget those basics along the way. I'm sure others have as well. The basics are the building blocks for competent care. NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM OR YOUR FIRST RUN AND HOW SCARED YOU WERE TO FUCK UP! Stay Strong and Resilient Brothers and Sisters!!! Y'all got people sending prayers out for y'all's safety daily!

[@MaciCaballero]

The part that gave me the most of a "flashback" was loading your gear at the end of the shift. I remember that quite well after every shift.

[@bradleymcgovern8272]

Growing up, I was always interested in Police, Fire, and EMS. When I was 16 I joined our Police/ EMA Explorer Post and our auxiliary police department. I started a career as an auctioneer and a real estate agent instead. I love what I do, but I don’t seem to get what I’ve always desired out of my career choice. I’m now making some moves to get back into EMS and eventually become a medic. I’ve been working on my pilots license as well, so my goal is to be a flight medic. These videos have been really fun to watch and informative. I know it’s hard to get to that point, but it’s definitely something I am focused on. Thanks for the vids!

[@EBMisKing]

Absolutely loved this video Sam! I hope you know how talented you are with these videos!

[@PrepMedic]

I appreciate that! Thank you.

[@lynettelamb4726]

Just ran across this on FB. Very interesting and professionally produced.I am impressed!

[@skylerp3664]

People like you help the world go around man thank you 🤘🖤

[@seanwhite304]

What an awesome job bro. The 24 hour shift 2 days weekly would be my dream shift .

[@cjsaunders06]

I started at REACH when I first started flying. Great company as far as safety standards.

[@captraykelly]

Great video. I learned a lot. I'm a retired Detective. I would fly in our PD helicopter sometimes. Thank you for your service. Fly safe.

[@augustinboyd9626]

I HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS IN THE FIRST RESPONDERS, YEARS OF EDUCATION TRAINING AND LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT

[@Erik-ov2kd]

Wow! Greetings from Germany. I do a training as an emergency paramedic in Germany and it is really interesting to see the video! Thank you keep going

[@hilight1322]

I'm now studying as paramedic in Thailand Thx to your video, it give me inspiration on being Flight Paramedic!!

[@mug12341]

Nice video! I work for Jet Centers of Colorado and often fuel the med helis so it was pretty cool to see this side of the mission.

[@Flowerbroo]

My math professor I had a years ago was also a Ambulance driver and a Pilot, he was really dorky and fun to be around but I couldn't imagine juggling that and teaching plus some of the stuff he's more then likely seen. Really admired the guy.

[@DeadoffDrop209]

Thank you and God Bless all who serve🙏🏼❤️💪🏼

[@mrright7624]

Literally crews are angels without wings as heal and protect , salute

[@jordantravis2375]

The day in the life videos are great to learn what the job is all about.

[@Chris-bornhere1962]

You Have done great in your video's, It was very interesting and I really loved all 10 I watched.thanks so much..

[@khaibernate]

I appreciate you posting this. Just got a flight nurse position starting October 31st and beyond stoked but nervous at the same time.

[@christinabellamoore]

Congratulations and very best of luck to you Xx

[@thedelisopen]

I had a really bad dirt bike accident when i was out with my friends, i messed my leg up really bad had a grade 3 open tib fib compound fractue, my friend legit had to carry me to his truck then we went to the local hospital but i was in such bad shape from losing blood and some intense injuries i was flight for lifes 100 miles to another hospital that had a severe trauma unit. Very thankful foe the air ambulance people, they were amazing. Even had a different pilot than the one who flew me come hangout with me in my hospital room for a bit

[@dallasyap3064]

Used to have a dream to become something like this. Respect to first responders.

[@jacobwaddell]

Thank you for making this video. I'm currently in school to be a PCP, and I am inspired by the work you do!

[@JustinKingOffroad]

you guys (and gals) are rock stars. 5 years ago the life flight helicopter plucked a runner off the colorado marathon course after we did CPR on him for almost 30 minutes. guy lived and ran the marathon the next year!

[@augustinboyd9626]

AFTER BECOMING A REGULAR PARAMEDIC THEN WENT ON TO BECOME A FLIGHT PARAMEDIC AT THE AGE OF36 YEARS OLD NOW I'M 59

[@willquinn5147]

That shot with the airforce overhead is awesome...

[@jacoblange3874]

I’m a trauma/neuro icu nurse and I’m interested in flying in a few years. What certs do the nurses hold that you fly with? Or what would you recommend getting before applying? Love the videos!

[@PrepMedic]

BSN, CFRN, NRP, PALS, ACLS, ATLS or TPATC, BLS and at least five years of either ICU or ER experience (ICU is usually more desirable).

[@BenAEMT]

@@PrepMedic how about for medic?

[@PrepMedic]

@@BenAEMT 5 years in a busy 911 system, NREMT-P, FP-C, State Critical care endorsement, NRP, ACLS, PALS, BLS, PHTLS or TPATC. Bachelors preferred.

[@joseochoa8386]

Good luck you guys you guys already heroes just focus on staying safe 👍🤘👌🇺🇸

[@thomastowler6051]

@@PrepMedic is there any medical certification/education required for the pilot

[@co_corvetteguy]

I know exactly what hospital you’re at. That’s for sharing!

[@anthonythompson2529]

i loved it ive worked at hospital for 6 years and wondered about life flight and the operations

[@TheOutlawMan]

YES. I just started working for the same system as you, but in Aurora. It's amazing, bro. Got to shoot the shit with a flight medic after unloading a patient with them on my first night. Super cool guy, with like three decades of experience. Can't wait to get there myself!

[@zack6905]

My dad is a flight medic for AirEvac. He’s on the strike team and sets up new bases and flys out of them all throughout the United States he loves his job !!

[@mindtropy]

I'm on a totally different sector and culture but it's a great career path. Hard shift with a lot of time to save for your family. I wish you best

[@jetkrazee]

Very nicely done. Thank you to each and every single one of you for what you do

[@Dan-vj3ji]

As a ground pounder on a full-time fire/medic service, this looks spectacular. We often run 23-24 calls every 24 hours. And we're an 11 tier service that runs 48/96s. Sleeping for more than 4 hours ever 24 is practically unheard-of.

[@bdmora8208]

Right? When I saw that they typically get no more than 4 calls in a 24 hr shift it made me want to do air care as well

[@benhopkins7455]

This is so cool, I'm currently in school to become a paramedic with hopes to become a critical care paramedic and this only excited me more

[@RWMCO]

Awesome man, easy to see that a lot of hard work went into this one. I appreciate the insight, take care.

[@leslieunderwood3520]

Great vid. I enjoyed the style of how you recorded and edited the video. It was obviously different than your in-studio stuff. Keeps it fresh.

[@MrTornadoman97]

Just found your channel with this vid, its an interesting look for sure! I am a huge aviation nerd if my thumbnail didnt give it away, and I had known somewhat about the flying aspects of the air ambulance job. Seeing the "real" workers of an air ambulance (actually keeping someone alive, no knock to pilots both have incredibly hard jobs) do their work is awesome. Keep doing you.

[@mrwilson4909]

its wild seeing civilian flight medic/helicopter versus military/combat helicopter taking off.

[@dana29357]

Thanks for your services; I really appreciate it.

[@BoldAlligator]

Great video as always. And can we all give a shout-out to life-line for allowing our bearded paragod the ability to film this?

[@Ravroid]

So badass. Much respect for you and your team.

[@pjdenzer]

pretty cool Sam.... actually freakin awesome as always!! closest I'll get to seeing it in person.... the dedication and effort is noticed both on KZbin and on the job.... you are very talented thanks for sharing

[@PrepMedic]

Thank you! I very much appreciate that.

[@justuhking3605]

@@PrepMedic do u need to have two jobs as a flight medic?

[@PrepMedic]

Why would I need two jobs?

[@justuhking3605]

@@PrepMedic bc I hear first responders don’t make much money is that why u do you tube and flight medic or does flight medic make enough money for a only needing one job

[@PrepMedic]

I make six figures as a flight medic and have never made less then 60k/year on ground ambulances. My last ground job I was making 80k+/year.

[@HeroesNextDoor]

Great video, very well done! Hope to see more day in the lifes soon.

[@jakelonganbach]

Informative video. And editing was awesome. Loved the overhead shot of the helo with tree nav lights reflecting off the ground!

[@PrepMedic]

Haha thank you! I am very proud of that shot.

[@rossfincham6948]

the alert tone is the same as we have as as firefighters here in New Zealand, Love the international symmetry.

[@King1K-28]

I've always loved the look of the UC Health Heli's. Great video Sam!

[@nopentoday6576]

I'm working as a CNA and I definitely enjoy taking care of patients. My thing is, most nurses have no idea what to do in an emergency... No clue.. I do NOT want to be one of those nurses, and I think paramedicine is the best way to get that experience.

[@Traumapak]

Great Video Sam! That looks like a lot of work to make being you had so much video content. Expressive!

[@danielrives1302]

Well shot video my brother, thank you for what you do.

[@kamraam1464]

Wow! I've lived in the Fort Collins/Loveland area my whole life and always see that chopper sitting up on the hospital! What a coincidence I stumbled across this video/channel haha

[@masonruegemer4938]

Got the chills when you first lifted up. So cool! Awesome video!

[@benm6969.]

This is amazing! Thank you for what you do!

[@MaxiimTribe]

I have no idea how I got here.....but that was pretty awesome.

[@funkytomtom]

Ha, I fly patients into MCR every now and again! Everyone always seems really happy at that hospital, it's almost creepy! Fly safe, man.

[@PrepMedic]

Lol 😂

[@wben1493]

thanks for the video, you have good work ethic. Keep em coming. Stay safe.

[@winterhenry]

I'm a Clinical Informatics Specialist for the Emergency room. That's awesome.