Crew Configuration

["Simon Martin" <airambulance@canada.com>]

While I have my own opinions regarding the most
appropriate crew configurations, I can tell you about
the Ontario (Canada) sysytem.
In Ontario, all medevac aircraft operating within the
province are considered "Air Ambulances" and are
therefore covered by the Provincial "Ambulance Act".
With few exceptions, ALL healthcare providers on
Ambulances, MUST be Paramedics.
The exceptions pertain to specialty crew for specific
patients (ie. a neonatal team, or an escort from the
sending facility).
The Critical Care aircraft (RW & FW) are generally
staffed with 2 Critical Care Flight Paramedics.
2 Years College to be a PCP (Primary Care Paramedic)
1 additional Year for ACP (Advanced Care Paramedic)
1 additional year for CCP (Critical Care Paramedic),
plus additional training & certs for working Air.
There are no RNs in the system that function as RNs.
There are a few RNs that did some equivalency training
and can work at the PCP (enhanced BLS) level. There is
no direct bridging for an RN to work ACP or CCP.
We can only accept orders from MDs and specifically,
only one of our specified Base Hospital Physicians.
Pay, for CCPs is at least equivalent to RNs and ACPs
are pretty close (depending on where they work).
As for scope of practice, while we do not initiate
chest tubes or central lines we are rather progressive.
We can initiate or maintain absolutely any medication,
we routinely use Ventilators (pressure or volume
controlled), we monitor chest tube/surgical drainage,
monitor invasive lines/pressures, RSI, and are now
finishing up training on IABP.
That covers most of it.
Just FYI, and questions, just ask.

Simon Martin
Flight Paramedic
Toronto, Ontario CANADA

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