What is the role of the flight nurse in the CareFlite Protocol?

The role of the flight nurse in the CareFlite Protocol is to provide critical care during transport. This is a specialized function that emphasizes the nurse's crucial responsibilities in ensuring that patients receive high-level medical care while being moved between facilities or to medical centers. Flight nurses are trained to handle complex medical situations and emergencies, utilizing advanced skills and equipment to stabilize patients and manage their conditions in a fast-paced environment.

In the context of aeromedical transport, the flight nurse's ability to provide ongoing assessment, intervention, and critical decision-making is vital. They work in coordination with other medical personnel, such as flight paramedics and physicians, to deliver comprehensive care that is tailored to the unique challenges posed by air transportation. This involves monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and making real-time adjustments to the care plan as needed during the flight.

While options related to overseeing hospital admissions, managing ground ambulance services, and coordinating with emergency room staff are important roles within the broader healthcare system, they do not specifically capture the unique and critical responsibilities of a flight nurse in the context of the CareFlite Protocol. The primary focus is on immediate patient care and safety during transport, which is why this role stands out within the protocol.