Discover the job of flight nurse at Airmedic

A unique and demanding role for flight nurses

The job of helicopter flight nurse offers great autonomy. In fact, it enables nurses to exercise their field of practice to the full. Yet the possibilities offered by Airmedic’s helicopter are often overlooked. In fact, it is fully equipped to respond to any type of situation.

Fabian Severino, flight nurse on the helicopter at Airmedic, explains: “Being used to working in an intensive care unit in a large hospital, I was myself surprised to see that we had access to so many medications and treatments when deployed in a helicopter.

As part of National Nursing Week, let’s delve into the day-to-day life of the profession through the eyes of Fabian Severino.

• What attracted you to Airmedic/why did you apply to Airmedic as a flight nurse?

I’ve always been passionate about the out-of-hospital sector. Both in terms of inter-hospital transfers and pre-hospital care. When a friend told me about a position as a helicopter flight nurse in Quebec City, I was immediately attracted. Indeed, having been a paramedic in Switzerland for 3 years in the past, this was a unique opportunity to combine my critical care nursing practice with my former profession. What’s more, working in a helicopter is unusual for a nurse, and I have to admit it was very appealing.

• What’s a typical day like for a flight nurse?

I go to the hangar, check the equipment and the helicopter with my colleague. When a mission is triggered, I take the report with my colleague and quickly discuss the case with our team leader. Together, we draw up a plan and have the doctor prescribe the necessary medication.

We then prepare the mission from a medical point of view. We join the pilot(s) for a flight briefing and then take off for our mission.

Once at the destination, we take charge of the patient. We assess the patient’s clinical condition and administer treatment as required. We then proceed with evacuation or transfer to the hospital best suited to the patient’s needs.

During the flight, I continue clinical monitoring. I can also adjust treatments if necessary. On arrival, I send a report to the nurse in charge, then we head back to base if there’s no new mission.

• What do you think is the biggest advantage of being a flight nurse?

It’s the richness and diversity of the clinical situations I encounter. Working with an experienced paramedic gives me the opportunity to develop skills in pre-hospital care, an area less accessible to nurses.

Working in a sometimes hostile environment, with a delay before having access to a hospital and an adapted technical platform, requires adaptation, composure and autonomy. This allows me to develop my skills and expertise in the field.

In addition, the aeronautical aspect brings an extra challenge. Having a helicopter as a working environment is very stimulating, but requires additional skills. This interdisciplinarity really allows me to flourish in my work.

• What motivates you to come to work in the morning?

What motivates me most as a flight nurse is contributing to the development of heliported medical transport in Quebec. Heliported medical transport has just been funded by the government for the first time in Quebec. Thanks to managers who allow us to get involved and who are willing to listen, it’s motivating to contribute to the continuous improvement of quality and to promote helicopter transport. Having the opportunity to take part in this project and to pioneer this type of transport in Quebec is truly stimulating. The coming months and years are sure to be exciting for helicopter medical transport, and I’m proud to be part of it.

• Any mission memories or anecdotes you’d like to share with us?

Recently, in Lanaudière, we evacuated a patient from Saint-Michel-des-Saints to the Joliette hospital. As the hospital has no helipad, we had to land at the airport, then transfer the patient by ambulance. This added about 15 to 20 minutes to the transport time.

After just a few minutes in the air, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite a well-equipped helicopter, we needed a resuscitation room. In such critical moments, the expertise of a flight nurse becomes essential. Within minutes, the decision was made to land directly at the hospital, in order to save the patient’s life.

We landed next to the emergency room in a hospital parking lot, secured by a ground crew who had been alerted to our sudden arrival.

Thanks to this rapid decision, the hospital team immediately took charge of the patient. It was a very intense situation, but the teamwork was exceptional.

• Which mission touched you the most?

A mission I carried out this winter in the Monts-Valin. This mission touched me, because I remember the relief of the patient’s spouse when he saw us arrive and start the intravenous treatments to relieve the patient. Unfortunately, this is not the norm in Quebec. In remote areas, several hours from a hospital, our arrival often represents a real relief for patients. That’s what happened on this mission.

• What do you like best about your job?

I consider myself privileged to be able to use the helicopter for my work. Each mission gives me the chance to experience unique moments and admire Quebec’s exceptional landscapes. It’s a job that’s truly out of the ordinary.

• What advice would you give to nurses thinking of trying out Airmedic?

If you’re looking for a challenge, love adventure and want to get away from routine, don’t hesitate to give it a try. The work is professionally stimulating, and the conditions are excellent. I consider it a privilege to be part of the Airmedic team, and I’m sure everyone will have a rewarding experience if they give it a try.