O PAPEL DO ENFERMEIRO NO TRANSPORTE AEROMÉDICO: UMA REVISÃO NARRATIVA

Abstract

Introduction: Aeromedical transport is a strategic resource in the care of critically ill patients, providing fast and safe travel to units of greater complexity. The role of nursing in this scenario involves technical, managerial and care skills adapted to the aerospace environment. Objective: To analyze the scientific production on the role of nurses in air medical transport, considering the historical, technical, and normative aspects and operational challenges that permeate this professional practice. Methods: This is a narrative review of the literature, carried out by searching for articles in the PubMed, SciELO and VHL databases. The descriptors "Nurse's role", "Air ambulances" and "Nursing" were used, combined by the Boolean operator AND in the last 30 years. Previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria were adopted, with analysis and synthesis of the selected contents. Results: The studies showed that the nurse plays an essential role throughout the transport process — pre-flight, flight and post-flight — acting in clinical monitoring, emergency interventions and resource management. Operational challenges were identified, such as the reduced space of the aircraft, physiological changes resulting from the flight, exposure to noise, and the absence of specific training programs for aeromedical nursing in Brazil. Current legislation, such as COFEN Resolutions No. 641/2020 and No. 713/2022, recognizes and regulates this professional performance. Conclusion: It is concluded that the nurse's performance in aeromedical transport is essential for the safety and quality of the care provided. However, the need for investments in specialized training and expansion of academic discussions on the subject is highlighted, promoting a safer, more effective and humanized practice.