If you are stepping into the world of flight medicine or critical care transport, you already know the truth. Your brain needs more fuel than your aircraft. The right books make studying easier, shift work smoother, and complex patients a whole lot less intimidating.
We put together our favorite books for building a critical care mindset. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s build your library:
1. FMP Study Guide by Gwenny Winkler + Mike Carunchio
A fan favorite for preparing for flight medic exams or reviewing the foundations you need for safe critical care transport. Easy to read, packed with need-to-know info, and created by experts in the industry. Perfect for both long study days and shift refreshers. Grab your copy here.
2. Back to Basics by Orchid Lee Lopez
Clear. Straightforward. No fluff. This book breaks down physiology and clinical concepts in a simple style that feels like sitting with a mentor who actually explains things. Great for new providers or experienced clinicians who want a quick refresher.
3. But Why by Nurse Gwenny
If you want a book that teaches critical thinking in a fun and human way, this is it. Nurse Gwenny walks you through the why behind the care, helping you see patients through a whole new lens. A fantastic pick for building intuition and bedside sense.
4. The Ventilator Book by William Owens
If vents make you sweat, this book will fix that. It is one of the clearest guides out there for understanding ventilator modes, settings, troubleshooting, and transport considerations. A must-own for any transport or ICU-trained clinician.
5. The ICU Book by Paul Marino
An absolute classic. Loved by intensivists, nurses, medics, and transport crews. Marino covers shock, fluids, mechanical ventilation, hemodynamics, and more. If you want one book that ties critical care concepts together, this is it.
6. ASTNA Patient Transport: Principles and Practice
This is the book that speaks your language. It covers preflight planning, patient packaging, altitude physiology, safety, and clinical management in transport. We consider it to be required reading for anyone in flight medicine.
7. The Vasopressor and Inotrope Handbook by Eddy Gutierrez
Short, sweet, and powerful. If you run drips, you want this book. It lays out vasoactive medications, dosing, indications, pitfalls, and clinical pearls you will use every shift.
These titles are more than study materials. They are tools, mentors, and confidence boosters all in one. Whether you are prepping for exams, stepping into critical care transport, or sharpening your clinical instincts, this reading list will keep you on track.
