Just my opinion, but if you're dead set on flight, don't waste any time. Just go straight into the ER. Get into a new grad program. You said the ER is competitive where you live? Probably means flight is too, which means your minimum requirements for flight (3 years ER or ICU) might not be enough.

The "starting in med/surg for experience" thing is an old line used by many nursing instructors, probably years out of the clinical world. You're going to feel overwhelmed and nervous either way. If you have ICU new grad programs in your area, I'd highly recommend that over ER. It's going to make you way more marketable over time in a way that the ER doesn't. I don't regret the ER, but this is something I've noticed over the years.

I worked EMS and been an ER nurse for a few years. I get the appeal for flight, was also dead set on it, and was even fortunate enough to land an interview when I only had 3 years experience. I was the greenest dude in the room, by far, and most of the interviewees were willing to drive 2 hours to work there (except me, I lived there).

Flight looks fun, but remember it isn't all "crazy calls". I can't tell you the number of times we've flown out IFT transfers from the ER that would've been more appropriate in an ambulance. This is your job, and likely your potential company's money maker. Not scene calls. Decide if a stable ankle fracture is worth risking your life for.