How to Answer: How do you handle death in this job?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Paramedic job interview.
9. How do you handle death in this job?
How to Answer
Death can be expected in your line of work. When answering this question, remain calm and collected. You're still human, so the interviewer doesn't expect you to behave like a robot. The critical thing to remember is that your behavior affects your team and the patient's relatives. Those are great things to share if you can find a way to share a silver lining or a lesson learned.
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I knew death would be part of the job when I decided to become a paramedic, which helped prepare me for it. It isn't the death that bothers me as much as the grieving family left behind. I deal with death on the job by being confident in my skills and knowing my partner and I did everything we could. I can keep my emotions in control by being helpful and doing what I can for the family while waiting for the coroner to arrive. I also talk to my partner or spouse if a particular call bothers me more than others."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"It is extremely frustrating when I have done everything I can to keep a patient alive. Those are the toughest times on the job, but you have to push through and learn from them. I have found death is easier to handle when providing comfort to the patient's family."
Written by Krista Wenz on November 11th, 2022