Do you aspire to work in a leadership position?

"I would like to work as a shift supervisor one day, but feel that I need t least three years experience with your company before I would feel comfortable enough to apply for the position. I worked as a server in a restaurant for three years before promoting to a managerial position. I felt it took that long to really understand what the job required. I found that I was an effective leader because I knew what was required of every position in the restaurant, and I had compassion for the employees. The previous manager mentored me and taught me how to be an effective and respected manager. I have a strong work ethic and believe in leading by example."

The interviewer is looking to see what goals you have and if you consider yourself a leader. There is no wrong answer, but explain why or why not you desire to work in a leadership position. If you wish to promote, point out some qualities you have that will make you an excellent leader.

Why should we hire you over the other applicants?

"You should hire me because I have worked as an EMT for the past eight years and love what I do. I have the knowledge and experience to bring to the community, I have a strong work ethic, and I provide excellent customer service. All of my employee reviews have been outstanding from my previous employer."

You can answer this question by describing some quality traits you have that would make the interviewer want to hire you. Make yourself stand out from the crowd by showing your enthusiasm to work for the company. If you have EMT experience, highlight your knowledge in the field. If you are a new EMT, describe how you want to gain experience and your excitement to work for this company.

Do you have anything to add?

"Yes, I would like to add that I have been doing ride-alongs with your company for the past three months while finishing EMT school. Everyone I have met with your company has been very helpful and patient with me. I am excited to have this opportunity to work for your company. And, I would like to thank each of you for your time today."

This is an excellent opportunity to add anything about yourself that was not already asked during the interview. Make sure you add relevant work experience, schooling, community service, and certifications. Do not answer that you have nothing to add. This is your last chance to sell yourself. Always end the interview by thanking the interviewers for their time.

Describe your experience working under pressure.

"I work well under pressure. I have been a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the past six months and have been on many stressful calls. I had a call last week where there was a child and dog trapped in a burning motor home. There was an extreme amount of pressure from the family and bystanders to get them out safely. Everyone was screaming at us to do something. Fortunately, we were able to knock down the fire quickly and rescue the child and dog."

Working as an EMT requires people who are good at working under pressure. If you have worked as an EMT, describe your experience working under pressure and how you handled it. If you have not yet worked as an EMT, use another experience such as working to meet a tight deadline or the pressures of a previous job.

What did you dislike the most about your previous job?

"My previous job was working in an independent living facility. I organized the residents' fitness activities and social hours. I absolutely loved working there. The only thing I disliked about the job was when family members would not visit the residents during social hours or holidays. You could tell it made them sad and it was heartbreaking to watch. So, I tried to spend extra time with the residents who did not have visitors, which cheered both of us up."

When answering this question, think about what you disliked about your last job without speaking negatively of your employer or coworkers. Describe your previous job and tell them what you disliked, but how you made the best of it. If there was nothing about the previous job you disliked, tell them that. But, most people can think of something they did not like.

What would you describe as your greatest weakness in regards to working as an EMT?

"My greatest weakness as an EMT is my lack of directional awareness. Many times I do not know if I am going north or south. I have relied on GPS for so long that I never learned my directions really well. But I am working on fixing that. On my days off, I drive the district with a friend. They will give me a destination, and I have to get them there using a map. This has also helped me learn the street names and which streets are one-way only in my district."

This type of question is often asked in interviews, but sometimes it is a general question and not specific to the job. When answering, describe your weakness, then add what you are doing to make that weakness a strength. Turn your answer into a positive rather than a negative answer.

How would you handle a complaint filed against you from a patient?

"First, I have never had a complaint filed against me, so I would be surprised. I always provide excellent customer service and treat others with the utmost respect. I would ask what the complaint was about. If I could have a meeting with the patient and supervisor so we could talk about the issue, I would be happy to do that and clear things up. If I did something wrong, I would find a way to improve in that area, so it would not happen again."

The interviewer is looking to see if you would be surprised that a complaint was filed against you and if you are sincere in your answer, or if you come across as arrogant or angry. They want to see if you can set your ego aside and admit you may have done something wrong. Think about how you would feel if you had a complaint filed against you and how you could rectify the situation.

You and your partner always seem to disagree. They constantly degrade your EMT skills, and you would like a new partner. How would you approach requesting a new partner?

"I would first talk with my partner about the way they are treating me and see if they have suggestions for improving my skills. If we could not come to an agreement and continued not to work well together, I would request to speak with my supervisor privately and request a new partner."

This question is asked to determine how you handle conflict resolution. It also shows the interviewer what type of personality you have. Some people would not say anything and avoid conflict, while others want to take care of the issue. Answer truthfully while avoiding negative remarks about your partner.

Ten years from now, where do you see yourself in your career?

"Ten years from now, I see myself as a supervisor and EMS Educator for this company. In the next few years, I will be going to paramedic school, and then I will work towards my teaching degree. I am interested in teaching public education programs and continuing education courses for the company."

The interviewer would like to see your career goals and how dedicated you will be to the company. You might have a plan of going to medical school one day, and that is fine. Or, you might see yourself as a supervisor for the company. The interviewer wants to see what motivates you and what your long-term aspirations are.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

"I would say my greatest accomplishment is graduating from EMT school at the top of my class while working full time. Between work and school, I put in 60 hour weeks for six months. I am proud of my achievement because it taught me a great deal about valuable time-management skills, prioritization, and perseverance."

You might have many accomplishments you could choose from. Pick one that is work-related and shows a quality the company values, making you desirable for the EMT position. Choose one achievement with the most significant impact.

You and your partner are on duty and go to the supermarket to buy some lunch. While shopping, a man approaches you and starts yelling at you, saying he cannot believe his tax dollars are paying for you to eat. How do you respond?

"I would listen to what the man has to say, then I would politely explain that tax dollars are not paying for us to eat. I would tell him that we pay for our meals with our money and that we work long shifts and need to eat. I would also explain that we have radios and will stop what we are doing and respond to any emergency while shopping or eating. If he were still upset after talking to him, I would give him my supervisor's information. I would then notify my supervisor of the situation."

The interviewer wants to see how you handle conflict resolution. They want to know that you can remain calm and patient with an irate citizen and that you can peacefully resolve the situation. If the citizen is still upset, explain how you would refer them to a supervisor.

Why did you leave your last job?

"My last job was working at Home Depot as a salesperson. I left six months ago to go to EMT school so I could pursue a career in EMS. I left on good terms and was told by my supervisor that they would hire me back if I ever wanted part-time work."

Interviewers want to know the reason why you left your last job. Avoid saying anything negative about your coworkers or supervisor. Many EMTs leave prior employment in a different industry to seek a new career opportunity. If leaving another EMS company, your reason might be because you were looking to work closer to home or wanted a company with a higher call volume.

What would you do if your partner seemed burned out and was increasingly rude to patients?

"I would talk to my partner in a non-confrontational manner and try to identify what they are going through. It may be that they are burned out, or it could be they have some personal issues that are affecting their work. I would explain how their rudeness makes all EMS providers look bad and see if I could do something to help them. My partner may not realize what they are doing and might need someone to point it out."

EMS providers are public servants and need to provide excellent customer service. If your partner is rude to patients, that reflects poorly on all EMS providers and especially the company you work for. The interviewer wants to see how you would approach the situation and what type of problem-solving skills you have.

Many EMTs have particular calls that affect them deeply. What would you do if you were troubled by a specific call and it was negatively affecting you?

"If I was troubled by a specific call, I would talk to my partner about it. If talking to my partner did not help, I would use the Employee Assistance Program and talk to a professional about how I was feeling. I think it is important to use someone who is trained to help in situations like this."

Many professionals in the public safety field have calls that have a negative impact on them, but they try to keep in their emotions because they do not want to look weak. It is important to not view seeking help as a sign of weakness but as a sign of strength. Interviewers want to see that you are not afraid to acknowledge a problem and ask for help.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

"I think my friends would describe me as reliable, compassionate, and hard-working. If I say I am going to do something or be somewhere, they can count on me. I am compassionate and feel that I understand what people are going through and are empathetic to their situations. I work hard and will do anything to achieve my goals."

Most people know what their friends think of them, whether it is goofy, hard-working, reliable, funny, honest, lazy, or any other words they would use to describe you. You want to pick three words that will complement a position as an EMT and elaborate why you chose those words. When an interviewer asks how your friends would describe you, one has to dig a little deeper than if they asked you to describe yourself.

What are three qualities that make a great EMT?

"I believe three qualities that make a great EMT are empathy, patience, and a calm demeanor. We are working with people who may be experiencing the worst thing that has ever happened to them. It is important as an EMT to be calm, patient, and empathetic to their situation. Without those qualities, the emergency could escalate rather than de-escalate."

Answer this question using three soft skills that make a great EMT and expand on the answer. Refrain from using answers such as being a safe driver, the ability to stay alert for long periods, or having a strong stomach at the sight of blood. Interviewers want to see human qualities that will positively reflect on the community they serve. EMTs are working with the public in moments of crisis. Describe qualities such as empathy, compassion, calm demeanor, patience, problem-solving skills, etc.

You and your partner are staging three blocks from a shooting until law enforcement says it is safe to enter. You have a person run up to your unit and say there is a person who is not breathing in a residence two doors down. What would you do?

"I would tell the person that we are calling dispatch and will be there in just one minute. If my partner were driving, I would ask them to pull up to the house while I notify dispatch. Since we were staging, I feel the person who is not breathing takes precedence, and another unit could be called to stage for the shooting."

The interviewer is looking to see what type of critical-thinking and problem-solving skills you have. An EMT's job is dynamic, and you must think on your feet while following your scope of practice and company policy. They want to see if you follow the policies and procedures or if you are more of a freelancer.

How do you stay physically fit to perform the strenuous activities involved as an EMT?

"I understand the importance of being physically fit in this profession. I stay in shape by working out at least four or five days a week, depending on my schedule. I like to run, mountain bike, and lift weights, concentrating on full-body workouts. When I have a few days off in a row, my family likes to go camping, hiking, and river rafting. I feel doing a combination of different activities keeps me in the best shape."

Working as an EMT involves many strenuous activities, and employees need to be in good shape. There is heavy medical gear to carry, patients and gurneys to lift, and patients in situations that are not always easily accessible. Explain what you do to keep yourself in top physical shape. If you do not have a fitness regime or are not in good shape now, explain how you plan on achieving your fitness goals.

Barring any calls, how would you spend your first hour on shift?

"I would relieve the EMT that was on duty the day before and get a report on the status of the ambulance. I would load any gear I needed for the shift onto the ambulance and do an inspection. I would go over all the medical gear and restock if needed. I would check the batteries in the AED, monitor and the radios, check the oxygen levels in all the tanks, and clean the ambulance and gear if needed. I would then check the fuel levels, the tires, under the hood, start the engine, and check the lights and radios. That pretty much takes up the first hour of my shift."

This is an excellent way to show your work ethic and priorities. Interviewers want to see that you take your job seriously and that patient care is your primary concern. Having your ambulance stocked, cleaned, and inspected for safety issues is the priority when starting your shift. The interviewer does not want to hear that you would have a cup of coffee and work out before inspecting your ambulance.

What would you do if your partner asks you to apply a traction splint to a patient who fractured their femur, but you forgot how the device works?

"I would discreetly tell my partner that I cannot remember how to apply the traction splint and ask them if they can do it while I assist or if they could give me another task. If I could assist, I would watch the steps they took to apply the splint to remember in the future. After the call, I would go over the steps it takes and practice until I had it etched in my mind."

It is better to tell someone you do not remember how to do something than try to do it and hurt the patient. Interviewers are looking for employees who are not afraid to admit they cannot do something and are willing to ask for help. Especially in the medical field, incorrectly doing something can be detrimental to the patient and cause lawsuits for the company and the employee.

You and your partner are stocking the ambulance when you notice them put some bandaging supplies and gloves in their personal backpack. What would you do?

"My first instinct would be to confront my partner, but I realize that is not the best course of action. I would immediately and discreetly contact my supervisor and advise them what I saw. I would leave it up to my supervisor to take care of the issue. I would not want to work with a partner who steals. If they are willing to steal from the company, I do not trust that they won't steal from a patient or from me."

Employers want to hire honest people. If your partner is taking supplies for personal use, that is considered stealing. The interviewer wants to get a sense of your ethics and if you are reliable and trustworthy. Most companies want to know immediately so the supervisor can handle the situation.

Working as an EMT is a stressful position. How do you handle stress?

"I handle stress by being physically active. My favorite ways to deal with stress are going on a long mountain bike ride or kayaking on the river. I like to bring my bike or kayak to work with me so I can exercise right after I get off shift. Those are the best ways for me to relieve stress."

It is important for EMTs to handle stressors on the job and have a way to deal with stress away from the job. Give a few examples of healthy ways you relieve stress. Do not answer that you like going to the bar with your partner after work. That might be true, but it is not a good answer in an interview.

What would you do if you were on a critical call with two patients and your paramedic partner asked you to start an IV on one of them? This is not in your scope of practice, but your partner says no one will ever know.

"I would tell my partner that I am not trained to start IVs and I could be fired and lose my certification. I would tell them I can set up the IV for them and have everything ready, but they will have to do it themselves."

The interviewer wants to see if you would be willing to do something illegal, even if no one else would ever know. Operating out of your EMT's scope of practice is illegal and can cause problems for you and your company. It is in your best interest to only do what your certification allows.

What would you do if you were working a shift and you realize your CPR card had expired?

"I would immediately call my supervisor and tell them I just realized my CPR card has expired and ask them for advice on what to do. I would then look for the earliest available CPR class or see if I could renew online."

If an EMT is working with an expired CPR card, they could be violating their company's policy of maintaining up-to-date certifications and also violating the requirements to maintain their EMT certification. Every state and county is different; however, EMTs need to track when their certificates expire and are responsible for renewing. The interviewer wants to see if you would be honest in this situation or try to get recertified without your company knowing. Honesty is always the best policy, especially in a position of serving the public.

What would you do if your paramedic partner yelled at you on a call? For example, you are setting up an IV for a patient who is having chest pain, and your partner yells at you to hurry up.

"I would not say anything to my partner about them yelling at me until after the call was over and we could talk in private. I would not yell back as I think that is unprofessional to do in front of patients and bystanders. When I am able to talk with my partner, I would tell them I did not appreciate them yelling at me, and it makes us look bad in front of our patients. I would ask my partner if there is anything they could show me to make my IV setup skills quicker. Hopefully, that would resolve the issue."

Conflict is inevitable when working in EMS. Tensions are high and stress levels are up. However, even if your partner yells at you on the scene, interviewers want to see that you can remain calm in front of patients and their families. The time for conflict resolution is after the call is over and in private.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"In five years, I see myself working as a Paramedic Supervisor for this company. I plan on going to paramedic school next year and want to work for about three years to gain the skills and knowledge to apply for a supervisory position. From other paramedics I have talked with, they said it took a good two the three years before they felt confident in their skills."

Interviewers are looking for your career goals and aspirations. Most want to see if you desire to advance your career in their company or move on somewhere else. Many EMTs aspire to become paramedics or firefighters, and interviewers understand that. On the other hand, they may be hesitant to hire you if you only plan on working for them for a short time.

Other than in your EMT training, have you ever assisted someone who was experiencing an emergency?

"I have assisted people several times in an emergency. The most memorable was about a year ago when I was kayaking on the river. I heard people screaming from the shore and saw they were pointing at a child in the water. I paddled over to the child, who was face down in the water and not moving. I pulled him into my boat and paddled to shore. I started CPR while the parents called 911. The parents did not know how to swim, so they were afraid to go into the water. I performed CPR for about two or three minutes, and the child started breathing. It sure was an exciting moment when he coughed up some water and took a breath."

If you have never assisted someone who was experiencing an emergency, no problem, be honest. If you have, describe the experience and what you did to help. The interviewer is looking at your demeanor when explaining the situation and how excitable you might become. It is not bad to be animated, but not overly so. The interviewer wants to see that you can remain calm in an emergency.

Why do you want to work for this company?

"I want to work for this company because you offer advanced training and educational incentives to your employees, which appeals to me. I want to go to paramedic school in the next two years, and I like that you support your employees' goals. I desire to work for this company because you have a high retention rate, which shows this is a great company to work for."

The interviewer wants to see what research you have done about the company. List the top reasons their agency appeals to you. The wages or benefits might be more appealing than other companies, but that is not the best answer to give. Explain compelling reasons why you have chosen their company over others.

What have you done to prepare for the EMT position?

"I completed my EMT program through XYZ College one month ago, and just received my National Registry certification. Before entering the program, I received my CPR and First Aid training through the American Red Cross. While going to EMT school, I rode along once a week with AMR to gain field experience. The Paramedics and EMTs were very helpful and let me assist with vitals, splinting and bandaging, administering oxygen, and setting up IVs."

Give any relative background, including courses you have taken, certifications you have, volunteer work, and ride-alongs. You might be a new EMT with no prior work history. That is fine; everyone starts somewhere. Whether you are a new or seasoned EMT, show you have done your research on the company you are interviewing with. That is part of preparing for the EMT position.

Why do you want to work as an EMT?

"I have wanted to work as an EMT ever since I was involved in a car accident when I first got my driver's license. I was t-boned in the driver's side of my truck and rolled over an embankment. I was upside down for about ten minutes before help arrived, and the first person on the scene was an EMT who stopped to help on her day off. I had never been in an accident, and she kept me calm. She stopped the bleeding to my head and made sure I didn't move. She even called my mom from her phone since mine was lost. Since then, I decided I wanted to learn the skills and become an EMT to help others like she helped me."

Give an answer that reflects working with patients or the desire to work in emergency medicine. If you have a relative or friend that inspired you, let the interviewer know. If you had an experience where you were the patient or another experience that led you on this career path, explain that situation. Refrain from answering because you like the schedule, you want to drive fast, or you want to get dates, even if those are your reasons. Interviewers want to see someone genuinely interested in helping others without sounding cliche.

EMT Interview Questions

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1. Do you aspire to work in a leadership position?
2. Why should we hire you over the other applicants?
3. Do you have anything to add?
4. Describe your experience working under pressure.
5. What did you dislike the most about your previous job?
6. What would you describe as your greatest weakness in regards to working as an EMT?
7. How would you handle a complaint filed against you from a patient?
8. You and your partner always seem to disagree. They constantly degrade your EMT skills, and you would like a new partner. How would you approach requesting a new partner?
9. Ten years from now, where do you see yourself in your career?
10. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
11. You and your partner are on duty and go to the supermarket to buy some lunch. While shopping, a man approaches you and starts yelling at you, saying he cannot believe his tax dollars are paying for you to eat. How do you respond?
12. Why did you leave your last job?
13. What would you do if your partner seemed burned out and was increasingly rude to patients?
14. Many EMTs have particular calls that affect them deeply. What would you do if you were troubled by a specific call and it was negatively affecting you?
15. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
16. What are three qualities that make a great EMT?
17. You and your partner are staging three blocks from a shooting until law enforcement says it is safe to enter. You have a person run up to your unit and say there is a person who is not breathing in a residence two doors down. What would you do?
18. How do you stay physically fit to perform the strenuous activities involved as an EMT?
19. Barring any calls, how would you spend your first hour on shift?
20. What would you do if your partner asks you to apply a traction splint to a patient who fractured their femur, but you forgot how the device works?
21. You and your partner are stocking the ambulance when you notice them put some bandaging supplies and gloves in their personal backpack. What would you do?
22. Working as an EMT is a stressful position. How do you handle stress?
23. What would you do if you were on a critical call with two patients and your paramedic partner asked you to start an IV on one of them? This is not in your scope of practice, but your partner says no one will ever know.
24. What would you do if you were working a shift and you realize your CPR card had expired?
25. What would you do if your paramedic partner yelled at you on a call? For example, you are setting up an IV for a patient who is having chest pain, and your partner yells at you to hurry up.
26. Where do you see yourself in five years?
27. Other than in your EMT training, have you ever assisted someone who was experiencing an emergency?
28. Why do you want to work for this company?
29. What have you done to prepare for the EMT position?
30. Why do you want to work as an EMT?

EMT Interview Questions

1. Do you aspire to work in a leadership position?

2. Why should we hire you over the other applicants?

3. Do you have anything to add?

4. Describe your experience working under pressure.

5. What did you dislike the most about your previous job?

6. What would you describe as your greatest weakness in regards to working as an EMT?

7. How would you handle a complaint filed against you from a patient?

8. You and your partner always seem to disagree. They constantly degrade your EMT skills, and you would like a new partner. How would you approach requesting a new partner?

9. Ten years from now, where do you see yourself in your career?

10. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

11. You and your partner are on duty and go to the supermarket to buy some lunch. While shopping, a man approaches you and starts yelling at you, saying he cannot believe his tax dollars are paying for you to eat. How do you respond?

12. Why did you leave your last job?

13. What would you do if your partner seemed burned out and was increasingly rude to patients?

14. Many EMTs have particular calls that affect them deeply. What would you do if you were troubled by a specific call and it was negatively affecting you?

15. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

16. What are three qualities that make a great EMT?

17. You and your partner are staging three blocks from a shooting until law enforcement says it is safe to enter. You have a person run up to your unit and say there is a person who is not breathing in a residence two doors down. What would you do?

18. How do you stay physically fit to perform the strenuous activities involved as an EMT?

19. Barring any calls, how would you spend your first hour on shift?

20. What would you do if your partner asks you to apply a traction splint to a patient who fractured their femur, but you forgot how the device works?

21. You and your partner are stocking the ambulance when you notice them put some bandaging supplies and gloves in their personal backpack. What would you do?

22. Working as an EMT is a stressful position. How do you handle stress?

23. What would you do if you were on a critical call with two patients and your paramedic partner asked you to start an IV on one of them? This is not in your scope of practice, but your partner says no one will ever know.

24. What would you do if you were working a shift and you realize your CPR card had expired?

25. What would you do if your paramedic partner yelled at you on a call? For example, you are setting up an IV for a patient who is having chest pain, and your partner yells at you to hurry up.

26. Where do you see yourself in five years?

27. Other than in your EMT training, have you ever assisted someone who was experiencing an emergency?

28. Why do you want to work for this company?

29. What have you done to prepare for the EMT position?

30. Why do you want to work as an EMT?