If you were to see a peer resident having difficulty with an emergency procedure (e.g., blood gas retrieval, chest tube placement, intubation, etc.), how would you respond?

"That depends on the situation, of course. For example, getting arterial blood gases can be part of a routine diagnostic approach, or it may be time-sensitive. Things like intubation are always an emergency, and failure to accomplish it not only deprives the patient of its benefits--getting oxygen and preventing aspiration -- but can also traumatize the airway with inflammatory swelling or bleeding, which can cause morbidity later. In situations like this, I owe it to my peer to allow a trial of the procedure, but when I see the patient is in jeopardy because of failure to accomplish such a life-saving procedure, it is my responsibility to politely request to try. For a simple procedure that a peer was struggling with, I would take time after our shift to see if they want to learn about it more."

Make it clear to your interviewers that you would be willing to step in and help if the situation was dire enough to call for it if you knew how to successfully handle the procedure. Then, discuss your ability to educate your peers clearly and concisely.

"I would go up to them and ask if they would like any help. Each of us at one point or another may struggle with a particular task, but we are a team and it is important to help one another."

"I would first let them know that I was present with them and ask if there was anything I could do to make their task easier. If they still struggled or failed, I would offer advice on ways I had previously been successful or had seen others be successful in that procedure. However, if at any point the patient's life was at risk, I would ask an attending physician to assist or would ask to do the procedure myself if I was more experienced or competent at the procedure."