30 NHS Band 3 Emergency Care Assistant Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our NHS Band 3 Emergency Care Assistant interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Compatibility
1. One of the NHS's core values is "working together for patients." In what ways do you promote teamwork and collaboration?
How to Answer
The NHS leadership team promotes collaboration and teamwork as core values. As an emergency care assistant on the team, you will work alongside paramedics, dispatch, police officers, nurses, physicians, and other NHS team members. When healthcare team members work together for the good of their patients, the quality of care and outcomes improve significantly. Think about ways you support other staff. Describe how you promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace and support these core values.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"The job can be very stressful, and I feel it's important to have strong relationships with those you work with and spend so much time with. I promote teamwork by being willing to jump in and help others complete their tasks or admin paperwork each shift and help train new hires if they need assistance. I also promote effective communication at work by sharing critical information with others and actively listening during training and team meetings. When we're on the scene, I work with other professionals to ensure the scene is safe, the patient is cared for, and all the responsibilities of the team are completed successfully."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Compatibility
2. This position often requires you to work irregular hours and schedule patterns. What is your availability?
How to Answer
Before answering questions about your availability, you should have an idea of the requirements of the position. If you haven't gathered the information from the job posting or description, now is a good time to confirm what is required if you join the NHS. Consider asking the interviewer what their expectations are; for example, are the shifts 8,10 or 12 hours, etc., and are weekends required? If their schedule expectations won't work for you, consider what you can offer instead and see if you can meet in the middle. It's much easier to discuss these things in the interview to make sure it aligns with both the organisation's needs as well as your own personal needs.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 5th, 2023
Answer Example
"In the job description, I read that it is a 37.5-hour-per-week position. Given the nature of the job, I understand that, in addition, I may be asked to come in early, stay late to cover a shift, work off shifts, weekends, and holidays. I prefer to work the evening shift; however, I am flexible and am able to work various shifts and extra hours as needed."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 2nd, 2023
Compatibility
3. What are three skills you possess that help you be successful as an ECA?
How to Answer
Emergency care assistants must possess many technical, interpersonal, and soft skills to be effective and successful within the NHS. Review the job description and note keywords like "compassionate, team-oriented, able to perform under pressure, etc., to give you an idea of the specific skills the interviewer is looking for. In your response, provide a mix of the value you bring to the team through your technical skills, personality, experiences, and soft skills.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 5th, 2023
Answer Example
"Given that I have several years of experience as an ECA, I am able to assess and understand a situation quickly. Time is always of the essence, so arriving on the scene and quickly forming a plan of action or care helps me succeed each day. Another skill I possess is the ability to remain calm in a stressful situation. Again, having been an ECA for so long, I have been exposed to hundreds of intense, high-pressure situations. I'm not easily rattled, and I have found that the calmer I am, the more calm the patient tends to be, and they trust in my ability to assist and care for them. I'm also resilient in dealing with other people's extreme emotions. I know I'm usually the first to a scene where someone is injured, so they or their loved ones are often hysterical, panicked, or afraid. I always try to put myself in their shoes to understand their perspective better, and I'm able to help them remain calm, and if they are upset, I never take anything they say personally. My job is to help them, no matter what, so I focus on the situation and tasks rather than becoming upset by their strong emotions."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 2nd, 2023
Competency
4. What strategies do you use to keep calm in emergency situations?
How to Answer
Being an ECA is a stressful job as oftentimes you're responding to calls that are very intense and life-threatening situations. It's important that you're able to facilitate a safe and successful patient contact and in order to do so you must remain calm and in control. Share with the interviewer some techniques or strategies you use in high-pressure situations to remain calm for your team, patients, and others on the scene.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I always try to relax the patient's environment. When I arrive on scene, I try to quickly determine how I can remove stimuli from the area to help de-escalate the situation or patient. For example, if there is a bystander who is causing chaos and negative emotions, I try to remove them from the scene. Or perhaps there are a lot of flashing lights and music or background noise that I can try to reduce to help keep our team, and the patients calm.
I try to exclude calm and collected so that my patients feel reassured. When I'm calm, it helps me reorient and refocus the patient on what we're doing and reduces the chances they will panic. I speak to them directly, in a calm voice, and I maintain eye contact with them while explaining who I am, why I'm there, and what I am going to do to help them."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Competency
5. What leadership qualities do you possess?
How to Answer
The NHS values leadership qualities in all employees, not just current managers. Think about a time you were in a leadership position or suddenly asked to step in and cover in a leadership capacity. This could be in the workplace, in a volunteer role, on a sports team, or school project. Share the situation in which you were leading, discuss what you enjoyed about the experience, and any positive outcomes that were a result of your leadership.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I'm often the first to step up when called upon to fill in for a supervisor or take charge of a situation if supervisors are tied up with another call. I'm competent in my skill set and have no problem teaching and mentoring others. I regularly demonstrate strong ethics and integrity in the work each day, and I have strong-decision making skills, along with quick problem-solving skills. I'm able to communicate effectively with other employees and with those that I interact with in the public."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Competency
6. How do you provide compassionate care in the community?
How to Answer
All healthcare organisations, the NHS included, value and promote compassionate care for patients, whether it be in emergency care, clinics, care homes, etc. Compassion can be shown to patients in several ways, such as going the extra mile to ensure they are comfortable, building trusting relationships with them and their families, or showing genuine interest when interacting. Gives ways, big or small, that you demonstrate compassion to your patients in the workplace.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"Emergency care assistants are often the first team members patients meet and interact with, so first impressions are important. I try to relate to patients and their families by listening to their situation, empathizing, and striving to understand their emotions and what has occurred that led to this event we're responding to. It can be a very stressful time for patients and their families or friends, so I want to reduce their anxiety and demonstrate that I genuinely care about them and their well-being, and I'll do all that I can to help them. My motto is to always treat my patients like I'd want my family member to be treated."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Competency
7. How would you describe your interpersonal skills?
How to Answer
Employers like the NHS value interpersonal skills like communication, conflict management, empathy, compassion, and patience. Working with the public can be challenging if a patient or family member is upset about a situation. As an emergency care assistant, you may be the first person on the scene and interact with people. To succeed in this role, you must possess strong interpersonal skills, effectively build relationships, and ensure each person you interact with has a positive experience while at the NHS.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"Over the years, I have found ways to overcome the challenges of working with the public. When a patient is angry or frustrated, I try to remember not to take it personally; that helps me react without involving my emotions. Seeking to understand the root cause of their frustration, anxiety or fear, and being genuine in my interest in assisting them often makes a difference in their attitude and approach. I'm a good listener, and sometimes, that is all a person needs to be de-escalated. I'm always focused on the patient experience and go out of my way to have a positive attitude and approach situations with an open mind and patience. I can effectively communicate, and I do my best to reassure those I am working with that I am there to help them and will do all I can to help them."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Competency
8. How do you keep yourself safe on the job?
How to Answer
As an emergency care assistant, you will likely respond to a number of 999 calls that could put you and your patients in danger if you're not alert and aware. Discuss specific ways that you protect yourself on the job. Be sure to mention if you've received any prior training on ways to be safe on the job.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"It's important to always assess the situation for threats and hazards. For example, if it's an active shooter scene, you must be alert and aware. If you're responding to a drug overdose, it's important to be on alert for syringes or other paraphernalia that could cause harm. I wear proper PPE (gloves, goggles, mask, etc.) as needed to protect myself from physical and biohazards. As an ECA, we receive a lot of training on keeping safe on the job, and I'm always sure to follow best practices, policies, and guidelines to keep myself, the team, and my patients safe."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Competency
9. In the last year, how frequently have you called off work?
How to Answer
The NHS relies on employees to be at work so that shifts are staffed, emergency calls can be responded to, and patients can be cared for. The interviewer wants to know that you are a reliable person and they will not have to constantly find coverage for your shifts. Discuss your commitment to the company and speak to times you've had to call out of work in the past. If you don't have work experience, think about times you've missed class, internships, or other volunteer responsibilities. No matter the situation, demonstrate that you handle these types of situations with professionalism.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"Since this is my first job, I do not have prior work history to share with you. I have held responsibilities in a volunteer capacity in the past and also attended school full-time, and I took those commitments seriously. I rarely missed class, and if I did, it was once or twice a year because I was not feeling well. In my volunteer role, I understood that anytime I would miss an event or project, it created a heavy burden for others, so I did not call out from my responsibilities."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 7th, 2023
Competency
10. How do you deal with conflict in the workplace?
How to Answer
It's normal to occasionally experience conflict in the workplace, especially when working with people daily. As an emergency care assistant, you will likely work with many other healthcare professionals, so you must have well-developed interpersonal skills. Give the interviewer an example of a time you experienced conflict in the workplace and describe the situation, how you approached it or addressed it, and what the outcome was. Refrain from speaking negatively about past coworkers and focus on the positives of the situation.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"If a conflict arose, I would address the person directly. I would focus on the situation, facts, and events that led to the conflict. I would share my thoughts, identify areas of agreement and disagreement, and I would listen carefully as the other person did the same. During this conversation, I would keep a positive tone and remain respectful and professional. I would work with this person to discuss possible resolutions and areas where we could compromise to find an acceptable solution. If we were unable to come to a resolution, I would see if we could find a third party to help mediate, or I would discuss the next steps with my manager."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 5th, 2023
Competency
11. How does the team ensure a smooth handoff to the hospital?
How to Answer
A lot can occur from the time you arrive on the scene to the time the patient is received at the hospital. It's critical that the emergency care team passes along all acquired information to the hospital for continuity of care. Describe your process and communication as you wrap up with a patient and hand over responsibilities to the hospital staff.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"It's very important that we conduct a thorough handoff of patients from our care to the hospital team. We first share the chief complaint along with signs and symptoms and vitals. We also describe the scene and any factors that could have contributed to the illness or injury, along with details of the rescue and treatment en route. A summary of their care interventions, patient responses, and other observations should be shared so the hospital receiving team has a full understanding of what's occurred up until then. We also make sure we answer all questions and get our documentation in order and signatures needed before departing."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Competency
12. Being an ECA can be very stressful. How do you manage the stress of the job?
How to Answer
The interviewer is being transparent about the environment as an emergency care assistant at the NHS and wants to know that you can be successful in this type of fast-paced setting. They want to hear that you will be able to handle the pressure and that you have experience dealing with stress in the workplace. Describe some techniques that you use to manage stress at work and give examples, if possible.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I thrive in a fast-paced environment, and that's the type of setting I currently work in. I find that keeping myself organized week to week and having a solid understanding of my tasks and priorities on each response call helps reduce stress levels. Working with the emotions of the public all day can be stressful, so I make sure that I'm not letting their emotions impact me or my performance negatively. I take proactive steps to manage stress in the workplace. I set realistic expectations for myself and am not afraid to ask for help when needed. During my shift, I try to take at least one break to recharge and de-stress for a few moments. I've also found it helpful to talk to a friend or loved one if I'm feeling overwhelmed by emotional situations or sad events from the day. I'm pretty level-headed, and it takes a lot to upset my balance, so I'm confident I would be successful in another fast-paced environment such as this."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Competency
13. Tell me about your last performance review.
How to Answer
The NHS is focused on hiring top talent, and this question provides the interview with some insight from your most recent performance feedback. Think about your last formal appraisal; if your company did not conduct them, think about conversations you may have had informally with your manager or supervisor. Discuss what strengths your manager recognised and what significant milestones or accomplishments were highlighted. The NHS values customer service, compassion, commitment to excellence, and a passion for caring for others. Think about how you can tie your areas of strength and achievement to the role you're applying for and the company's core values.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"My previous manager did quarterly evaluations, and during this time, the employees would self-evaluate, and then the manager would evaluate and rate us as well. In my most recent evaluation, I received an "exceeds expectations" rating, and my manager commended me on my ability to take charge in high-pressure situations and my ability to calm and reassure patients on scene. They also rated me highly in critical thinking and problem-solving abilities."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Discovery
14. How did you hear about this opening?
How to Answer
Interviewers often ask this question to find out if you know anyone who works there and if you don't, it helps them better understand where candidates are seeing their jobs posted (Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc.). Be honest about where you saw the position and you can also add in what motivated you to apply.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I saw the job posted on Indeed, and after reading the job description I felt like I would be a great fit for what you're looking for and decided to apply."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Discovery
15. What questions do you have for me?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the NHS website and other online resources to ensure the questions you are asking are not basic ones that could easily be researched online. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from merely watching a video on their company site.
Actively listen during the interview and ask any follow-up questions you might have based on what the interviewer has said. Consider asking follow-up questions about the interviewer, the company, the position itself, and when you can expect feedback from the interview.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"Thank you for the opportunity to ask questions. You answered many of them throughout the interview, but I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about what the onboarding, orientation, and training process would look like if given the position. Also, how soon are you looking for the candidate to start?"
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 7th, 2023
Discovery
16. How do you like to be recognized for the work that you do?
How to Answer
Employers like the NHS want to ensure their employees feel recognized and rewarded for their achievements. When employees feel recognized, morale and performance are boosted. Each individual has different preferences regarding how they like to be recognized, so be honest and genuine in your response. Consider various ways recognition is given (public praise in a staff meeting, a private email or chat from your manager, monetary rewards, employee of the month, etc.) and include those you enjoy receiving.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"I value kind words, and when someone takes the time to send me a handwritten note or email, whether a manager, coworker, patient, or family member. I also appreciate public recognition, like a shout-out during a team meeting or a blurb in a company newsletter. I also appreciate it when someone asks me to teach someone else something. I think that's the highest form of flattery and recognition!"
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 7th, 2023
Discovery
17. What might cause you to feel dissatisfied in the workplace?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to discover more about what makes you feel valued and content in the workplace and what factors might lead you to feel dissatisfied. Consider factors like engagement, recognition and rewards, work-life balance, compensation, and motivation. When answering this question, be concise and try to maintain a positive tone.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"I prefer a work environment where feedback is provided on a regular basis. I like to know how I'm doing and if I'm meeting expectations, and I appreciate constructive feedback if there are areas that I could improve. I can feel dissatisfied if I'm not receiving that feedback from my manager more often than in a yearly performance review. I avoid this happening by being open and honest with my manager and communicating regularly."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 7th, 2023
Discovery
18. Where do you see yourself in the next 2-3 years?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to understand your ambitions and desired career trajectory. Respond with the ways that you would like to see your career flourish. If you aren't interested in eventually pursuing a management role, speak to how you want to grow and expand other skill sets or continue your education. If you have researched a specific career path or are interested in a particular leadership role, express that area of interest in your response.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"At this point in my career, I am really focused on finding a stable and reputable organisation to be a part of where I can build on and expand my knowledge and experience. At this time, I do not have any aspirations of moving into any other roles, but once I master the skills as an ECA, I would be open to exploring additional responsibilities and opportunities down the road within the NHS."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Discovery
19. What motivates you to do the job of the emergency care assistant every day?
How to Answer
Being an ECA is a tough job and it takes a special person to do the work required. The interviewer wants to know what drives you to come to work every day and give it your best. Give a genuine answer about why you're passionate about the role.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I love being the first person to interact with a patient who has just experienced an accident, injury, or illness. It's an opportunity to provide comfort, support, reassurance, and care to not only them but also to other family, friends, or strangers who may be on the scene. As an ECA, the team and I can provide relief and comfort to those who need it while we transition them to the hospital or other destinations as necessary. I give the job my best every day because the lives of others depend on it."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Discovery
20. What challenges do you anticipate in this role?
How to Answer
The interviewer at the NHS wants to hear that you understand the job description and are capable of navigating challenges at work. To build their confidence in your ability, discuss the challenges you expect based on your knowledge of the position and your experience. Remember, challenges can be exciting! Consider offering up an example of how you have anticipated and dealt with challenges in a new role in the past.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I think any person joining a new team faces an initial challenge of getting to know their team members and leaders and then starting to build a trusting relationship with each quickly. It's important to tackle the learning aspect from a technical standpoint but also make sure you focus on building relationships with new team members as in this role, you'll be working so closely with one another in high-pressure situations. I plan to come in with a positive attitude that shows my new team that I'm excited to join their team, learn from them, and work together to achieve common goals of caring for patients in their critical time of need."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Discovery
21. What do you know about the NHS?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see if you've taken the time to research the NHS and learn more about why they do what they do, their mission, and their core values. Demonstrate that you're being intentional about applying to organisations you're interested in and not just any job that's posted. Take the time to speak about what you've read about the NHS, its leadership team, its mission, what they value, and the patients they serve. Perhaps you know someone who works there, or maybe you've been a patient of theirs in the past. If so, share that experience! Also, being able to speak to any specific awards or achievements the NHS has earned is an added bonus!
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 2nd, 2023
Answer Example
"I understand that the NHS is the umbrella term for publicly funded healthcare systems in the UK and is also the largest employer. This means that the NHS belongs to the citizens and is there to support them physically and mentally. Patients are treated on an as-needed basis instead of their ability to pay for care, so no one is neglected because of their financial hardship. I feel that I personally align well with the NHS values of respect and dignity, commitment to quality care, compassion, improving the lives of others, and working together for patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 2nd, 2023
Discovery
22. Are you familiar with the NHS's six core values?
How to Answer
The NHS places a great emphasis on their NHS Constitution, which contains their guiding values and principles. The interviewer will likely ask a question to test your knowledge of the six core values, as it will be an expectation that you demonstrate them if offered a position. These are important to know so that you can weave your alignment into not only this answer but also other relevant questions throughout the interview.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 2nd, 2023
Answer Example
"I'm very familiar with the NHS Constitution and the guiding principles and values. The six core values include respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, working together for patients, and the belief that everyone counts. I align with all these core values of the NHS and live them out each day in the work that I do as an ECA. These values allow us to have a standard expectation and drive quality and excellence in care."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 2nd, 2023
Discovery
23. What types of hobbies do you enjoy in your personal time?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to get to know more about you and the things you enjoy outside of work. Share a couple of hobbies that you enjoy. Avoid giving too many personal details (marital status, how many children you have, your religion, etc.), and try to keep your answer relatively brief.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"In my off time, I love to spend time outdoors fishing, hiking, or bicycling. These are a big stress reliever for me and help me decompress after a long shift or long week. Taking time for myself to unwind and recharge helps keep me from feeling burnt out."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Discovery
24. What made you decide to become an emergency care assistant?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about why you chose the healthcare industry and, more specifically, emergency care assistant as a career. This question is very personal, so briefly give the interviewer some insight into what motivated you to pursue becoming an ECA. Perhaps you interacted with a paramedic in the past, and that interaction led to your decision, or maybe you have family or friends who have been nurses or other clinicians, and they inspired you. If you have a unique story that led to your decision, feel free to share that and give a meaningful answer demonstrating your passion for the field.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 2nd, 2023
Answer Example
"I've always had an interest in healthcare and helping others, and after graduating, I felt called to become an ECA. I'm a very active, high-energy person, so I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could be out in the field and not always behind a desk. I have always thrived in a fast-paced environment and enjoy challenges and adventures, so this path has been a natural fit. I was born and raised here, and I am passionate about helping those in the community, so as I explored the ECA career path, I found it a great choice to give back to others."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 5th, 2023
Experience
25. What does your typical day as an ECA look like?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to discover more about your day-to-day roles, responsibilities, structure, and pace. If you are coming from another healthcare organisation, it's likely similar to what would be required in the position with the NSH; however, it's important to describe in detail what your activities look like. Consider whether you spend time maintaining equipment or inventory, responding to motor vehicle accidents, caring for patients, communicating with patients family and friends, etc. Read the job description thoroughly, and discuss the areas of responsibility you have experience in and perform daily. Keep a positive tone as you describe what your current role entails each day, and refrain from complaining about certain duties or feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 5th, 2023
Answer Example
"Each day brings new adventures. Working alongside a paramedic, I help provide patients with life-saving care on-site and en route to the hospital. I support scenes of accidents or emergencies and carry out responsibilities like controlling severe bleeding, caring for patients with skeletal injuries, treating wounds and fractures, using a defibrillator to resuscitate patients with heart failure, and more. From an administrative perspective, I check the emergency vehicle at the start and end of every shift to ensure it is clean, has fuel, and is stocked with the necessary supplies. Throughout my shift, I complete paperwork and use communication equipment (radios and telephones) to work with my colleagues, manager, police officers, and hospital staff."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 5th, 2023
Experience
26. How have your past experiences prepared you for this role?
How to Answer
The interviewer is trying to understand more about how your previous education, training, and on-the-job experience have prepared you for this role with the NHS. Describe your experiences and be specific about the types of 999 calls you responded to and what types of injuries you are used to seeing and treating. Assure the interviewer that you feel well prepared to join their team.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"In my previous role as an ECA, we would respond to 999 calls for car accidents, home injuries, suicide attempts, illness, and more, so I'm used to high-pressure situations. I have experience carrying out essential emergency care like controlling severe bleeding, treating wounds, burns and fractures and caring for patients with major spinal injuries. My experience in this type of role in the past leaves me feeling well-prepared and confident that I will succeed in this role and as part of your team at the NHS."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Situational
27. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be tardy or absent from your shift?
How to Answer
The NHS is looking for reliable employees with good attendance habits. The interviewer is trying to discover more about the value you place on timeliness and accountability in the workplace. Give an example that will demonstrate your commitment to your shifts and how you would communicate with your manager in the event you were going to be late to work.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I am an extremely reliable employee and have not been late to work in the year and a half I've been at my current company. I understand the negative impact that being late or absent can have on the team and on patients who need care in the community. If I were going to be late for some reason or if I was ill and could not make my shift, I would notify my manager immediately."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Situational
28. Tell me about a time you had to rescue a patient from an area that was difficult to access.
How to Answer
999 calls vary, and it's not uncommon to receive a call with a patient that needs rescued deep in a woods or forest, down in a ditch or ravine, or even in the water. The interviewer would like to better understand your experience dealing with these types of situations. Give an example of a time you were part of a difficult rescue and share a little about the situation and your role in the rescue.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"I was once part of a team that responded to a car accident, and the person had gone down into a deep ditch surrounded by trees and was stuck in their vehicle. We all had to put on proper gear to be able to climb down in the ditch with as much equipment as we could to stabilize the patient. We ended up having to use a hydraulic rescue tool, but thankfully the patient was conscious and did not have life-threatening injuries. It was a four-hour rescue and was very intense, but we were able to each work together to complete different tasks to ensure the patient was safe and able to be extracted to get to the hospital."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Situational
29. Tell me about a mistake you made or witnessed as an ECA.
How to Answer
At the NHS, integrity is held in the highest regard. While we are all human and make mistakes, the key to this question for your interviewer is how you handle the aftermath of a mistake to make things right. Your interviewer will be looking for you to own up to your mistake and do what it takes to correct it. Use a specific example and describe how you handled the situation and any lessons that you learned moving forward to prevent it from happening again. In the end, you want to ensure your interviewer that you would join the team at the NHS with the utmost integrity and accountability in your work.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"We once responded to a call where a gentleman was having a blood pressure of 210/170 and mild chest pains. We assessed him and determined he may be having a cardiac issue, so nitroglycerine was administered. His condition quickly deteriorated as he developed a very excruciating headache. Once at the hospital, it was determined that he was not having a cardiac issue, and when you take nitroglycerine and do not need it, it often causes a very bad headache. This was one of those situations where we didn't know the person's medical history and were trying to make a decision with limited information while weighing the benefits and risks. It is better to be safe than sorry sometimes, but in this case, it did negatively impact the patient. Our team did a refresher training on when to use nitroglycerine and when to hold off on making that call in the future."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Situational
30. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult family member on scene.
How to Answer
As an emergency care assistant at the NHS, you will frequently interact with the public, whether that's a patient, friend, bystander, or family member. They may be frustrated about response times or even just the situation at hand. Whatever the reason they are agitated or frustrated, it's crucial to demonstrate that you can handle these stressful situations with compassion and professionalism. The interviewer wants to understand how you would handle a challenging situation and how you react under pressure. In your answer, include aspects like customer service skills, critical thinking, patience, communication skills, empathy, and your ability to resolve conflicts. Give an example of a time you dealt with a difficult person on the job and describe the situation and how you resolved the conflict.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023
Answer Example
"Our team had responded to a call where an infant was having seizures. The child did not have a previous history of seizures, and the mother was very frantic and panicking and would not allow us to take the child from her. It took several minutes, but I was able to assure her that we were there to help the baby, and she finally gave the baby to us to treat. It's hard for parents to trust us sometimes as complete strangers, so in these situations, we have to rely on our communication and interpersonal skills to guide the situation. I kept reassuring her that the baby was in good hands and that we were going to do all we could for it. I was also able to give her instructions on where to meet us at the hospital, and she was able to calm down and follow us to the facility."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 15th, 2023