Paramedic Interview Questions

List of 30 Paramedic Interview Questions & Answers

To view our answers examples, please upgrade.

1. 1.

   24/7 operations are like relay races where you take the baton, run with it and then pass it on smoothly. How do you make a seamless transition at shift change?

   How to Answer

   Explain to the interviewer that you are consistent and follow through. These qualities are essential. Listing off your routine tasks before and after shifts will also reassure your interviewer that you are familiar and comfortable with these transitions.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "I am consistent in completing my reports, communicating with the hospital staff, and ensuring I have done every test and procedure before passing off a patient. In the same way, I make sure the ambulance is cleaned and stocked for the next shift so that they have everything they will need."

2. 2.

   What are a few characteristics you think a paramedic needs to have?

   How to Answer

   In thinking about the nature of the job, try to focus on the key qualities that make a good paramedic. Sound judgment, passion for medicine, and a love for helping people are all important qualities. Dedication, reliability, and intelligence are also essential. As you prepare for this interview, create a list of qualities that correspond to the responsibilities of the job description. For example, filling out patient care reports requires a person to be detail-oriented and consistent. Assessing patients and identifying the next steps requires knowledge and good judgment.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "I think a paramedic needs to have good communication and delegation skills. I've found that when I can communicate clearly with my patients and coworkers, it makes the stressful situation flow much better. When I delegate tasks to my partner or other first responders, the call runs smoothly and efficiently."

3. 3.

   How would you handle a situation where a patient has expired, and you have to cover their body and wheel them into the ambulance while a crowd of people watch?

   How to Answer

   This is a tough scenario. It could be highly emotional and challenging, depending on the crowd. The interviewer wants to see how you would react and if you have experienced a situation with a similar level of difficulty. Depending on what you have been through on the job, you may be able to relate.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "Losing a patient is the most difficult aspect of the job for me. But in the same way that I stay focused while stabilizing and treating a patient, I would handle this type of situation by focusing on going through the process and keeping my calm."

4. 4.

   How do you fill downtime in this job?

   How to Answer

   Depending on your shift, you may need to rest or even sleep. If you want to stay alert during your calls, you'll need to come back to a place of calm. Express to your interviewer that you use your downtime wisely. Let your interviewer know that you understand how valuable your time is. You never know what to expect. You may only have a few minutes between calls, so take a few deep breaths and practice self-care to do an optimal job with the next patient.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "I use my downtime to relax, work on my hobbies, and spend time with my family."

5. 5.

   Have you ever suggested an improvement that was put into practice in the prehospital care field?

   How to Answer

   If you haven't made a suggestion that was implemented, don't worry about blowing this answer. Tell the interviewer how you started doing things in a different way or with a different attitude. The interviewer wants to know more about your problem-solving and leadership capabilities. Tell the interviewer about the standard way of completing a report, and you have found a better way to complete it. Show how you are proactive in setting the standard for excellence on your shift.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "Just last month, I presented a new way to build the schedule to my boss. My boss appreciated my insight and motivation and implemented my suggestion. We've been working on my new schedule for the past month, and it has been going very well."

6. 6.

   How do you build relationships when you join a new team?

   How to Answer

   In an office environment, many get away with being antisocial or having superficial relationships with co-workers. In emergency medicine, you don't have that option. You'll get a crash course on each of the individuals you work with, and by necessity, you'll learn how to work with them. Your interviewer wants to know that you're the type of person who will make the first move to build and mend relationships on the job. There can be miscommunication and confusion on the job in the midst of handling crises. Describe what you do to ensure optimal cooperation and teamwork.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "When I join a new team, I like to introduce myself and ask a few questions about the person I am talking to. I like to get to know something about every team member, such as how long they have worked for the company, the call volume, and what they like about the area they serve. I think a great way to build professional relationships is to understand that everyone has something to learn from one another."

7. 7.

   Tell me about your experience working in teams.

   How to Answer

   The interviewer wants to know that you are a team player and that you have experience working in team environments. Share an example from work or school that shows you enjoy working with others. Be sure to let the interviewer know if you've been a leader of a team.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.

   1 Community Answer

   Anonymous Answer

   "Throughout my 3 years of ambulance placement as a student paramedic, I have had 3 different paramedic mentors all with no fixed crew mate meaning we worked with different people almost every shift, this hugely helped me to develop my skill of rapidly reading how other people work in different ways and allow myself to fit into work effectively with them in a team. Another example of when I have worked in a team is when I was in explorers, we held multiple camping weekends every year for adults and children with learning disabilities. We all worked together as a team to care for and create activities to keep them entertained."

   

   Chad's Answer

   Good! It is clear you have experience working in team environments. To strengthen your response, indicate to the interviewer that you enjoy working with others. If possible, discuss any opportunities you have had to lead a team as well.

   Was this answer helpful? Yes (0) or No (0)

   Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!
Krista Wenz wrote: "I have enjoyed my most recent position as a paramedic, because I have a great partner and we communicate well. Everyone on my team focuses on the same mission, to deliver quality care to all of our patients. I enjoy working with others because it is fun and challenging."

8. 8.

   Are you available to work night shifts?

   How to Answer

   Don't consider the interview a bust if you can't tell the interviewer that you are ready to start on the night shift. The position you are interviewing for might be for the day shift, but the interviewer wants to see if covering for other people would be possible. If you can flip-flop your schedule, let the interviewer know. If you are unable to work the night shift, be honest, and explain why.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "At this point, I wouldn't be able to work the night shift, but if you would be able to give me one week's notice to rearrange a few things, I could work the night shift."

9. 9.

   Tell me in detail how you remain calm during a crisis?

   How to Answer

   As a paramedic, you have experienced stress. By now, it may have become second nature because you're so focused on the procedures you need to do to get through it. The way that you answer this question will be key. Walk the interviewer through a recent situation and how you handled the situation.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "During a stressful situation, I stay focused and communicate with my partner. Following routine checks and moving quickly help me to stay present and use my energy effectively. If there is massive blood loss, I focus on stopping the bleeding, pressure points, and patient care. There is no time to be anxious or frantic."

10. 10.

    Talk about a time when you had to think on your feet and make a split second decision. What was the situation and what was the outcome?

    How to Answer

    Paramedics are often put into unique situations that their training and experience may not have prepared them for. The ability to make a split-second decision that can help save a life is a critical piece of this job. Each patient and each situation you encounter as a paramedic is unique, and you need to be ready to handle anything thrown your way. Before your interview, think of a few situations where you had to rely on quick judgment and the use of unique resources to help a patient in need. Your interviewer will be looking for you to provide details about the situation and what the outcome was.
    
    

     Answer Examples

    To view our professional answers examples, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "A couple of years ago, we received a call about a hunting accident involving a gun that had accidentally wounded a hunter in a very remote area. The call came through to our dispatch from the hunter's friend who was deep in the woods and thankfully had cell reception. As I was behind the wheel heading to the general area, I asked my partner to have dispatch ask where their vehicle was parked, and luckily I was very familiar with the area they were hunting. Knowing the creek that ran through the public property was shallow and thinking that would be the best way to find the hunters, I had our dispatcher let the friend know we would be entering the wooded area through the creek on foot, and we'd be yelling his name as we walked. When we arrived, my partner and I carried a backboard down the shallow creek and ran into the victim and his friend less than a half-mile in. Seeing that the gunshot wound was in the upper leg and the bleeding appeared to be minimal because of the makeshift tourniquet the friend made, we got the victim on the backboard and carried him out. The key to getting the victim out safely was making a quick plan with the victim's friend on a place to meet up, and it was very fortunate that I was familiar with the area." Ryan Brown wrote: "During my field experience in obtaining my associate's degree, the EMS crew that I worked with was based out of a large metro area hospital with a very busy emergency room. When not out on calls, we helped where we could in the department. One night, I was asked by one of our physicians to stay with a patient that had come in with shortness of breath. As we talked, the patient grabbed his chest, hunched over in his chair, and went into cardiac arrest. After hitting the emergency button in the room, instinct took over, and I immediately began administering CPR to the patient. Soon, a team was in with a defibrillator, and the patient began breathing again. Within a short time, he was into surgery. Looking back on this great experience, my CPR training had prepared me to take action almost without me even realizing it, and I am extremely thankful for that." Ryan Brown wrote: "Early in my career, we were called to a large auto accident on an interstate freeway during a holiday weekend when traffic would be extremely busy. We knew coming onto the scene of the accident that there would be many injured people as well as one or two people deceased. As we approached the scene, there were other ambulances at the scene as well as police officers. As we approached, we were told that almost all of the victims in the accident were accounted for and being treated. My partner approached the final victim needing care. Seeing that the accident was on a busy exit ramp and that vehicles were driving fast near the scene, I grabbed our flashlights and ran further up the ramp in hopes of directing traffic to help keep the scene safe. My partner radioed me when our patient was ready and more police had arrived and one came up the ramp to relieve me. I was thanked heavily for taking a duty that would normally not be a part of my normal routine at an accident scene."

11. 11.

    Talk about a time that you had to deal with a difficult person while on the job as a paramedic. What made the situation difficult and how did you handle it?

    How to Answer

    Adding to the day-to-day stress of being a paramedic are the difficult people that need to be dealt with from time to time. These people can come in the form of patients, witnesses at an accident scene, or family members of patients that you are treating. The job as a paramedic can also put you in dangerous situations with harmful people. Your interviewer will be looking for you to show that you are able to handle difficult people in a professional and empathetic manner while remaining focused on your task at hand. Try to think of a situation like this for your answer and be specific.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "A couple of months ago, we were called to the scene of a bad auto accident, and two ambulances were dispatched to the scene based on the number of victims. As we pulled up to the scene, I could see two victims lying in the roadway next to a badly damaged and overturned truck. When I was approaching the vehicles, a man exited the other vehicle with a dented up front end and came at me holding his arm in the air. He told me that his arm was broken and he was in pain, and he demanded that we take him to the hospital as soon as possible. Seeing that his arm was deformed but that he was walking around and talking, I told him that we were there to help but we needed to attend to the other critically injured patients first. I let him know that another ambulance would arrive shortly with more medics, and a third unit was dispatched as well. I asked him to wait over by his car and keep his arm immobilized, and he obliged."

12. 12.

    How do you handle situations that could cause you to be tardy or absent?

    How to Answer

    First things first, make sure you are on time to your interview! Plan your route and how long it will take to get there. Proper planning will get you far, but sometimes life happens and you'll need a plan B. Think about some of the variables in your life that could affect your attendance at work. Sick children, traffic, car breakdowns... the list goes on. Most likely one of these issues has affected you before. Your interviewer is looking to see that you are proactive and that you can handle the stress of unexpected situations that can arise.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "In the same way I stay focused at work and quickly address the needs of my patient, I stay calm and composed when issues arise. I got rear-ended one time on the way to work. I called my boss immediately and then called one of my co-workers to see if they could fill in for me for the first couple hours of my shift."

13. 13.

    What do you like to do in your spare time?

    How to Answer

    The interviewer wants to know something personal about you that isn't necessarily listed on your resume. Share a hobby or something personal during this interview question. Don't make it too personal, you don't want things to get awkward.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.

    1 Community Answer

    Anonymous Answer

    "I'm quite adventurous and really enjoy anything outside, I have recently bought a paddleboard and am looking forward to using it more as the weather improves. I also enjoy scuba diving and since the start of the pandemic I have got into running, I think it is important to get outside as much as possible and keep fit."

    

    Chad's Answer

    A commitment to staying fit will serve you well in your career, as paramedics need physical strength and stamina to perform duties associated with the position. Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress. Nice job!

    Was this answer helpful? Yes (0) or No (0)

    Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!
Krista Wenz wrote: "I spend my extra time volunteering with my family. My family and I volunteer with a Veterans home in town. I think it's important to give back to the community and have my kids help as well."

14. 14.

    How do you resolve conflict with co-workers?

    How to Answer

    Working so closely with your team in a stressful career, it's inevitable that you will have moments where you're not getting along. The best thing you can do in answering this question is show your interviewer how you are consistent. Just as you follow the rules and regulations, offer patient care, and a great attitude, you prioritize your relationships with your co-workers. Listen to them and don't take anything personally. Communicate. Think about those small yet significant ways you maintain those work relationships.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "I've found the best way to resolve conflict with co-workers is to work it out directly with them. Asking them to lunch or to join you for a short break to discuss the situation works best for me. It gives us a time to get away from work and discuss the problem during a bit of downtime."

15. 15.

    What motivates you personally to be the best that you can be on the job?

    How to Answer

    At the end of the day, after you have seen car accidents, suicide attempts, and the most depressing sides of human nature, talk about what motivates you to keep yourself going. Many paramedics burn out or quit after experiencing the volume of trauma day after day. Tell the interviewer if you are motivated by saving lives or working towards going to school to become a physician's assistant or another type of healthcare professional.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "My experiences in this field have been invaluable. I have learned so many skills that I will use when I work as a nurse in the ER. My goal is to complete nursing school in the next three years. What motivates me to be the best I can be on the job is witnessing how much my patients appreciate the work I am doing. and the impact I have on their lives."

16. 16.

    How do you handle death in this job?

    How to Answer

    Death can be common 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 important thing to keep in mind is that your behavior affects others, 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.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "It is extremely frustrating when I have done everything in my power to keep a patient alive. Those are the toughest times on the job, but you have to push through it and learn from it. I have found death is easier to handle when providing comfort to the patient's family."

17. 17.

    How would you intervene with a frantic relative who is grieving over the injury of a child?

    How to Answer

    As a paramedic, you have to be able to work quickly and cautiously during stressful situations. Your interviewer is testing your skills to see how you can balance your role of being compassionate and also taking action. They also want to learn how you communicate under pressure. You might not be able to calm the relative, but you could certainly explain what you need from them so that you can effectively do your job to keep the child alive.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "This is a perfect example of why I always go out on a call with a second person. While one of us tends to the patient, the other can keep the situation and bystanders calm. I would tell the relative that we are doing everything we can for the child. I would ask them to try to stay calm so as not to upset the child and see if there was a friend or relative we could call to be with them."

18. 18.

    What drew you to emergency medicine?

    How to Answer

    The interviewer is looking for your motivation and wants to get to know you a little bit. Personal experiences and classes you took are great examples to share, giving the interviewer more insight into how you chose your profession. Share a brief intro about how you got to where you are now.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "I have been interested in healthcare for a long time. My love of emergency medicine started in my anatomy and biology classes. It fascinated me, so I continued to learn as much as possible about how the body works. When my brother was hospitalized after a car accident, I was with him every step of the way. My experience riding in the ambulance changed my perspective, and I knew that was what I wanted to do."

19. 19.

    Tell me about a mistake you made at work. How did you handle it?

    How to Answer

    Making a mistake when working in emergency medicine can be lethal. When you think back on your work history, think of a time you made a mistake with lesser consequences. Talk about the mistake briefly, and then explain what you did once you realized you did something wrong. Show you took the initiative in handling it. If the consequences were greater than frustrating your boss or having to apologize, show you handled it by being humble and calm. Next, talk about what you learned from it and your actions to make sure it never happens again.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "I sent an email at work without proofing it and then later realized that there were two people copied who were not supposed to know the information I shared. As soon as I noticed, I spoke to my boss and asked what I needed to do to resolve the situation. At that point, all I could do was apologize and learn from my mistake. Ever since then, I am meticulous in double-checking everything, whether it is an email, report, or checking my rig at shift change."

20. 20.

    What are your career goals?

    How to Answer

    It's important to think about how the position you are interviewing for will fit your long-term goals as you apply for jobs. As you know, it takes a lot of hard work and training to become a paramedic. There are many options for you once you have become a licensed paramedic. You may want to consider fields like nursing, becoming a physician's assistant, or you might have aspirations to work as a paramedic supervisor. The exposure and experience you get while working in this field will open many doors. Think critically about what you really want for your future and share how this role will benefit you by helping you get to the next step.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.

    1 Community Answer

    Anonymous Answer

    "In the long run, my dream is to be a paramedic on the air ambulance, however before I can get to that stage, I would like to have had quite a few years of ambulance experience to ensure my knowledge and skills is at the best it possibly can be"

    

    Chad's Answer

    Great answer! It will be clear to the interviewer that you have thought about your future, and have established a long-term goal to focus on and work towards. Consider discussing when or how you became interested in becoming an air ambulance paramedic to make your answer more memorable.

    Was this answer helpful? Yes (0) or No (0)

    Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!
Krista Wenz wrote: "My career goal in the next few years is to gain more experience and become even better at my job. Once I have more experience, I am interested in applying for a supervisory position with this company."

21. 21.

    You are the first on scene of a major injury vehicle accident with three critical patients. How do you react to each patient before additional help arrives?

    How to Answer

    The interviewer can see your qualifications on your resume. Be prepared to answer a few scenario questions to give the interviewer an idea of how you respond to stressful situations. Fall back on your training and think about the first thing you need to do when you arrive on the scene. Show the interviewer your thought process as you think critically about how to prioritize these three individuals.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "First, I would check for scene hazards to make sure traffic is controlled so that there are no additional injuries as we stabilize the patients. Next, I would work with my partner to check each patient's circulation, airway, and breathing and treat any life-threatening conditions. If time allowed before additional units arrived, we would work on placing cervical collars on each patient."

22. 22.

    Have you ever lost a patient en route to the hospital? What happened?

    How to Answer

    If you have experienced losing a patient on the way to the hospital, explain the situation and what you did. Bear in mind that the interviewer isn't necessarily looking to hear that you made a mistake. They are looking to see how you would handle this type of situation. For example, the issue could have been an older person who had a heart attack. Some cases are so unpredictable you have a 50/50 chance of keeping the patient alive. Tell the interviewer how you consistently work to make sure each patient has a chance.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "Not too long ago, we lost an overdose patient on the way to the hospital. We did everything by the book, but they could not revive him when we reached the hospital. The patient did not respond to Narcan, and the hospital said he had taken a fatal dose of Fentanyl."

23. 23.

    How are your administrative skills as they pertain to being a paramedic?

    How to Answer

    For some, administrative duties are the boring part of the job. Having organizational skills is essential when working as a paramedic. Let the interviewer know that you are an organized person that excels at administrative duties. A bonus to this answer would be to mention that you enjoy supporting your administrative staff when they need assistance. Always a great idea to show you're a team player.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "Whenever I get some downtime, I like to work with the administrative team at the front desk. I help them answer phones, pull charts, and enter notes. I've found that when we all work together, the day goes much smoother."

24. 24.

    How would you handle a shift when four emergency calls are made within a two hour time?

    How to Answer

    If you haven't been in this situation before, think about the amount of energy and adrenaline it will take to get through two hours of non-stop patient care. The intensity and unpredictability will generally be your greatest challenges. The interviewer is testing your stamina as a paramedic.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "Before every shift, I mentally prepare myself to be alert and engaged for the entire shift. I would stay calm and continue to go through the routine procedures for each patient, giving them my full attention. If I rush through each call, there is a chance for mistakes, so I stay consistent and double-check my reports every time."

25. 25.

    What led you to choose to train as a paramedic?

    How to Answer

    Working as a paramedic requires a dedication that goes above and beyond most other career choices. The training is rigorous, and the hours are not ideal, but the passion required for this field drives most to become successful. On this question, your interviewer will be looking for you to show some of the passion you feel. Maybe it's the adrenaline rush that drives you, or the desire to help those in need. No matter what motivates you, make sure it is clear to your interviewer.
    
    

     Answer Examples

    To view our professional answers examples, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "In high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare to feed my desire to help people that are in need, so the idea of becoming a paramedic in my home community was very appealing to me. As I progressed through my training, I realized that the teamwork and close bond I developed with my partner, as well as working with local hospital staff, made this a perfect career choice for me." Ryan Brown wrote: "When I was in 8th grade, I was a passenger in the car when my family was in a three-car accident in a very rural area in farm country. While my father suffered a broken leg and my brother and I had only minor bumps and bruises, there were other people hurt severely in that accident. At the scene, I watched how responsive the two ambulance teams were in helping the other victims and how they handled the accident scene like true professionals. That point in time certainly piqued my interest in emergency medicine, and I'm looking forward to helping many people that are in similar situations to what we were in that day." Ryan Brown wrote: "When I left high school, my older cousin was working as a paramedic and I was very close to him and looked up to him as a role model in my life. In talking to him, he loved the day to day action on the job and spoke greatly about how being able to help people was such a satisfying career choice. On top of that, he really loved the flexible schedule that he was awarded while working as a paramedic. Since I've entered the career, I've been rewarded with awesome experiences working on a community ambulance crew, working in the fire service, and doing search and rescue operations."

26. 26.

    Talk about the importance of improving your skills as a paramedic and how have you done so recently?

    How to Answer

    As a paramedic, the need for continuing education is essential. Medical treatments, equipment, and protocols are continuously advancing. These facts make the need for actively pursuing further education a priority to become a successful paramedic. Tell your interviewer why continuing education is important in this field, and also talk about some relevant training that you have received.
    
    

     Answer Examples

    To view our professional answers examples, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "Having worked as a paramedic for five years, I have seen many advancements in the way that we care for patients, and each advancement has required further training. On top of that, we work with a wide range of patients that two years of schooling couldn't possibly prepare us for. Recently, I took a course geared towards paramedics on treating pediatric patients. In my current role working on an air ambulance crew, I see a large number of pediatric patients, and the course helped me with new techniques in treating young patients that are experiencing shortness of breath." Ryan Brown wrote: "I pride myself on being a life-long learner, and I look forward to doing so in my career as a paramedic. After two years of training to enter this field, I feel like I have a really great knowledge base and know that much more training and experience will be necessary for me to fully develop my skills. I look forward to taking continuing education courses as well as learning hands-on from experienced paramedics on the team." Ryan Brown wrote: "Throughout my career as a paramedic, I've loved every chance that I've had to further my skills and education and jump at the chances whenever they arise. Outside of actual patient care, the biggest changes I've seen in my time as a paramedic have been technology-related. With the advent of things like the electronic PCR and equipment advancements like the mobile pulse oximeter, patient care has been greatly influenced in a positive way. I enjoy training with new equipment that will make my job more efficient while providing excellent customer service."

27. 27.

    How would you treat a broken bone at the scene of an accident?

    How to Answer

    For this question, your interviewer will be looking for you to take a step-by-step approach to treat a particular injury to gauge your ability to stay focused on the task at hand when faced with the situation in the field. Reiterate to your interviewer that you take a focused approach to each patient and walk them through how you would treat a broken bone.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "Upon reaching the scene of any accident, I always take safety as the first priority and I would make sure that the victim is in a safe location prior to any treatment. If the patient is bleeding profusely, I will focus on controlling the bleeding while assessing their airway and breathing. Then, to treat the fracture and prepare for transport, my partner and I will splint the break and place them on the gurney. I will monitor their distal pulses and sensation throughout transport. If the patient is in a lot of pain and my protocols allow, I would start an IV and administer pain medication."

28. 28.

    How would you rate your driving skills in harsh conditions and do you have experience doing so? As well, do you have any driving incidents on your record?

    How to Answer

    Part of the job as a paramedic will be the ability to drive an ambulance safely and with skill and confidence. Keeping a clean driving record is important as most employers will run motor vehicle background checks as insurers of employers are now requiring this. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to get a little insight to your driving record history as well as your ability to navigate treacherous roads and extreme weather conditions. Many accidents happen in the rain, snow, sleet, or other inclement weather and experience navigating roads in those conditions is imperative.
    
    

     Answer Examples

    To view our professional answers examples, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "In my current role, I drive quite frequently. I have a spotless driving record with no incidents or accidents. Living in a northern climate, I have experience driving in snow and rainy conditions with ease and know how to gauge when the roads may be bad. We also provide ambulance service to the university's athletic events so I have a lot of experience navigating our ambulance in large crowds when needed." Ryan Brown wrote: "I would say that my driving skills are excellent. I have experience navigating both city and rural roads with ease and have experience operating both auto and manual transmission vehicles. I have a great driving record except for one speeding ticket when I was 18 years old." Ryan Brown wrote: "In my current role, I assume most of the driving responsibilities when we are out on a call as I am very experienced behind the wheel of an ambulance. Working in a rural community, I am familiar with navigating back roads, country roads, and interstate highways in all kinds of weather and have even had to take our unit to some remote off-road locations at times for emergency calls. I have a perfect driving record and have always prided myself on that fact."

29. 29.

    How do you ensure that you stay refreshed and in shape for your next shift, where you will be required to be in peak mental and physical condition?

    How to Answer

    Working as a paramedic requires the body to be in peak shape. Strength is required to lift and transport patients and carry the medical gear. Fine motor skills are required to put in IVs and take care of wounds. Mental sharpness is required for focus, judgment, and remembering events from a scene. For this interview question, your interviewer will be looking to see that you can handle the physical and mental requirements of the job and that you take care of yourself in a healthy manner to be able to do so. Talk about the importance of eating healthy and getting plenty of rest to be at your peak while on your shift.
    
    

     Answer Examples

    To view our professional answers examples, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "To start, I'm able to handle all of the physical and mental aspects of being a paramedic. Heavy lifting is not a problem for me, and long days on my feet aren't either. I stay in shape physically by lifting weights regularly and getting in daily cardio workouts. To be at my peak mentally, I get plenty of rest while off work as well." Ryan Brown wrote: "I think I am physically perfect for a position as a paramedic because I am athletic and strong. Now that I'm out of school, I participate in softball and volleyball and run distance races in my free time. While remaining physically active, I also firmly believe that eating healthy and getting proper amounts of sleep are important to ensure that my body and mind are ready for my next shift." Ryan Brown wrote: "As I've aged in this profession, I've realized more and more that I need to take care of my body to be able to lift patients daily. I keep to a strict diet and workout routine that involves both cardio and lifting weights to keep my body in good shape. Doing this keeps my body ready and my mind focused for each shift."

30. 30.

    Talk about a time where your emotions were tested in a work situation.

    How to Answer

    Paramedics find themselves working with patients that are suffering horrible injuries, working with people coming from bad situations, and dealing with death. With each bad encounter, your emotions will definitely come into play. For this question, your interviewer will be able to gauge your ability to keep your emotions in check while providing patient care. It is okay to let the interviewer know that you were touched emotionally by a particular patient or situation because you are a person that feels real emotions, but ensure that you talk about how you were able to remain focused and do your job.
    
    

     Answer Examples

    To view our professional answers examples, please upgrade.
Krista Wenz wrote: "Being a father of two, any time I respond to a call for a child always pulls a little extra emotion out of me. Last year, my crew was called to a home by the local police department for a child that had been severely injured in what was suspected to be child abuse. When we arrived, we found a three-year-old child that was having difficulty breathing and had bruising around the eyes and a bloody nose. With a quick assessment at the scene, we highly suspected some broken ribs so we prepared the child for transport. I'll never forget as we walked out of the house through the living room to see both the mother and the father of the child being taken into police custody. It took some willpower to not go give them a piece of my mind, but my focus needed to be on getting the child into the ambulance so we could transport to the hospital." Ryan Brown wrote: "I spent a good portion of my career working as a paramedic covering the small community that I grew up in. This is a small town where you feel like you know almost every person, you know the clerk's name at the local gas station, and the name of the waitress at the cafe downtown. During a call to a suspected stroke at a private residence, we were pulling down the street, and I realized that we were approaching the home of one of my father's really close friends that I knew since childhood. When we entered the house, his wife was in a panic as her husband was lying on the kitchen floor. Not wanting my personal feelings to get involved, I relied on my training and stayed focused on the life-saving procedures he needed. Once we got him to the hospital, he was rushed into surgery. The next day, his wife sought me and my crew out to thank us for our efforts that day to help save her husbands life."