Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle an emergency situation in the operating room? How did you respond and what was the outcome?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Answer Example

The interviewer asks about your experience handling an emergency situation in the operating room and the outcome because emergencies can and do happen in the OR. As a surgical technologist, you will be an essential member of the surgical team and may be responsible for assisting in emergencies. The interviewer wants to know if you have the skills and knowledge to handle these situations calmly and effectively. Additionally, they want to see how you have handled past emergencies to understand your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. The outcome of the situation can also provide insight into your ability to work in a high-pressure environment and your commitment to patient safety.

"Sure, I would be happy to give an example. Recently, I had to handle an emergency situation in the operating room when a patient experienced a sudden cardiac arrest during surgery. I immediately notified the surgeon and called for additional assistance. We quickly moved the patient to a supine position and began administering CPR while the surgeon continued the procedure. I also retrieved the defibrillator and other necessary equipment to assist with the resuscitation efforts.

The patient was successfully resuscitated and stabilized. The surgical team completed the procedure without any further complications, and the patient went on to make a full recovery. I believe my training, experience, ability to remain calm under pressure, and working with an exceptional team were instrumental in achieving this positive outcome."

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How to Answer: Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle an emergency situation in the operating room? How did you respond and what was the outcome?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Surgical Technologist job interview.

27. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle an emergency situation in the operating room? How did you respond and what was the outcome?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer asks about your experience handling an emergency situation in the operating room and the outcome because emergencies can and do happen in the OR. As a surgical technologist, you will be an essential member of the surgical team and may be responsible for assisting in emergencies. The interviewer wants to know if you have the skills and knowledge to handle these situations calmly and effectively. Additionally, they want to see how you have handled past emergencies to understand your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. The outcome of the situation can also provide insight into your ability to work in a high-pressure environment and your commitment to patient safety.

Written by Krista Wenz on October 13th, 2023

Answer Example

"Sure, I would be happy to give an example. Recently, I had to handle an emergency situation in the operating room when a patient experienced a sudden cardiac arrest during surgery. I immediately notified the surgeon and called for additional assistance. We quickly moved the patient to a supine position and began administering CPR while the surgeon continued the procedure. I also retrieved the defibrillator and other necessary equipment to assist with the resuscitation efforts.

The patient was successfully resuscitated and stabilized. The surgical team completed the procedure without any further complications, and the patient went on to make a full recovery. I believe my training, experience, ability to remain calm under pressure, and working with an exceptional team were instrumental in achieving this positive outcome."

Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023

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