EMTs, fully known as emergency medical technicians, are important EMS providers whose roles are to attend to people before they meet the doctor. They, therefore, work outside the hospitals or in ambulances, giving basic medical and first aid care to keep people alive before they get to the medical facility. They are normally trained to perform several procedures even though they can’t offer any treatment that involves breaking the skin.
In case you have recently applied for a job as EMT, we have something for you. We will look at some of the questions you should expect in your upcoming interview to increase your chances of landing the job. Take a look at the following:
1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
I love saving lives by responding to emergencies. I decided to become an EMT so that I could impact people and families differently. You get many patients in dire need of first aid here, given that you are one of the biggest referral hospitals in the region. I believe my services will help since I have extensive experience in this field, having worked in high-crime areas. Through this job, I want to put a smile on people’s faces and prevent families from losing their loved ones.
2. What Are The Roles Of An EMT?
An emergency medical technician plays several roles, given that they work in the emergency medical service department. They are normally mandated to assess an emergency victim’s condition, respond to 911 calls, document whatever happened to them, determine the right treatment, offer emergency first aid, usher, in people to the emergency department for treatment, transfer patients from a medical facility to the other and offer life support when necessary. They also offer the medical staff a detailed report.
3. What Qualities Does An EMT Need To Be Successful?
There are several qualities that one should have to be a successful EMT. First, they need to be flexible in responding to various calls and situations, given that emergencies can happen at any time of the day. They must be able to control themselves and remain calm even in the most stressful situation, given the nature of their job. Other qualities include excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients well, the ability to work in team settings, and a positive attitude which comes in handy when making decisions and handling stress and the challenges of being an EMT.
4. Mention The Challenges That You Faced In Your Last Role. How Did You Overcome Them?
My last role was my first assignment as an EMT. I worked in an area with a high crime rate; therefore, I had an emergency call to attend to almost every time. I’d get burnt out by the end of my shift, which started bothering me. I changed my attitude and started practicing healthy coping habits such as meditation, mindfulness, and positivity to help me overcome the stressful aspect of my job. I also ensured that I got enough rest whenever I had the chance.
5. Briefly Mention Your Experience
This is my seventh year as an EMT. I have worked in private and public institutions, responding to emergency calls and saving lives. As a team member and leader, I have been part of hundreds of rescue operations, which have taught me to be more empathetic toward other people’s plights. I have spent most of my career in ambulances and rescue centers across the country. Thanks to my education and experience, I can handle accidents, breathing problems, allergic reactions, accident traumas, heart attacks and other urgent complications caused by chronic diseases.
6. Describe Your Daily Routine
I don’t have a specific routine per se, given that some days are busier than others. However, on busy days, I respond to emergency calls, assess the person’s condition on arrival, and determine the treatment that applies to them before offering emergency first aid. I then whisk them to the emergency department so they can be attended to and offer a detailed report to the medical care team. If they need special or extra treatment, I am usually on stand-by to transport them.
7. Mention The Strategies And Mindset Needed For This Role
Over time, I have learned that one of the best strategies every EMT should use is prioritizing the life of the injured person’s all those in need of emergency services. They must always be prepared to go above and beyond to keep them alive before they are attended to. As for the right strategy, it is imperative that an EMT maintains a positive attitude/mindset at all times needed to handle the pressure that comes with this job and in proper decision making.
8. What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Foresee In This Job?
According to the interior ministry, this is one of the regions with the highest crime and gun violence rates. Therefore, I expect to attend to many incoming emergency calls, higher than I ever have in my career. I, therefore, foresee increased workload and more pressure. However, I am prepared for whatever lies ahead since I believe my greatest calling is keeping people alive before they are attended to. I will work hard and liaise with my team to ensure that all the emergency calls are answered.
9. How Do You Stay Motivated In This Field?
What Motivates every EMT is saving lives or making people feel a little bit of relief before the medical team attends to them. Therefore, whenever I respond to an emergency call, I am naturally motivated to give my best and do everything possible to keep the injured person or patient alive. I also love to work with my team members and derive motivation from contributing to the entire team’s success. I am glad that it comes naturally in this job.
10. Mention A Time That You Failed In This Role. What Lesson Did You Learn?
The ambulance I was in once malfunctioned, and we almost lost a heart attack patient. We had to get another truck and rush over to the patient, almost arriving when it was too late. I performed CPR to keep him alive until the doctor attended to him. Even though I succeeded in preserving his brain functions, I learned a very important lesson-to always ensure that all the ambulances and vans were in the right condition at the start of the day by liaising with the right team.
11. Why Do You Believe That You Are The Best Candidate For This Position?
I have worked in several hospitals and rescue organizations for a long time and therefore gained extensive experience to help me thrive in this facility. I am well-versed in CPR and various techniques that have helped me respond to emergencies and help hundreds of injured persons and accident victims. I have also been part of different rescue operations in various regions of the country, experiences that will come in handy in this job. Lastly, I have the excellent interpersonal skills required for this job.
12. Mention Your Greatest Achievement
I consider anytime I successfully perform CPR on a patient or keep their brains functioning before they meet the doctor an achievement. Every successful emergency response is an achievement to me since I high-key value life. Therefore, my greatest achievement is choosing this career since I have gotten more fulfillment than I thought over the years.
13. How Do You Handle Pressure?
This is one of the jobs with the highest amount of pressure. People’s lives are normally at stake, which adds to the pressure of having to respond to several daily calls. However, I have learned that the best way of dealing with the pressure that comes with this job is to stay calm at all times. Staying calm allows you to think outside the box and make the best decision that can save lives. It also goes hand in hand with fast thinking.
14. Tell Us The Relevant Training And Certifications You Have In This Job
One of the reasons why I believe in my EMT abilities is because of the training I have had in this field. First, I have a high school diploma, a basic requirement in this field. I am certified in CPR because I have trained with the Red Cross Organization and at our local hospital. I took a 150-hour EMT course with one of the best EMS schools in the country, after which I sat for a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Exams, which I passed with flying colors.
15. How Do You Normally Keep Yourself Safe While Going About Your Job?
Even though my job is critical as I get to help save the lives of patients, accident victims, and generally those in need of emergency medical care, I also have to stay safe. First, I normally ensure that I have the right medical attire and clothing depending on the situation that needs our attention. When attending to a patient, I generally wear gloves, goggles, masks, or full-body gear. I also stick to all the safety guidelines and procedures needed in our line of work, which I am grateful for. I also ensure that all my team members adhere to the safety precautions so that none of us is exposed to danger.
16. Mention Some Of The Cases You Have Responded To In Your Career
I have responded to a number of emergency cases in my career and helped hundreds of patients. However, the most common causes are heart attacks or complications arising from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Others include acute asthma attacks, allergic reactions, trauma caused by accidents, and any breathing-related problems.
17. What Have You Done To Improve Your EMT Knowledge In The Last Three Years?
Two years ago, I decided to be an advanced emergency medical technician and therefore went for more training. I can perform a range of advanced procedures, such as administering IV fluids. I can confidently say that attending the 400 hours of training was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have also attended many seminars and EMS camps, which have given me many insights into this field. I can confidently say that I have met people who have inspired me to do better and improve my EMT-related skills
18. Can You Tell The Difference Between An EMT And A Paramedic?
EMTs and Paramedics are both emergency services workers. Even though they play the same bigger role, which is keeping those in dire need of treatment alive before they get to the hospital, their job description differs because of the education needed in both roles. Paramedics undergo advanced education and are therefore allowed to perform a range of operations on a patient, unlike an EMT, who can only perform limited procedures on patients undergoing life-threatening conditions. Paramedics spend 1200 to 1800 hours studying their craft, unlike an EMT who needs an average of 120-150 hours. That’s quite the difference.
19. Can You Tell Us How You Normally Remain Calm When Faced With A Stressful Situation?
It is imperative for an EMT to stay calm in all types of situations for proper decision-making. Therefore, I had to come up with a way of staying composed all the time. My senior paramedic mentor advised me to focus on developing and actively pursuing a number of coping habits, including breathing techniques and mindful meditation, that worked for him. I also frequently communicate with my team members and reassure one another when faced with a stressful situation. Yoga has also helped me a lot.
20. You Have To Maintain A Proper Work-Life Balance In This Role. How Do You Normally Do It?
Having worked as an EMT for five years, responding to different situations, I understand the importance of maintaining a proper work-life balance which is necessary for high levels of focus and exposure. As a result, I usually dedicate my free time to my friends, family, and health. I generally work out four times a week and practice mindful meditation daily. I am also currently learning how to do yoga. Additionally, I spend lots of time around my family and help whenever possible. All these activities help me stay focused whenever I am at work.
21. Have You Ever Dealt With A Traumatized Person?
Yes. While attending to an emergency call about an accident on a highway near us, we found a man and his wife trapped in the car. The man was badly hurt and was groaning in pain. Although slightly hurt, the wife was in shock and appeared zoned out the entire time. She couldn’t process whatever had happened. We helped them out of the car and attended to their wounds, putting the husband on oxygen as he had breathing problems. When the wife recovered from the shock, I talked to her calmly, assuring her that everything was okay.
22. How Well Can You Handle Traumatizing Events?
Even after spending seven years in this field, I still shed a tear or two whenever I respond to emergency calls, even though I never let grief or empathy affect my clarity of mind since I have to be there for the victims. I once responded to a call regarding a dormitory fire and the scenes I saw traumatized me for days. However, I am glad that I developed several positive coping habits that have helped me deal with the negative aspects of my job.
23. Are You A Good Team Player?
I am an excellent team player. As a member of the emergency services team, I have to liaise with the paramedics and other EMTs when attending to emergency calls which call for excellent teamwork skills. I know how to fit in well in such environments and motivate everyone around me. I also normally take the time to learn my team members so that I don’t cross their boundaries if any. All in all, I know that I will enjoy working with your team members.
24. What Is Your Biggest Strength?
Even though some people consider empathy a sign of weakness, it is my biggest strength and should be a necessary attribute for every emergency medical services provider. I usually understand the plight of those we are attending to, which explains why I am always willing to go above and beyond to ensure they receive the best service. I believe it is part of my extensive interpersonal skills and has greatly helped me thrive in this field.
25. What Are Your Career Goals?
I want to become a paramedic one of these fine days. I am considering applying for advanced EMT training, which will help me cross over smoothly and attend to emergency calls in a higher position.
Conclusion
As we conclude this article, we ask you to take some time and review our top 25 EMT Interview Questions and Answers. We are confident that most, if not all, of these questions, will come up in your upcoming interview. Make sure that you have all the right answers at your fingertips at all times.
