Top 10 Questions for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Interview

1. Describe the steps you would take to assess a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury?

• Check for responsiveness and airway patency.
• Apply the log roll technique to the patient and place a hard cervical collar.
• Inspect the patient for any obvious deformities, such as swelling or bruising.
• Palpate the patient’s spine for any tenderness or crepitus.
• Assess the patient’s motor and sensory function below the level of the injury.
• Administer oxygen and initiate fluid resuscitation as needed.

2. How would you manage a patient with a penetrating chest wound?

Secure the airway

• Insert an oropharyngeal airway if the patient is unconscious or unable to protect their airway.
• Apply a non-rebreathing mask with 100% oxygen.

Stop the bleeding

• Apply a chest seal over the wound.
• Cover the wound with an occlusive dressing to prevent air from entering the chest cavity.

Monitor the patient’s condition

• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and pulse oximetry.
• Listen for breath sounds using a stethoscope.
• Observe the patient for signs of shock.

Transport the patient to the hospital

• Transport the patient to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
• Notify the hospital of the patient’s condition and the steps you have taken.

3. What are the different types of shock and how would you treat them?

Hypovolemic shock: caused by a loss of blood or other fluids. Treatment: administer fluids and blood products. Cardiogenic shock: caused by a heart attack or other heart problems. Treatment: administer medications to support the heart and improve blood flow. Septic shock: caused by a severe infection. Treatment: administer antibiotics and fluids, and support the patient’s blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock: caused by a severe allergic reaction. Treatment: administer epinephrine and antihistamines, and support the patient’s airway.

4. What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

• Sudden onset of weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
• Sudden onset of difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden onset of visual changes in one or both eyes.
• Sudden onset of dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination problems.
• Sudden onset of headache, especially if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.

5. How would you manage a patient with a seizure?

• Stay calm and reassure the patient.
• Protect the patient from injury by padding the area around them.
• Loosen any tight clothing around the patient’s neck.
• Roll the patient onto their side to prevent aspiration.
• Time the seizure and observe the patient’s symptoms.
• Call for medical assistance if the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, if the patient has multiple seizures in a row, or if the patient does not regain consciousness after the seizure.

6. What are the different types of burns and how would you treat them?

First-degree burns: affect only the outer layer of skin. Treatment: cool the burn with water and apply a bandage. Second-degree burns: affect the outer layer of skin and the layer beneath it. Treatment: cool the burn with water and apply a bandage. If the burn is large or deep, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or surgery. Third-degree burns: affect all layers of skin and may damage the underlying tissue. Treatment: the burn will need to be treated surgically.

7. What are the signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction (heart attack)?

• Chest pain or discomfort that lasts for more than 15 minutes.
• Pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, back, or arms.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
• Sweating.
• Anxiety.
• Fatigue.

8. How would you perform CPR?

• Place the patient on their back on a firm surface.
• Kneel beside the patient and place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, between the nipples.
• Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand and interlace your fingers.
• Position your shoulders directly above your hands and keep your elbows straight.
• Compress the patient’s chest by pushing down at least 2 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Allow the patient’s chest to fully recoil after each compression.
• Continue CPR until medical help arrives or the patient shows signs of life.

9. What are the different types of airway adjuncts and when would you use them?

Oropharyngeal airway: used to maintain an open airway in an unconscious patient. Nasopharyngeal airway: used to maintain an open airway in a conscious patient who is unable to breathe through their mouth. Endotracheal tube: used to maintain an open airway and provide ventilation in a patient who is unable to breathe on their own.

10. What are the different types of IV fluids and when would you use them?

Normal saline: used to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through dehydration or bleeding. Ringer’s lactate: used to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through dehydration or bleeding, and to correct metabolic acidosis. D5W: used to provide fluids and calories to a patient who is unable to eat or drink.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a vital role in emergency medical services, providing immediate and essential care to patients. Their key job responsibilities include:

1. Emergency Response

Responding to emergency calls promptly and efficiently.

• Assessing and stabilizing patients at the scene.
• Transporting patients to medical facilities.

2. Medical Assessment

Performing thorough medical assessments and gathering patient information.

• Checking vital signs (pulse, respiration, blood pressure).
• Observing physical symptoms and behaviors.
• Interviewing patients and witnesses.

3. Emergency Treatment

Providing emergency medical treatment within their scope of practice.

• Administering medications and oxygen.
• Performing CPR and other life-saving procedures.
• Treating injuries and wounds.

4. Patient Care and Communication

Providing compassionate and reassuring care to patients and families.

• Establishing rapport and building trust.
• Communicating effectively with patients, families, and medical staff.

5. Documentation and Reporting

Documenting patient interactions, treatments, and observations accurately and promptly.

• Maintaining patient medical records.
• Reporting patient status to medical facilities and authorities.
• Following up on patient care.

To ace an EMT interview, candidates should follow these tips:

1. Research the Organization

Familiarize yourself with the organization’s mission, values, and services.

2. Practice Common Interview Questions

Prepare for questions about your experience, motivation, and skills related to EMT duties.}

Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills

Emphasize your experience in emergency medical services, including specific scenarios where you demonstrated your skills.

4. Showcase Compassion and Empathy

EMT is a demanding profession that requires empathy and a genuine concern for others. Share stories that demonstrate your compassion and ability to connect with patients.

5. Discuss Personal qualities

Emphasize personal qualities suited to the role, such as resilience, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

6. Dress Professionally

First impressions matter. Dress appropriately and arrive on time for your interview.

7. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Towards the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the organization, the role, or ongoing projects to show your interest and engagement.

8. Follow Up

Send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview, expressing your appreciation and reiterating your interest in the position.