1. How do you assess a patient’s level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

• Eye opening response: 4 points for spontaneous, 3 points for to verbal stimuli, 2 points for to painful stimuli, 1 point for no response.
• Verbal response: 5 points for oriented, 4 points for confused, 3 points for inappropriate words, 2 points for incomprehensible sounds, 1 point for no response.
• Motor response: 6 points for obeys commands, 5 points for localizes pain, 4 points for withdraws from pain, 3 points for flexor response, 2 points for extensor response, 1 point for no response.

2. Describe the proper steps for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult victim.

Establishing Unresponsiveness

• Check for responsiveness by tapping the patient’s shoulder and shouting.
• If no response, call for emergency medical services (EMS) immediately.

Checking for Breathing

• Look, listen, and feel for breathing for 5-10 seconds.
• If the patient is not breathing, open the airway using the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver.

Chest Compressions

• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the patient’s chest.
• Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlace your fingers.
• Position yourself vertically above the patient’s chest.
• Compress the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Compress the chest to a depth of at least 2 inches.

Rescue Breathing

• After 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
• Pinch the patient’s nose closed and make a seal over their mouth.
• Give 2 slow breaths, each lasting about 1 second.
• Check for chest rise with each breath.

Continuing CPR

• Continue alternating between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
• Continue CPR until EMS arrives or the patient shows signs of life.

3. How do you manage a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury?

• Immobilize the patient’s head, neck, and spine using a cervical collar and backboard.
• Maintain the patient’s airway and breathing.
• Control any bleeding.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and neurological status.
• Transport the patient to the nearest trauma center.

4. Describe the signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

• Chest pain or discomfort that lasts for more than 15 minutes.
• Pain that is described as pressure, squeezing, or tightness.
• Pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, back, or arms.
• Shortness of breath.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sweating.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

5. How do you treat a patient with a suspected stroke?

• Call for EMS immediately.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and neurological status.
• Administer oxygen as needed.
• Control any seizures.
• Transport the patient to the nearest stroke center.

6. How do you assess a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)?

• Airway: Check for any obstructions or injuries that may be blocking the airway.
• Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing. If the patient is not breathing, open the airway and give rescue breaths.
• Circulation: Check for a pulse. If the patient does not have a pulse, begin CPR.

7. What are the different types of shock and how do you treat them?

• Hypovolemic shock: caused by a loss of blood or fluids. Treatment: administer intravenous fluids.
• Cardiogenic shock: caused by a heart attack. Treatment: administer oxygen, medications, and in some cases, perform CPR.
• Septic shock: caused by a severe infection. Treatment: administer antibiotics, fluids, and in some cases, vasopressors.
• Neurogenic shock: caused by a spinal cord injury. Treatment: immobilize the patient’s spine and administer fluids.
• Anaphylactic shock: caused by a severe allergic reaction. Treatment: administer epinephrine and antihistamines.

8. What are the different types of fractures and how do you treat them?

• Closed fracture: broken bone with no open wound.
• Open fracture: broken bone with an open wound.
• Comminuted fracture: broken bone with multiple fragments.
• Greenstick fracture: broken bone that is bent but not completely broken.
• Pathologic fracture: broken bone that is weakened by disease or infection.
• Stress fracture: broken bone that is caused by overuse.
• Treatment for fractures: immobilize the fracture, apply ice, elevate the injured limb, and administer pain medication.

9. What are the different types of burns and how do you treat them?

• First-degree burn: affects only the outer layer of skin.
• Second-degree burn: affects the outer and inner layers of skin.
• Third-degree burn: affects all layers of skin and may damage underlying tissue.
• Fourth-degree burn: affects all layers of skin and underlying tissue, including bone and muscle.
• Treatment for burns: cool the burn with water, cover the burn with a sterile dressing, and administer pain medication.

10. What are the different types of medical emergencies and how do you respond to them?

• Cardiac arrest: sudden loss of heart function.
• Stroke: sudden loss of brain function.
• Trauma: injury to the body caused by an external force.
• Poisoning: ingestion of a harmful substance.
• Overdose: ingestion of a large amount of a drug.
• Allergic reaction: reaction to an allergen.
• Seizure: uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
• Mental health emergency: a situation where a person is experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Response to medical emergencies: assess the situation, call for help, and provide first aid.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are medical professionals responsible for providing pre-hospital emergency care to patients in critical or life-threatening situations. Their duties encompass a wide range of medical interventions and involve working in high-stress environments.

1. Patient Assessment and Stabilization

Respond to emergency calls, assess patients’ conditions, and provide immediate medical care.

• Collect vital signs, perform physical examinations, and obtain patient histories.
• Administer first aid, control bleeding, and provide pain relief.
• Stabilize patients’ conditions before transport to the hospital.

2. Emergency Transportation

Transport patients to hospitals or other medical facilities in a safe and timely manner.

• Operate emergency vehicles, adhering to traffic laws and safety regulations.
• Monitor patients’ conditions during transport, providing ongoing care as needed.
• Coordinate with hospital staff to ensure a smooth handover of patients.

3. Equipment and Medication Administration

Use a variety of medical equipment and administer medications to treat patients.

• Administer medications, including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain medication.
• Operate medical devices, such as defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and ventilators.
• Maintain and inspect medical equipment to ensure it is in good working order.

4. Communication and Documentation

Effectively communicate with patients, family members, and medical professionals.

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients and their families.
• Document patient care, including assessments, treatments, and medications.
• Maintain accurate records of all emergency calls and medical interventions.

Preparing thoroughly for an EMT/Paramedic interview can significantly increase your chances of success. Here are some essential interview tips to help you ace the interview:

1. Research the Organization and Position

Familiarize yourself with the organization’s mission, values, and the specific role you are applying for.

• Visit the organization’s website, read their annual reports, and research industry news.
• Identify the key responsibilities of the position and tailor your answers to highlight your relevant skills and experience.

2. Highlight Your Medical Skills and Experience

Emphasize your technical medical skills, including patient assessment, emergency care procedures, and medication administration.

• Quantify your experience by providing specific examples of successful patient interactions.
• Discuss your proficiency in using medical equipment and administering medications.

3. Demonstrate Compassion and Communication Skills

EMT/Paramedics play a vital role in providing care and support to patients and their families. Highlight your compassionate nature and communication abilities.

• Share anecdotes that demonstrate your empathy, understanding, and ability to connect with people.
• Emphasize your strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues.

4. Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are commonly used in interviews to assess your problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making abilities.

• Review the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for answering behavioral questions.
• Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to handle stressful situations, work effectively in a team, and make sound judgments.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Asking intelligent questions at the end of the interview shows your interest and engagement.

• Ask about the organization’s culture, opportunities for professional development, or specific aspects of the role.
• Avoid asking questions that are easily answered by researching the organization online.

1. How would you manage a patient with an altered mental status?

• Assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
• Call for immediate medical backup if necessary.
• Position the patient in the recovery position if they are unconscious.
• Administer oxygen if the patient is not breathing adequately.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and neurological status.
• Document the patient’s condition and treatment.

2. How would you treat a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury?

• Stabilize the patient’s neck and spine.
• Immobilize the patient using a backboard and cervical collar.
• Administer pain medication as needed.
• Transport the patient to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.

3. How would you respond to a patient with a cardiac arrest?

• Call for immediate medical backup.
• Begin CPR immediately.
• Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.
• Continue CPR until medical backup arrives or the patient shows signs of life.

4. How would you manage a patient with a severe burn?

• Cool the burn immediately with cool running water.
• Cover the burn with a sterile dressing.
• Administer pain medication as needed.
• Transport the patient to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.

5. How would you assess a patient with a suspected head injury?

• Check the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
• Assess the patient’s neurological status.
• Obtain a history of the injury.
• Transport the patient to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.

6. How would you handle a patient who is experiencing a severe allergic reaction?

• Call for immediate medical backup.
• Administer epinephrine if it is available.
• Provide oxygen as needed.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs.
• Transport the patient to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.

7. How would you deal with a patient who is becoming violent or aggressive?

• Remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.
• Try to de-escalate the patient by speaking to them calmly and reassuringly.
• If the patient continues to be violent or aggressive, call for security or law enforcement assistance.
• Document the patient’s behavior and any actions you took.

8. How would you handle a patient who is refusing treatment?

• Explain the risks of refusing treatment to the patient.
• Document the patient’s refusal in their medical record.
• Respect the patient’s decision but be prepared to intervene if their refusal puts them or others at risk.

9. How would you stay up-to-date on the latest advances in emergency medical care?

• Attend continuing education courses and workshops.
• Read medical journals and articles.
• Stay informed about new technologies and treatments.
• Participate in online forums and discussion groups.

10. What are some of the ethical challenges that you have faced as an EMT or paramedic?

• Providing care to patients who are refused treatment.
• Providing care to patients who are violent or aggressive.
• Making treatment decisions that have life-or-death consequences.
• Dealing with the emotional and psychological stress of working in an emergency setting.

EMTs and paramedics are responsible for providing emergency medical care to patients in a variety of settings, including ambulances, hospitals, and clinics.

1. Emergency Response

Respond to emergency calls and provide immediate medical attention to patients.

• Assess patients’ conditions and determine appropriate treatment.
• Administer first aid and emergency medications.

2. Patient Care

Monitor and care for patients during transport to the hospital.

• Provide oxygen, fluids, and other necessary treatments.
• Comfort and reassure patients and their families.

3. Advanced Medical Procedures

Paramedics perform advanced medical procedures, such as:

• Inserting intravenous lines.
• Administering medications.
• Performing CPR.
• Using defibrillators.

4. Documentation and Reporting

Document all patient care activities and report on patient outcomes.

• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Communicate with other healthcare professionals about patient care.

Preparing for an EMT or paramedic interview can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you ace the interview.

1. Research the Organization

Learn about the organization’s mission, values, and services. This will help you understand the organization’s culture and how your skills and experience align with their needs.

• Visit the organization’s website.
• Read news articles and social media posts about the organization.
• Talk to people who work or have worked for the organization.

2. Practice Your Answers

Prepare for common interview questions by practicing your answers. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.

• Use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions.
• Highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the job.
• Be prepared to talk about your passion for emergency medical services.

3. Dress Professionally

First impressions matter, so dress professionally for your interview. This shows the interviewer that you are serious about the job and that you respect the organization.

• Wear a suit or business casual attire.
• Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed.
• Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in easily.

4. Be On Time

Punctuality is important for any job, but it is especially important for emergency medical services. Being on time for your interview shows the interviewer that you are reliable and that you respect their time.

• Plan your route ahead of time and allow extra time for traffic.
• If you are running late, call the interviewer to let them know.
• Arrive at the interview location at least 15 minutes early.