EMT & Paramedic Interview Questions & Answers

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics respond to emergency calls, perform medical services, and transport patients to medical facilities.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Physical strength
• Compassion
• Listening skills
• Speaking skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for EMT & paramedic positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Compassion

Why interviewers are interested in how compassionate you are:

EMTs and paramedics must be able to provide emotional support to patients in an emergency, especially patients who are in life-threatening situations or extreme mental distress.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

EMTs and paramedics usually work on teams and must be able to coordinate their activities closely with others in stressful situations.

Learn more about interpersonal interview questions and how to answer them!

Listening skills

Why interviewers are interested in your listening skills:

EMTs and paramedics need to listen to patients to determine the extent of their injuries or illnesses.

Physical strength

Why interviewers are interested in your physical strength:

EMTs and paramedics need to be physically fit. Their job requires a lot of bending, lifting, and kneeling.

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

EMTs and paramedics must evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer appropriate treatments.

Learn more about problem-solving interview questions and how to answer them!

Speaking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your speaking skills:

EMTs and paramedics need to clearly explain procedures to patients, give orders, and relay information to others.

(source: bls.gov)

EMT & Paramedic Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General EMT & Paramedic Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific EMT & Paramedic Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Where do you start to evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer appropriate treatments?
2. How do you ensure that you clearly explain procedures to patients, give orders, and relay information to others?
3. Are you a team player? Tell me how you coordinate your work activities closely with others in stressful situations.
4. Have you developed a system to minimize the risk of errors in your work?
5. What is the first thing you do when you have to provide immediate medical attention to an injured individual?
6. Tell me about the most challenging call you had to respond to as a paramedic. How did you handle the situation?
7. How do you prioritize medical treatment in the field?
8. Tell me about a time you had to act professionally as an EMT (or paramedic), despite your personal feelings.
9. What is your approach to staying up to date with new treatments and medical procedures?
10. How do you treat a patient who is experiencing a drug overdose? Can you give me an example?
11. Tell me about the precautions you take when you respond to a crime scene.

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.