Sample EMT Interview Questions and Answers

Being an emergency medical technician (EMT) is challenging and rewarding. An EMT job interview can be a challenge as well. You'll answer EMT interview questions in front of a panel of three or more EMS representatives. EMT questions will test your skills, knowledge, and eagerness for the job.

We've researched the most common sample questions EMTs encounter during job interviews to give you a heads-up on what to expect. Study and practice your responses, then go get that job!

EMT Interview Questions

1. Why Did You Decide to Become an EMT?
2. What Have You Done in the Last Year to Increase Your EMT Skills or Knowledge?
3. What Are Your Top EMT Skills?
4. Describe a Challenging Call You've Had and How You Handled It.
5. How Do You Remain Calm in Difficult Situations?

Question #1: Why Did You Decide to Become an EMT?

EMTs witness and manage difficult and upsetting situations. The panel wants to know if you have the self-confidence and passion needed to do the job:

• Tell a story about how you became interested in EMT work.
• Show commitment and enthusiasm.

How You Could Answer

"I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare so I could help people. After working for a busy doctor's office as a medical assistant, I realized I am well-suited for a fast-paced environment. I was thrilled to discover that being an EMT combines my passion and my skill set."

Question #2: What Have You Done in the Last Year to Increase Your EMT Skills or Knowledge?

It's critical for an EMT to keep up with new techniques, medicines, and trends. Your answer to this and all EMT interview questions needs to match the information you included on your resume. Include new skills, classes, refresher courses, and certificate renewal in your answer. You will be evaluated for your physical fitness, so also mention your workout routine:

• List the learning opportunities you've taken in the last 12 months.
• Emphasize your plan to continue improving your skills and knowledge in the future.

How You Could Answer

"I joined the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians as soon as I became an EMT, and I take at least one new skills or refresher class every quarter from them. My last class was on pain management. I read the Journal of Emergency Medical Services regularly to learn the newest trends and practices, and of course, I renew my certification every two years, requiring 40 hours of additional continuing education. I also weight train with a coach three times a week at my local gym."

Question #3: What Are Your Top EMT Skills?

This can be answered as two different EMT interview questions: Interviewers want to know your comfort level with the EMT skills you'll use on the job, such as airway management techniques. But they are also interested in the soft skills, characteristics, and traits that help you excel in EMT work:

• Point out the three hard skills you are most comfortable with.
• Talk about the soft skills that enable you to be an outstanding EMT.
• Give specific examples of how you've used these skills.

How You Could Answer

"My team relies on me to be our go-to person for cardiac intervention, spinal restriction, and OB/GYN skills since I have the most experience delivering babies. I think personality traits are essential skills as well. I am a great communicator. I listen, guide my team, and explain to patients what they need to do so we can help them."

Question #4: Describe a Challenging Call You've Had and How You Handled It.

You'll be put into stressful, difficult, and dangerous situations as an EMT. Scenario questions ask how you've handled these situations in the past to give the interviewer an idea of how you'll do on your first ride:

• Describe a situation you handled well and resolved favorably.
• Talk about how you assessed what needed to be done and how you did it.
• Report the positive outcome and what you learned.

How You Could Answer

"We got a call that a 70-year-old man had a syncopal episode in a restaurant on Route 315. The caller said he looked like he was having a heart attack. We get there, and he's leaning against the wall in obvious distress. When we approach him, he scowls and says he's fine and isn't going to the hospital. A quick assessment led me to the conclusion that he was embarrassed because he was in a public place. His family forced him to sit and wait for us, but he's not used to being told what to do. He may also have been in denial that his health was declining."

"So I sat next to him, acknowledged he didn't want to be in this situation and told him what could be wrong and what could happen if he refused treatment. Then I said, 'You and I both know your family is going to bug you until you go to the ER. Why don't we just go get this checked out? If there's nothing wrong, you can be back at home in a couple of hours.' He finally let us do a quick exam and transport him to the hospital. It turned out he was in the early stages of heart failure. I learned that treating patients on a personal level and caring for their emotions as well as their physical problems is always the way to get the best possible outcome."

Question #5: How Do You Remain Calm in Difficult Situations?

You'll encounter life-threatening and dangerous situations frequently as an EMT. Interview questions about how you approach these situations and what techniques you use to stay composed are essential:

• Acknowledge that danger and stress are part of the job.
• Emphasize that being calm is absolutely necessary to do your job, keep team members focused, and best serve patients.
• List the techniques you use to stay on track.

How You Could Answer

"An EMT has to be calm no matter what. I've encountered terrible situations like everyone else. I owe it to my team members and patients to never let them see I am not in control. I make sure to communicate with my team, so we all stay focused and work together toward a positive outcome. And when I'm in a tough spot, I implement stress-relieving breathing techniques I've learned in yoga classes."

Are You Ready to Answer the Call for an EMS Interview?

Now that you've gotten some insight into how to answer common EMT interview questions, you're almost set to go. Complete your checklist by creating a Monster profile to receive job alerts and career advice from our job search experts.