Top 31 Emergency Department Paramedic Interview Questions and Answers [Updated 2025]

I am familiar with epinephrine, which is given at a dose of 1mg every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest. Amiodarone is also critical, administered as a 300mg bolus for shock-refractory VF. I stay updated on the latest ACLS guidelines to ensure I am aware of any changes.

First, I check the scene for safety and then assess the patient’s responsiveness using the AVPU scale. I ensure the airway is clear, listening for breath sounds, and then check for a pulse to assess circulation.

The key steps in ACLS start with quickly recognizing cardiac arrest and calling for help. Then, immediately initiate high-quality CPR. Once an AED is available, use it without delay. Administer medications following the ACLS protocols and continuously reassess the patient's situation.

To set up a cardiac monitor, I first power it on and check that it's functioning. I then place the electrode leads on the patient's chest, ensuring they are correctly positioned. Depending on the patient's condition, I either monitor their ECG or prepare for defibrillation by charging the device and calling 'clear' before shocking if indicated. Finally, I document the procedure and the patient's response.

I start by ensuring the scene is safe, then I stabilize the patient's head and neck manually to prevent further injury. I check airway, breathing, and circulation while maintaining spinal precautions. If necessary, I use a spine board for transport, keeping the patient immobile throughout.

Managing pediatric emergencies requires awareness of their smaller anatomical size and different physiological responses. Communication is key; often I need to explain procedures to guardians while trying to comfort the child. Many pediatric cases differ from adults, such as respiratory issues, that require tailored approaches.

Triage is the process of quickly assessing patients to prioritize care based on the severity of their conditions. In the emergency department, we categorize patients into immediate, urgent, and non-urgent. For instance, a patient with chest pain would be seen immediately, while a sprained ankle could wait. I use established protocols to guide my decisions and ensure clear communication with the team.

I assess the pain using a 1-10 scale to understand its severity. Depending on the level, I might administer IV morphine per protocol for severe pain, along with providing comfort by adjusting their position. After treatment, I check back in to see if their pain has improved.

Intubation is indicated in cases of severe respiratory failure, such as in ARDS or COPD exacerbation, where the patient is unable to maintain adequate oxygenation.

First, I assess the patient's vital signs and ensure they are stable. Then, I apply direct pressure to the laceration to control any bleeding. After that, I clean the wound using saline to remove any debris, and I check if stitches are needed. Finally, I keep an eye on the patient for signs of shock and prepare them for transport if their condition deteriorates.

In my practice, I ensure I always wear gloves and masks when treating patients. I also wash my hands thoroughly before and after every interaction to minimize contamination.

In a recent shift, we received a call for a cardiac arrest. My role as the first paramedic was to initiate CPR while my partner set up the defibrillator. We communicated constantly, and I guided the team in coordinating the administration of medications. This quick and efficient teamwork resulted in restoring the patient's pulse by the time we reached the hospital.

During a night shift, we received a multi-casualty call due to an accident. The situation was overwhelming with multiple injuries. I quickly assessed the most critical patients and directed my partner to assist with triage. We stabilized the worst cases first and communicated effectively with the hospital. Despite the pressure, we managed to get everyone treated efficiently, and it reinforced my ability to stay focused under pressure.

In a stressful situation, a colleague and I disagreed on the best course of treatment for a patient. I took a moment to listen to their perspective and then shared my own concerns based on protocols. We decided to consult our supervisor, which clarified our approach. This not only resolved the issue but also improved our teamwork for future situations.

During a shift, I encountered a patient who was in severe pain but was being overlooked due to a busy ER. I spoke with the attending physician to express my concerns about the patient's condition and advocated for immediate pain relief. As a result, the physician ordered medication and we were able to help the patient feel more comfortable quickly.

During a multi-vehicle accident, I took charge when I arrived on scene. I quickly assessed the situation and assigned roles to team members. I led the triage process, ensuring that the most critical patients received immediate attention. Our efforts resulted in timely care for all involved and effective communication with the hospital.

During a multi-car accident, I coordinated with the fire department and had to relay patient information rapidly. My clear instructions allowed for a seamless handover, ensuring the patient received timely treatment, which was crucial for their chances of recovery.

During a busy shift, we had multiple patients arriving at once. I had to decide whether to prioritize a trauma patient with severe injuries or a cardiac patient who was stable but needed immediate intervention. I assessed the trauma patient's vital signs and determined they were critical, so I directed my team to stabilize them first. This decision allowed us to save the trauma patient's life while still attending to the cardiac patient shortly after.

During a particularly busy shift, the hospital implemented a new triage protocol that prioritized patients with breathing difficulties. I quickly familiarized myself with the new criteria, collaborated with my team to reassess incoming patients, and we effectively reduced wait times for critical cases. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability under pressure.

When I encounter a difficult patient or family member, I listen to their concerns without interruption and try to understand their perspective. I remain calm and assure them that I am there to help. For instance, I once had a family member upset about wait times, and by explaining the situation and their loved one's care plan, I was able to alleviate some of their frustration.

I would first ensure the scene is safe, then conduct a rapid assessment, checking the airway, breathing, and circulation. I would obtain vital signs and establish IV access while providing supplemental oxygen.

I would first assess how many patients my colleague is handling and ask what specific tasks they need help with. Then I would take on some of their patients to reduce their load and ensure critical cases are being addressed promptly.

I would quickly assess both patients for airway and breathing issues. If one is not breathing and the other has minor injuries, I would attend to the patient who is not breathing first.

In a major disaster, I would first set up a communication system that includes all responding units. Quickly assessing the situation allows me to prioritize patients using established triage guidelines. I would ensure each team member knows their specific role to work efficiently.

I acknowledge that losing a patient is very difficult. I take a moment to breathe deeply and refocus on my duties. My priority is to ensure the next patient is receiving the best possible care.

I would first acknowledge and respect the patient's cultural beliefs. I would ask them to share their concerns with me and listen actively. After understanding their viewpoint, I would explain the treatment options clearly, highlighting the benefits, and if needed, involve a cultural interpreter to assist in communication.

First, I assess the scene for any dangers to ensure safety. Then, I take command and assign specific roles to my team members to ensure efficient operation. I perform a quick triage to identify critical patients and prioritize their treatment accordingly. Throughout the incident, I maintain clear communication with other emergency services to coordinate our efforts effectively. Finally, I keep re-evaluating the scene and adapt our actions as necessary based on the changing circumstances.

In a short-staffed situation, I would first assess all patients to identify those in critical need of care. I'd delegate tasks, assigning less critical patients to junior members while focusing on the most urgent cases myself. Communication is key, so I'd ensure everyone knows their responsibilities and we can adjust quickly as needed. Lastly, I would keep detailed notes to maintain patient care continuity.

I would first ensure I remain calm and professional, then present my assessment clearly to the physician, highlighting specific observations that support my concerns. I would listen carefully to their reasoning and work together to adjust the plan if necessary.

I would start by asking the patient if they understand their condition and the treatment I recommend. Then, I'd carefully explain the potential consequences of refusing treatment, ensuring they have all the information to make an informed decision. If they still refuse, I would involve a senior paramedic to discuss further options and document everything accordingly.

In a situation with multiple patients, I first assess their conditions to identify who needs immediate attention. For example, if one patient is in critical condition and another is stable, I focus on the critical patient first. I communicate with my team to ensure tasks are delegated effectively, such as asking someone to assess the stable patient while I provide care to the urgent case.