How To Ace Your Paramedic Science Interview
1. Prepare answers to potential questions:
One type of question that is sure to show up is scenario-based questions. These are to test how you’d react to certain incidents on both a personal and professional level. For example, if you were asked “How do you think you’d react if you were the first to arrive at the scene of a serious road traffic collision?” it would be important for you to consider that paramedics need to stay calm so that they’re in control as when they’re in control they can do their jobs to the highest standard. Also, whilst attending an RTC, it is important to consider that paramedics must carry out a dynamic risk assessment (DRA) throughout to ensure everyone’s safety. Patient care is paramount. Assessing the needs of all the casualties and providing the appropriate level of care is the main task of the paramedic
2. The role of a paramedic and ambulance service:
During your training you will read and absorb a large amount of information that is relevant to the role of a paramedic and the ambulance service. This information will be sufficient to prepare you for job-related questions that are sure to come up in your paramedic science interview. I highly recommend taking a look at the NHS Trust site that’s local to your university and see what they say about the role of a paramedic and service. You should also learn the vision and values of the service. The panel will be impressed if you’re able to recite these.
3. Why do you want to be a paramedic?
Obviously you’re the only person that knows why you want to be a paramedic. When you’re thinking of a response to this question, try to think about the qualities of a paramedic that you’re able to match. Don’t mention reasons such as salary, pension and the opportunity to drive an ambulance with the blue lights flashing! I’d also like to add that giving a personal reason could show you’re personally invested in becoming a paramedic. Positive aspects of the role include the chance to make a difference, working with a team of highly professional people, working in a diverse workforce and community, learning skills and obtaining qualifications, and the variety of the job.
4. Why you think you’ll successfully pass the course
Paramedic science might be one of the hardest, if not the hardest, university course to take. You’re not only studying to pass your exams; you’re studying to be the one thing that stands between life and death. You must give details of a time when you worked hard to gain a qualification. The panel will want to see your enthusiasm and passion, and how you’ve gone out of your own way to find out more about the role of a paramedic.
5. Issues that are affecting the NHS and ambulance service
At any particular time there will be a certain issue affecting the NHS. At the time I am writing this the most important issue affecting the NHS is the novel coronavirus pandemic, aka COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. Make sure you keep up-to date on issues the NHS is facing. Bed-blocking is also an important issue to research, as it directly affects paramedics
