PA 27 Flashcards
Describe a situation you have had with a difficult patient.
I once had a patient who hurt himself while in the precinct cell. He was furious and refused to let us help him because he feared a big hospital bill. He threatened to get violent if we tried to move him. I stayed calm and used a soft tone of voice. I explained we weren’t there to hurt him, only to check his injury. It took time, but eventually he let us take a look.
Another patient refused to ride in an ambulance for the same reason—he worried about the cost. Watching someone in need avoid care out of fear made me realize how stressful financial concerns can be for patients. That moment stuck with me. It showed me how crucial it is to understand people’s fears, whether it’s about money or something else, and to reassure them we’re there to help. As a future PA, I plan to keep that in mind and offer empathy whenever patients are anxious or upset.
Discuss a situation with a patient that had a significant impact on you.
The most heartbreaking case I’ve seen was a 12-year-old girl who overdosed. I helped perform CPR, but we couldn’t revive her. That moment hit me hard. It made me realize how fragile life is, especially for children. It also pushed me to think about how we can educate families and youth about the dangers of drugs. Even though the outcome was tragic, Though the outcome was tragic, that loss taught me how precious life is and made me even more determined to protect and care for vulnerable patients in every situation.
How do you deal with high-stress situations?
I like to slow down and focus on one task at a time. If I feel overwhelmed, I’ll take a deep breath, step back, and list what needs to be done first. Breaking things into smaller steps helps me stay calm.
How do you deal with high-stress situations?
I handle different types of stress in my job. Sometimes I work 12 to 20 hours straight as a police officer with no breaks. I call it “priming” my brain—I remind myself, “Scott, you’re here to help people.” That mental reset keeps me focused and calm, even when I’m exhausted.
What is the most stressful part of your current job?
It’s the constant pace without a break. You can’t pause or take time off when someone is in danger. The radio just keeps going, and every situation feels urgent.
What coping mechanisms have you developed for dealing with stress?
Aside from “priming,” I rely on regular exercise—like lifting weights and interval training—to clear my head. I also talk to my wife or close friends about tough days. Sharing what happened helps me let go of tension. I plan to use these same methods in PA school to handle its heavy workload and stay focused on helping patients.
