Questions 1 Flashcards
- Are you comfortable driving in heavy traffic?
Absolutely! I have been driving as a delivery driver for the last year and I am very comfortable with navigating in heavy traffic. During my time as a delivery driver I had to maneuver through some of the busiest streets in towns across the North East and in busy city centres like Durham and Sunderland. I’m also familiar with all the local laws and regulations related to driving in heavy traffic and make sure that I competently follow them. Furthermore, I chose to progress my driving capabilities by gaining a Certificate of Professional Competence to make sure my Driving is safe and professional.
What are your driving credentials?
I have a valid driver’s license with a C1 entitlement alongside a Certificate of Professional Competence and a Tachograph card. Furthermore, I have a clean license with no convictions. My experience as an delivery driver includes responding to members of the public in a polite and professional manner alongside combating difficult customers though a calming manner avoiding unnecessary confrontation to create a calm and effective environment achieving the best focus on my job in hand. I have an extensive knowledge of the North East covering vast areas and can formulate a plan B when it comes to choosing a route that is different to the original when facing blocked roads or heavy traffic
How would you handle a situation where you are unable to reach the patient’s location in time to provide care?
I understand that providing timely care is of the utmost importance in an ambulance driver role. In the situation where I am unable to reach the patient’s location in time, my first priority would be to assess the current situation and determine what steps can be taken to minimize any potential negative outcomes. This would include contacting emergency service personnel and explaining the situation alongside explaining what has happened to dispatch in order to get support from fellow colleagues. I would then try to get to a patient as soon as possible whilst adhering to safety regulations.
What is your experience with providing first aid?
I have experience alongside basic training of First Aid. For example, I had to administer first aid to a neighbour on Christmas Day a few years ago. He is in his 90s and suffered a lapse of unresponsiveness so I had to ensure that his family was calm and I assessed the immediate situation. He looked as though his breathing pattern wasn’t in sink and the situation was worsening and my immediate though was he may have had a heart attack so I rushed for the local AED. Luckily when I got back I treat him for shock and he regained awareness just in time for the paramedics to arrive.
What leadership qualities do you possess?
Im a very adaptable person and can work outstandingly in a team or in a leadership role. In my previous jobs I’m often the first to step up when called upon to fill in for a manager or take charge of a situation. For example, I’m competent in my skill set and have no problem teaching and mentoring others and I have had experience in doing so. I regularly demonstrate strong ethics and integrity in the work place each day, and I have strong-decision making skills, along with quick problem-solving skills. I’m able to communicate effectively with other employees and with those that I interact with in the public.
How do you provide compassionate care in the community?
I understand that it is pivotal to develop a caring relationship with a patient as this provides the foundations of providing 1st class treatment to the public. With this in mind, I often try to sympathise with members of the public to understand their emotions but also relate with them. Especially within an emergency situation it can be very unnatural and frightening and therefore providing compassion to a patient and their family allows me to reduce their anxiety and show a patient that I care about their wellbeing. This intern allows me to provide the best care possible and treat a patient the way I would want to be treat.
How would you describe your interpersonal skills?
I have always found ways to overcome the challenges of working with the public. In the past when a member of the public has been angry or confrontational, I try to remember not to take it personally and remain calm, this helps me react without involving my emotions. Furthermore, remaining calm allows me to understand the root cause of their frustration and by being genuine in my interest of assisting them it often makes a difference in their attitude and approach. listening to people is sometimes all a person needs in order to be de-escalated. I’m always focused on the peoples experience and go out of my way to have a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
How do you keep yourself safe on the job?
I believe It’s very important to always assess the situation for threats and hazards. For example, I begin to formulate a dynamic risk assessment through the use of basic things like the DR ABC code. Once the situation is assessed I would maintain alertness and awareness. However I also believe it’s very important to be practically safe such as being aware of sharp objects or syringes that may be a biohazard or dangerous towards me, my crew and my patient. Wearing proper PPE such as gloves, goggles, masks as needed directly protects myself for things like bodily fluids. I’m thoroughly engaged to follow practices and protocols to protect myself and others.
In the last year how frequently have you called off work?
I always strive to maintain the best work ethic and commitment and In doing so I rarely have time off of work and anytime that I might miss I always try to catch up. Also a career in the North East Ambulance Service is a dream I’ve held dearly and I’m fully committed to uphold that position to the best possible standard.
How do you deal with conflict in the workplace?
First of all, I don’t like conflict with peers as is unprofessional and I think it creates unwanted atmosphere. However, if a conflict was to form I believe the best way to overcome a conflict it to talk directly with the person and discuss both of our ideas. Listening to their argument is also crucial in developing a response. When we have done that we can formulate and develop a response that unites us thus depleting and need for an argument
How does the team ensure a smooth handoff to the hospital?
I believe it’s incredibly important to communicate effectively with other members of staff both within the hospital and ambulance crew members when discussing a hand off of a patient to the hospital. Communication is vital in allowing the exchange of medical information about the patient, chief complaints and any other viable information collected. This contact with the A and E staff allows the patient to be treat immediately with the necessary procedures needed without delay.
Being an ECA can be very stressful. How do you manage the stress of the job?
I’m my past work experience I have experience of fast paced environments and I tend to thrive in this setting however I believe it’s also important to manage stress levels in accordance. An example of how I like to manage my stress levels it to take myself away from the situation after a shift I believe it’s important to keep a balance between a work and home life and also believe it’s important to take time when outside of work to reflect on what has been successful and unsuccessful about the days shift. I also desire to end the day at the end of my shift and begin a fresh focus on the next one. I also believe talking to friends and family allows me to de-stress and overcome stressful situations
Tell me about your last performance review.
My most recent manager produced a weekly performance review indicating our performance across categories of the job such as driving performance and customer service performance. With this I always strive to be the best person I can and I had a performance rating of 90/100 percent satisfaction.
How did you hear about this opening?
I recently went to the open event to discuss my interests and build an understanding around how I could develop my career within the North East Ambulance Service. The staff were incredibly helpful and I heard about this job at the event. From all the job roles that are available this job is what I’ve dreamed to do and so I thought I’d be a great match and decided to apply
Any questions?
Thank you for your time I was just wondering what the training looks like for this job if I am successful and when would the successful candidate start?
