15 First Aid Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to life-saving skills, few are more important than first aid. That’s why employers often want to know if job candidates have experience with first aid and how they would handle different emergency situations.

If you’re interviewing for a job that involves working with the public or supervising employees, the interviewer may ask first aid related questions to gauge your level of preparedness in case of an accident or medical emergency.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to first aid interview questions, preparing for them in advance will help you feel more confident and give you the best chance of impressing the interviewer.

In this guide, we’ll provide some sample first aid interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next job interview.

1. What do you understand by the term “first aid”?

This question is a great way for employers to assess your knowledge of the first aid industry. It’s important to understand the basics of first aid to be a successful first aid professional. In your answer, explain what you understand by the term “first aid” and what it means to you.

Example: “First aid is the immediate care that is given to someone who is injured or in need of medical attention. It’s important to understand that first aid is only a temporary solution to a problem. It’s a way to stabilize a patient until they can receive more advanced medical care. I believe that first aid is a valuable skill that everyone should have. It can help you save someone’s life until they can receive more advanced care.”

2. Can you explain how to manage bleeding in a patient?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of first aid skills. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you can follow directions and procedures when working in an emergency situation. When answering this question, it’s important to be as specific as possible about how to manage bleeding in patients.

Example: “When managing bleeding in a patient, I always make sure to assess the severity of the wound before beginning treatment. If the wound is minor, I’ll clean it with soap and water or antiseptic solution and cover it with a bandage. For more severe wounds, I’ll apply pressure to the wound using gauze pads or a clean cloth. I’ll continue applying pressure until the bleeding stops.”

3. How would you deal with an unconscious person who is not breathing and has no pulse?

This question is a test of your knowledge and skills in emergency situations. It also tests how you respond to stressful situations. Your answer should show that you can remain calm under pressure, follow instructions and work as part of a team.

Example: “I would first check for breathing by looking, listening and feeling the chest. If there’s no breathing, I would call out for help and then begin rescue breathing. I would give two breaths every five seconds until the person starts breathing on their own or medical professionals arrive. Next, I would check for a pulse at the neck and wrist. If there’s no pulse, I would immediately start CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths.”

4. If someone’s choking, what are some ways that you can help them?

This question can help employers understand your knowledge of first aid techniques. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list the steps you would take to help someone who is choking and provide a brief explanation for each step.

Example: “If someone’s choking, I would ask them if they know the Heimlich maneuver. If they don’t, I would teach them how to do it. Then, I would have them practice on me so that they are prepared in case of an emergency. Next, I would call 911 and then perform five back blows between their shoulder blades. After that, I would give up to five abdominal thrusts.”

5. What should you do if someone collapses or faints suddenly?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of first aid procedures. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you can follow directions and perform tasks quickly and efficiently. In your answer, explain what steps you would take in this situation and why these steps are important.

Example: “If someone collapses or faints suddenly, I would make sure they’re lying on their back with their head tilted slightly back and their mouth open. Then, I would call for help and check if they have a pulse by placing two fingers on their neck at the spot where their Adam’s apple meets their collarbone. If there’s no pulse, I would immediately begin CPR.”

6. What are some common first-aid procedures for burns?

Employers may ask this question to make sure you know how to treat burns, which are common injuries. They might also want to know if you have any experience with treating them. In your answer, try to show that you understand the basics of burn treatment and can apply it in a real-world situation.

Example: “The first thing I would do is assess the severity of the burn. If it’s minor, I’d clean the wound and cover it with a bandage. For more severe burns, I would cool the area by running cold water over it or applying ice packs. Then, I would remove clothing from the affected area and wrap the burn in gauze. Finally, I would transport the patient to the nearest hospital.”

7. What do you understand about the role of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) when providing first aid?

CPR is a life-saving technique that can be used to help someone who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you understand the importance of CPR and how it relates to first aid. In your answer, try to explain why CPR is important and what its role is in providing care to an injured person.

Example: “CPR is one of the most important skills for anyone working in the medical field because it can save lives. I have taken several courses on CPR over the years, including refresher courses every two years as required by my state. I also know when it’s appropriate to use CPR and when other techniques are more suitable.”

8. What are some common causes of burn injuries?

Employers may ask this question to make sure you know how to recognize and treat burn injuries. They might also want to know if you have experience treating them. In your answer, explain what causes burns and the best ways to prevent them. Share any personal experiences you’ve had with burns or first aid for burns.

Example: “Burns are caused by heat, electricity, chemicals or radiation. The most common cause of burns is scalding liquids like hot water or grease. Burns can be very serious because they damage the skin’s outer layer, which protects our bodies from germs. If someone has a burn, I would immediately remove whatever is causing it. Then, I would clean the wound and cover it with gauze to protect it.”

9. What are the different types of wounds that need immediate medical attention?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of first aid and how you apply it in the workplace. When answering this question, make sure to list all types of wounds that require immediate medical attention and explain why they need to be treated right away.

Example: “There are three different types of wounds that should receive immediate medical attention. The first type is an open wound, which is when there’s a break in the skin or tissue. Open wounds can lead to infection if not properly cleaned and bandaged, so I always make sure to clean them thoroughly before applying any bandages. The second type is a puncture wound, which occurs when something pierces the skin. Puncture wounds also have the potential to become infected, so I always ensure they’re disinfected before being bandaged. The third type is a laceration, which is when the skin is torn by an object.”

10. Why is it important to keep ice packs away from injured areas?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of first aid safety. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you understand how important it is to follow protocols and procedures when treating injuries. In your answer, explain why keeping ice packs away from injured areas is so important and give an example of a time you did this successfully.

Example: “Ice packs are very effective at reducing swelling and pain in minor injuries. However, they should never be placed on open wounds or near any sensitive body parts. I once had a patient who was suffering from a sprained ankle. He wanted to use an ice pack to reduce his swelling, but I explained to him that he could damage his ankle further if he used an ice pack. Instead, I recommended using cold water to reduce swelling.”

11. How do you administer First Aid to patients suffering from electric shock?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of First Aid and how you apply it in the workplace. When answering this question, make sure to include all steps involved in administering First Aid to patients suffering from electric shock.

Example: “First, I would assess the patient’s condition by checking their pulse and breathing. If they are unconscious, I will administer CPR until help arrives or the patient regains consciousness. Next, I would remove any jewelry or clothing that may be touching the skin. Then, I would check for burns and treat them with burn ointment. Finally, I would call emergency services and wait for them to arrive.”

12. What are some tips for administering CPR safely?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of administering CPR. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you know how to do it safely and effectively. When answering this question, make sure to include all of the steps for administering CPR correctly.

Example: “When administering CPR, I always make sure to check my hands before starting. This ensures that they are clean and free from any cuts or abrasions. Next, I place the heel of one hand on the center of the victim’s chest. Then, I place the other hand on top of the first so that both are in the middle of the chest. I then give 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. After each set of 30, I pause for two breaths.”

13. Is it safe to use iodine on an open wound?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of first aid safety. It’s important for first responders to know the right ways to treat patients, and this question can help an interviewer determine whether you’re familiar with these protocols. In your answer, explain that iodine should only be used on wounds that are not open. You can also mention that it’s best to use clean water or saline instead.

Example: “Iodine is actually not safe to use on open wounds because it can cause irritation. Instead, I would recommend using clean water or sterile saline solution. Both of these options are much safer than iodine.”

14. When should you dial 911?

Employers may ask this question to make sure you know when it’s appropriate to call 911. They want to ensure that you’re not going to call the emergency number for every little thing, but only in situations where someone is seriously injured or ill. In your answer, explain what types of injuries and illnesses would require a 911 call.

Example: “I would dial 911 if I saw someone who was unconscious, bleeding heavily or having seizures. If someone had an injury that required stitches, lost consciousness or was unable to move their limbs, I would also call 911. If someone was experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath or other symptoms of a heart attack, I would call 911 as well.”

15. What should you do if you’re unable to stop bleeding immediately?

This question can help interviewers assess your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt in challenging situations. Your answer should show that you’re willing to try different methods until you find one that works.

Example: “If I’m unable to stop bleeding immediately, I would first make sure the patient is stable by checking their vital signs and administering any necessary medication or treatment. Then, I would apply pressure to the wound for at least five minutes before releasing it to check if the bleeding has stopped. If not, I would reapply pressure for another five minutes. If there’s still no improvement, I would continue this process until the bleeding stops.”