Interviewing with ambulance services

[Robbybear]

I've been to a few interviews recently with various ambulance services. My feedback is that when answering their questions, I require prompting. I could argue that this is because the questions asked aren't the simplest/shortest ones which is understandable but because of this it does take me more time to generate my answer because I'm trying to work out how to respond to the question. I don't believe that I struggle with aphasia but it just takes me longer between thinking about what to say and saying it. I've been an event first aider with st John ambulance since 2016 ( traumatic brain injury in 2015) am I just talking nonsense or does it make sense and that's maybe i should declare on the application my tbi?

[Shon48]

Yes , I think you should and to be honest I think it would be too stressful a job for you. My husband was an A&E nurse for years and he was so burnt out by the time he retired . The stress caused a stroke but he recovered really well . Maybe they could train you to be something less stressful . I wish you luck in your quest though . 🤗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[Lynd]

HI Robbybear

I congratulate you on your efforts to get a job you really want.

If I were you though I would consider very carefully your interview feedback.

If you delayed your answers long enough to need prompting how would you get on in an emergency situation?

You would be facing emergency situations every day maybe several times a day. Being able to work at speed would be vital. You literally have people's lives in your hands. I can't imagine a more stressful job.

I hope you can think of something that would not need instant reaction.

Good luck x

[cat3]

You must declare your brain injury Robbie. The role of Paramedic involves intense training to a high level of expertise in all matters medical/social and handling of patients, in a range of stressful, often dangerous situations. It can be exhausting physically and emotionally for even seasoned professionals. It's laudable that you're attracted to such a caring career but you need to be reliably robust and in good health to take on a medical role of such a critical nature.

Most brain injury survivors have had to lower their sights and adapt to lesser roles in life and it's a hell of a transition. But I hope you can find something less intense and demanding Robbie, but which will give you the satisfaction of helping others.

Good luck and Best wishes, Cat x