Are You Cut Out to Be an EMT or a Combat Medic?

By: Teresa McGlothlin

5 Min Quiz

Image: Steve Debenport/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

The medical field is full of stressful careers that require a special sort of personality, but none of them are more demanding than that of an EMT or a combat medic. Do you think you have what it takes to do either one? Once you go through our rigorous questions, we'll figure out if you are meant for the battlefield or the back of the ambulance!

Both EMTs and combat medics are required to think on their feet and remain calm in the face of crisis. In addition to employing highly trained medical skills, both positions require a tough stomach and the desire to help others. After we examine your unique set of traits, the way you respond to emergencies and the way you keep yourself balanced, we'll know which of the two fields you are best cut out to work.

When you see our questions, pretend like you have to make the same sort of snap decisions that EMTs or combat medics have to make. Both the way you respond and the answers you provide will reveal which occupation would be best for you to pursue. Will you be riding along with the sirens and lights or will you have your gear on your back? If you're ready to find out, we're ready to tell you!

Do you have a current CPR certification?

I really should get certified.

It's current, and I have a copy in my wallet.
I think it might have expired.

I've never taken a CPR class.

Have you ever nursed a sick animal back to health?

I've saved a baby bird.

I found a stray puppy once.
I've rescued a few animals.

I'm better with sick people than sick animals.

If someone went into labor in front of you, what is the first thing you would do?

I would call 911.

I would get some warm towels.
I'm sure I would take her vitals.

I would probably have sympathy pains.

Which of these things makes you feel queasy?

Needles

Blood
Vomit

Mucus

Have you ever considered joining the military?

I thought about it, but it's not for me.

I'm currently serving.
I've never considered it.

I am a veteran.

Which hospital department would you enjoy working in the most?

Emergency

ICU
Neonatal

Surgery

How would your friends describe your bedside manner?

I'm fast and efficient.

I'm soothing and capable.
I could use some lessons in bedside manner.

My friends would say I'm cut out for the medical field.

If you were the first to arrive on the scene of an accident, what would you do?

I would start directing traffic.

I'm sure I would start treating the victims.
I would call the police.

I think I would start taking photos.

Do you keep yourself in reasonable physical shape?

I could go a few more laps.

I'm fit enough to spring into action.
I work out a few times a week.

I wish I had more time to work out.

Would you rather drive an ambulance or a firetruck?

I wouldn't mind driving either one.

I would prefer not to drive either one.
I would be a better ambulance driver.

I could be a great firetruck driver.

Which branch of science do you find most fascinating?

Physics

Biology
Endocrinology

Neuroscience

What do you do to pass the time in waiting rooms?

I spend a lot of time using hand sanitizer.

I read magazines.
I start up conversations.

I look at my phone a lot.

Which of your traits would make you a good surgeon?

I am rather studious.

I'm good with my hands.
I wouldn't want to be a surgeon.

I pay a lot of attention to detail.

Would you prefer to take orders or to give orders?

I like to give the orders.

I don't mind taking orders.
It depends on the task.

I only take suggestions.

What is the most rewarding thing about working in the medical field?

Helping others is a great feeling.

Seeing people heal is a beautiful thing.
Working with people in crisis is heartwarming.

The paycheck cannot be beaten.

Where do you keep a first aid kit?

I have a couple of them.

I always keep on in my backpack.
I have one in my vehicle.

I have one in my medicine cabinet.

If you were lost in the woods, what is the first thing you would do?

I would stop and assess my situation.

I would look for water.
I would seek shelter.

I would probably try to get a phone signal.

How would you keep a patient calm?

I would assure them that I'm a professional.

I would try to start a conversation with them.
I would sedate them.

I would ask them about fond memories.

Have you ever broken a limb or had stitches?

Luckily, I haven't had either issue.

I've had both!
I've had stitches.

I've broken a bone.

Which type of intelligent do you think you are?

Emotionally smart

Street smart
Numbers smart

Book smart

How would you deliver bad news to a patient?

I would let the doctors do it.

You might as well just say it.
I would use sensitivity.

I would have the nurses do it.

Which branch of law enforcement are you best suited to work?

Local police

State trooper
Judicial

FBI

How would you relieve stress from your job?

Taking a lot of naps works for me.

I prefer to go for a run.
Yoga always relieves my stress.

There's nothing a long talk with a friend cannot cure.

Would you have any interest in going back to school to further your career?

I could use some continuing education.

I really do not want to go back to school.
I have to keep up with recertifications.

I would love to go back to school.

Do you know what to do when someone is choking?

I do know the Heimlich maneuver.

I know to clear their airway.
I would call 911 before touching them.

I would have no idea what to do.

If you cut your finger doing dishes, how would you react?

I would bandage it and keep going.

I'm sure I would faint.
I would scream for help.

If it were severe, I would go to the ER.

Do you have any problem working night shift?

I prefer night shift.

I'll work whatever shift needs me.
I prefer day shift.

I refuse to work nights.

What is the best way to take someone's temperature?

Orally

Rectally
Digitally

Touching their forehead

Do you think with your heart or your head in crisis situations?

I always use my head.

I trust my gut more.
I always think with my heart.

I tend to use both.

Are you an organ donor?

That's a great idea!

I've donated myself to science.
I am an organ donor.

I've donated a few of them.

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min

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