Financial Literacy 101
What is a budget?
A plan that tracks your income and expenses so you know where your money is going.
What is a professional way to begin an email?
Start with a greeting like “Hello” or “Good morning,” followed by the person’s name.
What should you list at the very top of your résumé so employers can easily contact you?
Your name, phone number, and professional email address.
What is the first step in managing your time effectively each day?
Planning your tasks or creating a to-do list.
Triple Jeopardy:
This number activates emergency services in the United States.
911
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay: The total amount you earn before taxes and deductions.
Net pay: The money you take home after taxes and deductions.
What should you do in an interview if you don’t know how to answer a question right away?
Pause, take a breath, and ask for clarification instead of guessing.
Double Jeopardy:
Why is it important to use the same font and spacing throughout your résumé?
For consistency, which makes the résumé look professional and organized.
What is the practice of tackling the most important or hardest tasks first called?
Prioritization
This basic assessment acronym includes checking airway, breathing, and circulation.
ABC's
Double Jeopardy:
What is an emergency fund and how much should be allocated to it?
Money set aside for unexpected expenses (car repairs, medical bills, job loss). It prevents you from going into debt during emergencies.
3-6 months worth of expenses.
What kinds of things should you remove from a professional email to keep it appropriate?
Emojis, slang, casual signatures like “Sent from my iPhone,” and unnecessary punctuation.
What should you avoid putting on your résumé because it makes you look unprofessional?
Typos, slang, photos, or overly long paragraphs.
What is one reason time management is especially important in EMS?
Because every second can affect patient care and team efficiency.
Why should you avoid moving a patient with a suspected spinal injury unless necessary?
To prevent further injury or paralysis.
How early should you arrive for an in-person interview?
10-15 minutes early
What should you do if you realize you gave the wrong answer during an interview?
Move on but if it is something that can hurt your interview politely correct yourself by saying something like, “I’d like to revise my previous answer.”
Where should you list certifications like CPR, First Aid, or Stop the Bleed?
In a Certifications or Credentials section.
Why is setting deadlines helpful for managing time?
Deadlines keep you accountable and focused, preventing procrastination.
Why is checking responsiveness important?
It helps determine the patient’s level of consciousness and urgency for care.
Name two things that could hurt your impression during an in-person interview.
Chewing gum, slouching, using your phone, etc
What elements help make an email look professional and easy to read?
A clear subject line, proper grammar and spelling, organized paragraphs, and a polite closing (e.g., “Thank you,” “Sincerely”).
Why is it important to tailor your résumé to the EMS or healthcare field?
To highlight relevant skills and experience that match what employers are looking for.
What is the danger of multitasking too much?
It can reduce focus and make tasks take longer or be done poorly.
How can EMS providers prevent the spread of disease at an emergency scene?
By wearing gloves, masks, eye protection, and washing hands afterward.