An example reply from a testing candidate was:
I first asked if I knew where both of them were located, then I asked if there was anyway possible in all my power to save both of them, then I said I would take the firefighter because if anything goes wrong in a fire with you and your partner you are suppose to get out immediately. Then after that they told me when you get out of the building you see the infants family and what do you say to them. So I said that I would say I was sorry for what happened and explain the situation the best way I was able under the circumstances. Then they told me that next the media approaches me and what do you say to them.
So I said that I would given the circumstances of what I had just been through I would have another officer speak to them because now just wasn't a good time.
Like most candidates he took the bait on saving your partner. So the correct answer is to save the infant? The key here is one word from your EMT training that is "Triage". Which of the two is in worse condition or can not be saved. As for the media, remember the chain of command. Discuss the situation with your supervisor and allow him to address the media. What you say in a stressful moment could cause a lot of trouble for your department. (Capt. Bob Smith, Speaker, Author, Publisher, Information Products. 5565 Black Ave. Pleasanton 94566 Phone: (925) 846-3959)