ROLE PLAYER INSTRUCTIONS

Just like a consultation with a doctor, the candidate will ask you a series of questions.
The OPENING LINE is always to be said exactly as written. This is the only part of the script
which will be the same for all candidates. Where the candidate goes after the opening line is
up to them.

The remainder of the information is to be given based on the questions asked by the
candidate.

The information in the following script are core pieces of information. The core pieces of
information will not necessarily follow the order in the script but should be given when cued
by the candidate’s question.

GENERAL INFORMATION can be given relatively freely. After the opening line, most
candidates will ask an open question like “Can you tell me more about that?” You can provide
the GENERAL INFORMATION in response to that sort of question.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION should only be given when the candidate asks a relevant question.
Candidates don’t need to ask for all the information in the SPECIFIC INFORMATION section,
but all the relevant information is given there should they want to.

Each line or dot point in the SPECIFIC INFORMATION section is an appropriate chunk of
information which can be provided to the candidate when asked a relevant question.

Do not give extra information than asked.

Do not provide details which are not given in the information chunks (i.e.: do not elaborate
or ad-lib).

If the candidate asks a question that is not given in the script, the best way to respond is with
a generic response indicating there is no problem. For example:

Candidate: “How many hours do you sleep?”
Response: “I’m sleeping fine.” / “I don’t have any concerns about my sleep.”

The case may have specific QUESTIONS to ask the candidate. You can start asking the
QUESTIONS if the candidate asks about your ideas or concerns or questions.

Ask the other questions in a conversational way. You do not need to ask all the questions. The
aim should be to ask most of the questions but without interrupting the candidate.

The Patient Record Summary is also included. This is not part of the script but is included for
your general information.

If you need help in understanding any of the medical information in the script, ask the College
examiner who will be with you, and they can help to explain the terms or the conditions.

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SCRIPT FOR ROLE-PLAYER

Opening Line:

“Hi Doc, I’ve got a pre-employment medical for a FIFO mining job, and I just wanted to check if my asthma and back injury will be a problem. Also, I’ve never done one of these before, so I don’t know what to expect.”

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General Information

You are Jason Mitchell, a 34-year-old construction worker who has been offered a FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) mining job. The role requires manual labour, long shifts, heavy lifting, and exposure to dust. This is your first time undergoing a pre-employment medical, and you’re uncertain about the process and requirements.

You do not have any current symptoms but are worried about how your past medical history might affect your job application. Specifically, you have mild asthma and a lower back injury from two years ago.

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Specific Information

(To be revealed when asked appropriate questions)

Background Information

• Asthma: You’ve had it since childhood, and while it rarely flares up, dust and cold air can sometimes trigger wheezing. You only use Ventolin (Salbutamol) occasionally, and you’ve never been hospitalised for it.
• Lower Back Injury: Two years ago, you injured your back lifting heavy materials at work. You had physiotherapy for six months, and while you don’t have ongoing pain, you try to avoid excessive heavy lifting.

Concerns About the Pre-Employment Medical

• You don’t know what the medical exam involves and are nervous about being disqualified.
• You’ve heard that they test lung function, hearing, and drug/alcohol levels, but you’re uncertain about the details.
• You don’t want to lose this job opportunity, so you want to be upfront but also ensure you pass the medical.

Concerns About Asthma

• You’re worried that the dust exposure in mining might trigger your asthma.
• You rarely need your inhaler but want to confirm if asthma will be an issue.
• You haven’t had a spirometry (lung function) test in years and are unsure what it involves.

Concerns About Your Back Injury

• You don’t have daily pain, but heavy lifting for long hours might make your back sore.
• You haven’t needed any pain medication for it in over a year.
• You’re unsure if this past injury will stop you from passing the medical.

Concerns About Drug and Alcohol Testing

• You drink alcohol occasionally, but you don’t use drugs.
• You’re unsure if you need to avoid alcohol before the test.
• You’re worried that your asthma inhaler might show up in the test results.

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Emotional Cues and Body Language

• Slightly anxious: You want this job and don’t want your past health issues to stop you.
• Cautious and uncertain: You haven’t done a pre-employment medical before, so you need clear explanations.
• Engaged but hesitant: You don’t want to say the wrong thing and risk being seen as unfit for work.

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Questions You Might Ask the Doctor

1. Will my asthma stop me from getting this job?
2. What does the pre-employment medical involve?
3. Should I be worried about the drug and alcohol test?
4. Will my back injury be an issue?
5. What happens if I don’t pass a part of the medical? Can I still get the job?

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Key Information to Withhold Unless Asked

• You don’t have any ongoing back pain, but you do avoid heavy lifting if possible.
• You’ve never had a positive drug test or any concerns with substances.
• You haven’t had a recent spirometry test, but you believe your lung function is fine.
• You’re not taking any regular medication, apart from occasional Ventolin.

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How to Respond to the Doctor’s Questions

If asked about your job role

• “It’s a FIFO mining role, so I’ll be doing 12-hour shifts with heavy lifting, operating equipment, and being exposed to dust.”

If asked about your asthma symptoms

• “It’s well controlled, I only use my puffer occasionally. I get wheezy sometimes with dust or cold air, but I’ve never needed hospital treatment.”

If asked about your back injury

• “I hurt it lifting heavy materials two years ago. Physio helped, and I don’t have daily pain, but I try not to overdo it.”

If asked about drug or alcohol use

• “I drink socially, maybe once or twice a week. I don’t use drugs at all.”

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How You Should React to Advice Given by the Doctor

• If the doctor explains what the medical involves, you should nod and ask follow-up questions if unsure.
• If the doctor says your asthma might need monitoring, you should ask: “What can I do to make sure I meet the requirements?”
• If the doctor reassures you that your back injury shouldn’t be an issue, you should appear relieved but still ask about any recommended exercises or precautions.
• If the doctor talks about drug testing, you should listen carefully and ask: “Do I need to avoid alcohol before the test?”