A typical conference includes:

• Educational workshops
• Guest speakers
• Networking opportunities
• ACERT Annual General Meeting
• Emergency response competition
• MCI response competition
• Banquet and awards ceremony
• Social events

The conference is open to members of campus emergency response teams, including responders, executives, trainers, advisors, and alumni (non-competing). Whether you’re competing or simply looking to learn, the conference offers valuable educational sessions, networking opportunities, and professional development for everyone. Alumni members may attend the conference but are not eligible to compete unless explicitly approved.

Competitors must be current members of a recognized campus emergency response team and hold, at minimum, Standard First Aid and CPR certification (or an equivalent recognized certification). 

Teams consist of three responders with the option to name one alternate. All active team members are expected to participate in each competition event unless otherwise specified.

The Round Robin is the preliminary stage of the competition where every team rotates through a series of realistic emergency response scenarios. Each scenario tests patient assessment, treatment, teamwork, communication, professionalism, and decision-making. All teams compete in the Round Robin, and the 4 highest-scoring teams advance to the Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) final.

The Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) is the final event of the competition, where the top-performing teams respond to a large-scale emergency involving multiple patients. Teams are challenged to assess, prioritize, and manage several casualties simultaneously while demonstrating strong leadership, communication, triage, and patient care under pressure. The MCI is judged as a fresh scenario, with no scores carrying over from earlier rounds. The top three teams from the round-robin competition will advance to the MCI competition, and the 4th placing team will run the MCI scenario as a “test” run but will not be scored for final awards

Yes! Teams that do not advance to the MCI are encouraged to watch the event. Observing the final is a great learning opportunity and allows delegates to see how other teams approach complex emergency scenarios. There is also the opportunity to participate as a bystander or patient. 

Teams should bring the equipment they normally use while responding on campus, including their first aid packs and any training equipment they are certified to use. Competition teams are permitted 1 first aid bag per responder, for a total of 3 bags per team (1 per responder). If needed, teams may keep extra supplies for restock in the “lock up” room. Some specialized equipment, such as AED trainers, CPR manikins, spine boards and certain scenario-specific equipment, will be provided by the host team. We recognize that first aid equipment is often costly. Should your team wish, you are welcome to use expired or training supplies for simulated competition scenarios. Teams are encouraged to bring oxygen tanks from their campus, as these will not be provided by the host team. If you are unable to supply your own oxygen tanks, please bring all appropriate oxygen masks and a regulator to simulate a tank as best as possible. 

Competitors should wear their official campus emergency response team uniforms or other attire appropriate for emergency response. Clothing should clearly identify your team and be suitable for safely participating in realistic response scenarios.

Lock-up is a designated waiting area where competitors remain before completing their scenarios. This ensures teams do not receive advance knowledge of scenarios and helps maintain a fair competition. During lock-up, competitors may not communicate with anyone outside the area or use electronic communication devices. From here, competitors will be guided to scenario rooms by conference volunteers. During break slots in the competitions, teams will move to their designated lock up room.

Teams are evaluated using standardized ACERT scoring forms by trained judges. Teams are judged according to the highest certification level of any member on their team. Further information about how our rubrics are developed and how to succeed in the competition can be accessed through our member portal.

Judges evaluate:

• Patient assessment
• Treatment technique
• Clinical accuracy
• Professionalism
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Scene management
• Decision-making
• Reassessment
• Overall patient care

Scores are compiled using standardized ACERT judging forms.

Absolutely! Competitor, patient, and volunteer safety is the highest priority throughout the competition. Procedures that could cause discomfort or injury are simulated rather than performed, judges monitor every scenario, and any unsafe situation will immediately be stopped. A designated safe word is in place to immediately end a scenario if needed. Any unsafe conduct by a patient, competitor or judge will result in investigation by ACERT’s Board and possible removal from NCCER. 

While judges do not provide feedback immediately following scenarios, teams may request their scores and feedback after the competition in accordance with ACERT guidelines. Reviewing judge comments is an excellent way to identify strengths, improve clinical skills, and prepare for future competitions.

Semi-formal attire is encouraged for the banquet and awards ceremony.

No! Many delegates attend NCCER without competing. The conference offers keynote speakers, educational workshops, networking opportunities, social events, and the chance to learn from campus emergency response teams across Canada, making it valuable for responders, executives, advisors, and supporters alike. Additionally, we are always looking for volunteers, patients and judges to help the entire competition run smoothly.