About Us
Who are we?
The Association of Campus Emergency Response Teams of Canada is a nationally incorporated, not-for-profit organization that advocates for, promotes, and supports Campus Emergency Response Teams on post-secondary campuses across Canada. We are a volunteer-based administrative body composed of current and former campus emergency responders who strive to facilitate communication and cooperation among our members. ACERT seeks to support our members by providing resources for development and growth and fostering a national community of campus responders.
Our History
The idea for a formal organization like ACERT first started floating around at the Provincial Emergency First Response Team Conference at Lakehead University in February of 1996.
One month later, on the weekend of March 29 – 31, 1996, representatives from Lakehead University, Trent University, McMaster University, University of Guelph, University of Western Ontario, Wilfred Laurier University, and York University travelled to the University of Western Ontario to attend the first-ever meeting of the Association of Student Emergency Response Teams of Canada (as we were then called). Delegates discussed our mission statement, structure, membership, finances, and a host office.
Much has changed in the 25+ years since that fateful weekend: the Provincial Emergency First Response Team Conference is now called the National Conference of Campus Emergency Responders, and we no longer have to worry about the availability of a fax machine or landline. Importantly, the initial spark from then has grown into a brilliant flame reflected in the passion and dedication of the thousands of students who have volunteered over the years.
Our Mission Statement
In recognizing the uniqueness of each member organization, ACERT commits itself to the following principles:
- To embody humanity and mutual understanding.
- To facilitate communication among member organizations.
- To foster ideas and overall development while providing support for existing and potential member organizations.
- To act as a liaison between member and external organizations.
- To encourage the diffusion of first aid and emergency care knowledge within the communities served by member organizations.
- To promote professionalism in the provision of emergency care by member organizations.
- To encourage unity, spirit, and leadership.