ACERT Awards Program
ACERT is proud to be able to recognize the outstanding work of campus response teams across Canada by presenting awards each year at NCCER. Forms are sent out prior to the conference for teams to fill out. Please see the description of our awards below.
Formal Awards
1 each available
Team of The Year
This award recognizes an ACERT member team that has demonstrated extraordinary endeavours such as exceptional emergency care, training, overall improvement, communication, administration, or overcoming administrative problems.
All member teams are encouraged to apply for the Team of the Year Award.
Beyond the Call of Duty
This award is presented annually to a responder from a member team who has demonstrated exceptional individual effort in response, administration, communication and development. Nominators may not be the nominee.
Advisor of the Year
This award is presented annually to a faculty advisor, administrator, or medical director who has contributed to the success of a Campus Response Team. This individual excels at mentoring their team, and dedicates extraordinary amounts of time into educating and supporting their respective campus response team.
Acted to Save a Life
The “Acted to Save a Life” award will be given out to recognize all efforts made by Campus Response Team Responders towards life saving efforts. All responders involved in a resuscitation will be eligible to be nominated for this recognition. When nominating an individual or group of responder’s for this recognition the nominator will be required to write a description of the circumstance surrounding the call. ACERT recognizes the sensitive nature of these critical incidents, and thus we encourage teams to discuss with their responder’s if they feel comfortable receiving recognition for their efforts prior to nominating anyone. As with the other ACERT awards, this award will be presented at NCCER. ACERT also encourages all individuals involved in a critical incident on campus to reach out to resources if they require additional support following a critical incident. If you or your Campus Response team have any questions regarding this award please email info@acert.ca and we would be happy to assist you.
New Team Recognition
This award recognizes a newly established ACERT member team that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to building a strong foundation for their campus response program. This award celebrates teams that have shown remarkable dedication in their first year of operation, including outstanding efforts in team development, training implementation, community outreach, establishing protocols, and integrating into their campus community.
To be eligible, teams must have been operational for less than two years at the time of nomination. All member teams meeting this criterion are encouraged to apply for the New Team Recognition Award.
NEW! Lighthearted Awards
1 each available
Black Cloud
This award is presented to the responder who seems to attract the most unusual, complex, or back-to-back calls during their shifts. If there’s an interesting case happening, they’re somehow always on duty. This lighthearted recognition celebrates the responder who has the uncanny ability to be present for all the action.
Comfort Blanket – Best Bedside Manner
Compassionate, clear, and genuinely reassuring with patients. This award recognizes the responder who excels at creating a calming and therapeutic presence during patient care. Their gentle approach, soothing tone, and ability to ease anxiety make patients feel genuinely cared for during their most vulnerable moments.
Straight to Broadway – Outstanding Patient Interaction
This award celebrates the responder (or patient volunteer) who brings exceptional energy, engagement, and authenticity to patient interactions. Whether it’s using humor to diffuse tension, dynamic communication that keeps patients informed and involved, or memorable rapport-building that leaves a lasting positive impression, this individual turns every call into a standout performance.
Plot Twist – Adaptability Under Pressure
A mistake occurred, and they adapted, corrected it, and handled it effectively. This award recognizes the responder who demonstrated excellent problem-solving and grace under pressure when things didn’t go as planned. Their ability to pivot, learn, and recover showcases true professionalism and resilience.
Snack Hero
This award goes to the responder who always comes prepared with snacks, keeps the team fueled during long shifts or training sessions, and ensures no one is running on empty. They understand that emergency response runs on energy—and good snacks make everything better.
Fairy Godmother
This award recognizes the “team mom” who makes magic happen through unwavering support and care. This is the person who’s always there to help you get through the tough shifts, the difficult calls, and the stressful moments. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, providing encouragement, mentoring newer members, or simply knowing when someone needs a pick-me-up, the Fairy Godmother creates a nurturing team environment where everyone feels supported and valued.