The competition consists of two primary components:
Round Robin First Aid Competition
All registered competition teams will participate in a series of timed, scenario-based stations. Each station presents a unique patient care challenge requiring assessment, treatment, and documentation.
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)
Top-scoring teams from the Round Robin will advance to the Mass Casualty Incident. This large-scale, multi-patient scenario tests triage, scene management, teamwork, and prioritization under pressure.
Team Composition
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Teams consist of three responders
(or four at the discretion of the host team) -
Each team may designate one alternate
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All competitors must be current members of a campus emergency response team
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All competitors must hold valid Standard First Aid and CPR (or equivalent) certification
Each campus emergency response team may register one or more competition teams.
Judging & Evaluation
Teams are evaluated by trained judges using standardized scoring tools. Judging focuses on:
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Scene safety and professionalism
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Patient assessment and treatment
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Communication and teamwork
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Clinical decision-making
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Documentation accuracy and completeness
All judges complete a mandatory training module to ensure consistent and fair evaluation across all teams.
Patient Care Records (PCRs)
To ensure fairness and avoid advantages or disadvantages related to teams using different PCR formats, ACERT will provide a standardized PCR for all competition teams.
Teams may use either:
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The ACERT-provided PCR, or
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A blank sheet of paper
❌ Use of a team’s existing or home-institution PCR will not be permitted during competition scenarios.
The ACERT PCR is available on the website so teams can practice and familiarize themselves with it prior to the competition.
Dress Code
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Competition scenarios:
Shifting uniforms are required
(Teams should attend scenarios in their standard operational uniform used for active response.) -
Non-competition events:
Business casual -
Banquet & awards ceremony:
Semi-formal / formal attire
Teams are expected to maintain a professional appearance throughout the competition.
Competition Flow & Expectations
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Teams will rotate through scenarios according to a predetermined schedule
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Scenarios are timed and include a briefing period
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Teams must follow all instructions provided by judges and facilitators
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Safety is the top priority — scenarios may be paused or stopped if concerns arise
Detailed schedules and scenario logistics will be shared closer to the event.
Conduct & Fair Play
All participants are expected to:
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Compete respectfully and professionally
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Follow all competition rules and instructions
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Avoid sharing scenario details with other teams
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Uphold the integrity of the competition
Failure to adhere to expectations may result in scoring penalties or disqualification.