2026 SC EMS Competition

Competition Guidelines

General Information

• Teams will compete in regional prelims. Each licensed service is initially limited to **three (3) teams**, with possible expansion based on application volume.
• Teams will be scheduled in order of registration. Requests for specific dates or times are not accepted.
• Unauthorized audio or video recording is not permitted.
• Committee members and judges are restricted from coaching competing teams for at least **two (2) years**.

Team Rules

• Each team will consist of one paramedic and one EMT, both certified in South Carolina and affiliated with the same service.
• Teams compete in service uniforms and supply required equipment, which will be inspected. **No additional equipment allowed.** Teams are responsible for providing their own equipment.
• Substitutions are allowed only with certified personnel from the same service; notice must be provided at least 24 hours in advance.
• The **first-place team** from each regional preliminary competition will advance to the final competition at the annual EMS Symposium.

Final Competition

• The final competition uses a realistic scenario designed by the committee. The prior year’s champion may defend their title.
• Finalist teams are sequestered; order is randomly drawn. Communication during sequestration is prohibited.
• If a finalist team from a region is unable to compete, the next highest-placed team from that same region will advance in their place. **Substitutions during finals are not permitted.**
• Judging is based on Paramedic & EMT curriculum, SC Medication Formulary, and SC-approved skills. Judges may act as medical control. **All judge decisions are final.** The committee reserves the right to modify rules as needed.

Supply List

Teams must bring only permitted equipment. Download the official supply list below.