One Paramedic + One EMT or AEMT
Each team must consist of one paramedic partnered with an EMT or Advanced EMT. Both clinicians must be affiliated with the same service.
Updated format
What's New for 2027
The revised format gives teams across the state a clear path from their regional preliminary round to the Symposium championship.
Every Team Competes in Preliminaries
Previous champions no longer receive automatic placement in the championship. All teams must qualify through the preliminary competition.
Four Teams Advance
The top-performing team from each of South Carolina's four competition regions advances to the championship.
Recognition on Closing Day
Championship winners are announced Thursday, March 4, following the closing general session—not immediately after the final scenario.
Save the dates
Competition Schedule
Follow the competition from preliminary scenarios in January to the state championship and winners announcement at the Symposium.
Saturday, January 16, 2027
10 a.m. start
Midlands Technical College
Room to be announced
Individual team competition times will be emailed closer to the event.
Wednesday, March 3, 2027
4:30 p.m. finalist sequestration5:30–7:00 p.m. competition
Windsor Ballroom
Kingston Plantation
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Four regional finalist teams compete in simulated patient-care scenarios.
Thursday, March 4, 2027
12:30 p.m.
2027 SCEMSA Symposium
Immediately following the closing general session.
Championship results are announced on the Symposium's final day.
Secure your place
Register Your Team
Registration is open for eligible two-person teams. Both participants must meet competition eligibility requirements and represent the same service.
- Team registration fee: $100
- Deadline: December 11, 2026
- Team makeup: One paramedic and one EMT or Advanced EMT
Know before you compete
Competition Guidelines
Review the competition structure, qualification process and championship requirements before registering.
January 16 · Midlands Technical College
- All registered teams compete beginning at 10 a.m.
- Teams receive individual competition times by email closer to the event.
- Teams compete within their designated region.
- The top team from each of four regions advances to the championship.
Qualification Is Required for Everyone
The previous year's winning team does not automatically advance. If the 2026 champions compete in 2027, they must enter preliminaries and qualify through their region like every other team.
March 3 · State Finals
- Finalist teams will be sequestered beginning at 4:30 p.m.
- The order of competition will be randomly drawn.
- Communication during sequestration is prohibited.
- Winners are not announced immediately after the competition.
Evaluation and Awards
- Judging is based on applicable EMS curriculum, the South Carolina Medication Formulary and South Carolina-approved skills.
- Judges may act as medical control, and all judge decisions are final.
- Winners are recognized Thursday, March 4 at 12:30 p.m., after the closing general session.
Four regions. Four finalists. The highest-performing team from each region earns a place at the 2027 SCEMSA Symposium championship.
Prepare for competition
Equipment & Supply List
Teams should bring only permitted equipment. The competition supply list remains unchanged from the 2026 competition.
We're here to help
Questions?
Contact the competition coordinator for questions about team eligibility, registration or competition logistics.