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 represent their region in 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.