Changes to the State Paramedic Competition
Formerly known as the SC Paramedic Competition, this event is now being renamed the SC EMS Competition to reflect the inclusion of both paramedics and EMTs! This change highlights the broader, more inclusive nature of EMS partnerships across South Carolina and aligns the competition with real-world EMS operations
Why the Change?
We understand that some may have questions or concerns about this decision. Here’s why this change is being made:
- Reflecting Real-World EMS Teams: In most EMS agencies across South Carolina, shift configurations often consist of paramedic-EMT teams rather than two paramedics. By adopting this team structure in the competition, we are ensuring that the event is more representative of the day-to-day operations within EMS services. This helps participants better prepare for real-world scenarios and reinforces the teamwork necessary in the field.
- Recognizing the Value of EMTs: EMTs play an essential role in EMS response, and this change acknowledges their contribution. The new format provides a platform for EMTs to demonstrate their skills, many of which are critical to the success of a call yet have been previously underrepresented in this competition.
- Expanding Participation: This change opens the door for a larger group of EMS professionals to compete, particularly at the EMT certification level. We believe this will not only increase the pool of participants but also strengthen the overall quality of the competition by bringing in more diverse teams.
Additional Competition Updates
- Regional Prelims: Prelims will be held as a one-day event at the SC Fire Academy. We are bringing in experienced judges from North Carolina and Georgia to ensure impartial and fair evaluation throughout the competition.
- State Finals: The state competition will take place on Wednesday afternoon during the symposium, providing a prime stage for teams to showcase their skills and teamwork.
Addressing Your Concerns
We understand that changes like this can bring about a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the key concerns we anticipate:
- Will EMTs and Paramedics Be Judged Differently?
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- While paramedics and EMTs have different scopes of practice and training, teams will be judged as a whole. The judging criteria will focus on critical performance metrics, ensuring that both the paramedic and the EMT have opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the scenario and overall team success.
- How Will the Scenarios Be Adjusted?
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- The scenarios will be specifically designed to reflect the unique skills of both paramedics and EMTs. Our goal is to create scenarios that challenge both team members appropriately, ensuring that neither is overshadowed and that their contributions are vital to the team’s success.
- How Will the Competition Account for Differences in Training?
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- We’ve developed a judging rubric that takes into account the difference in training and scope of practice between EMTs and paramedics. While each team member’s role will vary based on their qualifications, the performance of the team as a whole will be the primary focus. Judges will be trained to evaluate how well the team works together, balancing their skill sets in real-time.
- What About Advanced EMTs?
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- For this year, the competition will focus on paramedic-EMT teams to maintain consistency. However, we are considering adding Advanced EMTs (AEMTs) in future competitions. This potential addition would further expand the diversity of roles represented and create additional opportunities for EMS professionals at different certification levels to compete.
- How Will Last Year’s Winning Team Participate in the Competition This Year?
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- Last year’s winning team has been invited back to compete again, but this time each paramedic must have an EMT partner to align with the new competition format. To ensure fairness, the paramedics from the previous team will now compete alongside EMTs. Typically, the competition includes five teams, but due to these changes and the inclusion of the returning champions with new EMT partners, there may be six teams competing this year.
We understand that change can be difficult, especially for a competition that has such a strong tradition. However, we believe that these updates reflect a broader recognition of the vital contributions made by all EMS professionals. By embracing this new format, we are not only improving the realism of the competition but also fostering a greater sense of inclusion within the EMS community.
We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Click here to learn more and register!
We look forward to seeing the incredible talent at this year’s SC EMS Competition!
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