Rules for the CAFC EMT Challenge

The Challenge

The CAFC 2010 Conference is pleased to offer the inaugural CAFC EMT Challenge for EMTs, Paramedics, and First Responders. This competitive challenge is intended to demonstrate effective and successful Pre-hospital Basic Life Support (BLS) procedures and life saving skills.

Each team will be composed of Two (2) persons who must function in a pre-hospital

setting. All Paramedics, EMT’s and First Responders from member or associated member nations and skilled at functioning in the EMS environment are eligible. At least one team member must be an EMT. Additionally they must be:

•  An EMS team member with at least one year of departmental service.
• Recommended by their department Training Officer.
• Approved by their EMS Chief or Chief Fire Officer (or designated ranking officer) to participate for their EMS organization

 A total of Five (5) team slots are available for 2010. Team slots will be filled on a first come first serve basis. A Standby List will be maintained for agencies that wish to have more than one team compete. Slots still open at the time of competition may be filled by teams from this list.

Participants will be registered via online registration, which should be accomplished as early as possible.

 BLS Scenario judging is based on the most current editions of the following resources:

• BCLS Guidelines, AHA
• US DOT 1994 EMT-B Curriculum
• ITLS Basic, Brady Publishing
• Emergency Care, Brady Publishing
• U.S. Standards for weights and measures as stated in reference material.

Equipment Provided

It is understood that some teams may have difficulty transporting some types of equipment to the Competition. All equipment will be provided to the teams and will be available for inspection the day before the competition.

 Equipment will consist of: 

1. One AED
2. Backboards with CID (blanket rolls) and straps.
3. One (1) BLS airway kit containing an oxygen tank, regulator, adult BVM and oxygen masks.
4. One complete Trauma Bag with various splints, and bandaging materials.
5. One BLS OB Delivery Kit.

All participants must adhere to the following rules: 

1.  No charts, drug cards, rulers, measuring or counting devices or calculators will be allowed.
2. No computers, pagers, radios, PDA’s or cellular telephones will be allowed in the competition areas. These items will not be allowed in the competition area and should be secured prior to check-in for the competition. Please note: There isn’t any area for secure storage of these items on site and neither the CAFC, EMS Competition Committee, nor staff is accountable or responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
3. None of the standard references or individual protocol manuals will be permitted in the competition area. Any reading material must be left in the staging area prior to entering the competition area and will only be retrievable at the end of the day. Neither the CAFC, EMS Competition Committee, nor staff is accountable or responsible for lost or damaged materials.
4. No weapons will be allowed in the competition area.

 Definition of PPE 

For the purpose of the Competition, personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of a minimum of gloves and eye protection used at all times during the scenario. Due to communication interference, respiratory protection will not be required during the Competition.

 Scenario Performance 

1. The “patient” may consist of, but may not be limited to:
   1. An actual person.
   2. A Manikin (Infant, pediatric and/or adult).
   3. Other Specific procedure devices.
2. Procedures will be carried out in as realistic manner as possible. Procedures will take place in real time. Most procedures, including spinal immobilization/patient packaging, will actually be carried out; however, some procedures will require only explanations of such components as equipment required, indications, contradictions, complications, and the actual procedure technique. Which procedures will require performance and which will require explanation only will be defined as part of the scenario. You should be prepared to perform any procedure contained in the resource texts for the Competition.  
3. Team members will receive information and feedback from a clearly identified Feedback/Lead Judge. Scoring Judges cannot and will not provide feedback.  
4. During patient assessment, examination elements will only be scored when verbalized to the judges (e.g. “What do I feel when I palpate the chest?”) and simultaneously performed.  
5. Teams are encouraged to request appropriate back-up response (such as Additional EMS, law enforcement, Fire, or special rescue teams). You will be informed at the time of request of the availability of such resources.

Competition Day 

The Competition will take place on Friday, December 3, 2010.

All teams are encouraged to wear their agency uniform or other identifying clothing.

Teams will check-in at 10:00AM of the day of competition. 

• Once checked in all competitors will be kept in a controlled status and will be required to follow the directions provided by the Competition Committee to ensure that no interaction occurs between teams who have completed their Challenge Scenario and those teams who have yet to compete. Violation of these rules or Committee direction may result in disqualification.

 No team will be allowed to compete with less than 2 team members. A briefing will be held for all teams just prior to the Competition.

 Only team members and designated challenge staff will be allowed in the competition area.

 Challenge results will be announced at the Closing Ceremony on Friday December 3, 2010.

 All decisions of the Judging Committee and Committee Chair shall be final.