EMS professionals and paramedic students are gearing up to put their first-responder skills to the test during the third annual Emergency Medical Services Escape Room Challenge at Santa Fe College on May 18-19.
Co-hosted by the ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program, Huddy’s Escape LLC and the Santa Fe College EMS Programs, the fast-paced and team-oriented challenge has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated EMS training competitions, attracting groups from across North Central Florida, according to a Santa Fe College press release.
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Kirkpatrick Center (Institute of Public Safety, 3737 NE 39th Ave.), teams will compete in immersive, escape-room-style scenarios specifically tailored to real-world EMS operations.
The scenarios are engineered to challenge clinical decision-making, crew communication and time-sensitive problem-solving, similar to skills that define high-performance emergency care in the field.
This year’s competition will feature separate divisions for professional EMS teams and paramedic student teams composed of up to four members. Prizes will be awarded to top-performing teams across both divisions. Professional teams will compete for a fireplace plaque while student teams compete for cash awards: $250 for first place and $100 for second place.
The EMS Escape Room Challenge is held annually during National EMS Week, running this year from May 17-23.
Authorized by President Gerald Ford in 1974, National EMS Week aims to honor emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and other emergency professionals for their dedication and lifesaving service, while also promoting public education, provider recognition, and safety awareness.
The escape room event aims to be an engaging educational cornerstone leading into the “ShandsCair Advances in Critical Care Conference” on May 22.
Teams interested in participating can contact any of the three co-hosting organizations for registration information and event details: ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program (352-265-7074), Huddy’s Escape LLC (352-410-4774) and Santa Fe College EMS Programs (352-271-2935).
Agencies and programs with confirmed participation in this year’s challenge are as follows:
- Gainesville Fire Rescue
- Air Methods Medical Emergency Transport Services
- Levy County Department of Public Safety
- Clay County Fire Rescue
- Alachua County Fire Rescue
- UF Health Shands
- ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program
- Santa Fe College Paramedic Program