How to organise a first aid competition
Start by fixing the competition format, venue and number of teams. Then build realistic match scenarios, decide how judges will score them and send participants one clear information pack. Most problems happen when registrations, dietary requirements or specialist equipment are left until the final week. On the day, allow time to set up separate stations, test every stopwatch and practice device, brief the jury and register teams before the opening instructions.
The plan, step by step
Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.
Preparations
- 1
Set the competition format
2 people
- 2
Reserve venue
- 3
Send invitations
2 people
- 4
Process registrations
- 5
Collect dietary requirements
- 6
Send participant information
- 7
Confirm judges
- 8
Develop match scenarios
3 people
- 9
Create evaluation forms
2 people
- 10
Assign teams
2 people
- 11
Prepare jury briefing
- 12
Check the shopping list
2 people
- 13
Do the shopping
2 people
- 14
Check competition materials
2 people
- 15
Set up scenarios
4 people
- 16
Open venue
2 people
- 17
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
- 18
Set up competition stations
5 people
- 19
Set up the registration table
2 people
- 20
Set up catering
2 people
- 21
Give the jury briefing
2 people
Event
- 22
Receive participants
3 people
- 23
Register teams
2 people
- 24
Give the opening instructions
- 25
Guide the first competition round
6 people
- 26
Serve break drinks
2 people
- 27
Refill drinks
- 28
Lead the second round of the competition
6 people
- 29
Guide the third competition round
6 people
- 30
Serve the meal
3 people
- 31
Check scores
2 people
- 32
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
- 33
See participants off
2 people
Aftercare
- 34
Gather competition materials
4 people
- 35
Wash dishes
3 people
- 36
Remove waste
2 people
- 37
Clean the room
4 people
- 38
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
- 39
Lock up the venue
2 people
- 40
Return borrowed materials
2 people
- 41
Send results and photos
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 8
- Chairsqty 50
- Registration desk
- Waste binsqty 4
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 60
- Platesqty 50
- Cutlery setsqty 50
- Coffee cupsqty 30
Kitchen
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Water jugsqty 4
- Serving traysqty 4
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Kitchen knivesqty 3
- Serving spoonsqty 4
Equipment
- Kettlesqty 2
- Coolersqty 3
- Extension cordsqty 3
- Power stripsqty 3
- Megaphone
Sports equipment
- First aid kitsqty 6
- CPR manikinsqty 3
- Practice AEDsqty 3
- Practice stretchersqty 2
- High-visibility vestsqty 8
- Practice bandaging materialsqty 6
- Scenario propsqty 12
- Stopwatchesqty 6
- Conesqty 20
- Barrier tapeqty 4
- Pensqty 30
- Clipboardsqty 8
- Evaluation formsqty 80
- Team numbersqty 10
Decorations
- Competition notice boardsqty 6
- Name badgesqty 60
- Prizesqty 3
Cleaning
- Bucketsqty 2
- Mopsqty 2
- Broom and dustpanqty 2
Catering
- Groceries
Tips
- Set the format before inviting anyone: decide the team size, number of rounds, station timings and scoring method. Share these rules with participants so teams know what to practise and judges use the same standard.
- Create each scenario with a written brief, required props and a model response. Prepare evaluation forms at the same time, and test every scenario with a stopwatch before competition day.
- Close registrations at least 7 days before the event. Use the final list to assign teams, collect dietary requirements and send arrival times, venue information, round instructions and equipment restrictions.
- Check specialist equipment twice: once after shopping and again during setup. Test CPR manikins, practice AEDs, stretchers, bandaging materials, stopwatches and extension cords rather than assuming they work.
- Plan the first 60 minutes in detail: open the venue, arrange tables and chairs, mark stations, set up registration and catering, brief judges, register teams and give opening instructions before round one starts.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I organise a first aid competition?
- Start planning at least 6 weeks ahead so you can reserve the venue, confirm judges and develop scenarios. Close registrations about 7 days before the competition to complete team assignments and participant information.
- How long should each first aid competition station last?
- Allow 10 to 15 minutes per station, including the practical task and scoring. Add 5 minutes between stations for teams to move safely and for judges to reset scenario props.
- What equipment do I need for a first aid competition?
- Plan for one working set of core equipment per active station where possible, including CPR manikins, practice AEDs, stretchers, bandaging materials and stopwatches. Also prepare cones, barrier tape, high-visibility vests and scenario props to define each exercise.
- When should judges receive the briefing?
- Give the jury a written briefing at least 3 days before the event, then hold a final briefing before participants arrive. Use that meeting to confirm scoring, timings, safety rules and how judges handle unclear situations.
Start this plan in Lizzt
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