Resuscitation Competition

Resuscitation Competition at Resuscitation 2026 

The European Resuscitation Council confirms that the Resuscitation Competition will once again take place during the ERC Congress – Resuscitation 2026 as part of the educational programme.  

The competition is an educational activity designed to support the exchange of knowledge and skills in paediatric and adult advanced life support, in accordance with the ERC 2025 Guidelines for resuscitation. It provides a structured, simulation-based environment for participants to demonstrate and further develop clinical competence, teamwork, and decision-making in resuscitation practice. 

Now in its thirteenth year, the competition brings together teams from across Europe and beyond to demonstrate excellence in simulated resuscitation scenarios and to contribute to continuous professional development in resuscitation science and education. 

Competition format and schedule 

The Resuscitation Competition consists of two rounds: 

  • Preliminary rounds (paediatric scenarios): 17–18 September 2026  

  • Final round (adult scenario): 19 September 2026  

Each team’s performance is assessed during all scenarios by two independent judges, based on predefined criteria covering technical and non-technical skills. The highest-scoring teams from the preliminary rounds will advance to the final round. 

Who can participate? 

Participation is open to teams nominated by ERC National Resuscitation Councils. If places remain available after the nomination period, applications from independent teams may be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Team requirements: 

  • Each team consists of one team leader plus up to four team members  

  • All participants must be practising healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, paramedics, or allied health professionals)  

  • Medical and healthcare students may participate if they are actively involved in resuscitation as part of their clinical practice  

Assessment criteria 

Teams are evaluated by two independent judges during each scenario. Assessment is based on: 

  • Clinical decision-making and adherence to ERC current resuscitation guidelines  

  • Technical resuscitation skills  

  • Leadership and teamwork  

  • Communication, situational awareness, and performance under pressure  

Why participate? 

The Resuscitation Competition offers participants the opportunity to: 

  • Engage in an international simulation-based educational activity  

  • Benchmark skills against peer teams from different countries and healthcare systems  

  • Receive structured feedback from experienced ERC instructors  

  • Demonstrate performance in a controlled educational environment  

  • Compete for the title of ERC Resuscitation Champions 2026 

The winning team will be awarded the title of ERC Resuscitation Champions 2026 and will receive a trophy, and free access to the next ERC Congress, along with the opportunity to defend their title at the following edition. 

How to apply 

Teams wishing to participate should apply via their respective ERC National Resuscitation Council. 

If competition places remain available after 10 August 2026, registration may open to independent teams on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Application requirements: 

  • Full names and email addresses of all team members (maximum 5 participants per team)  

  • Full contact details of the team leader, who will serve as the main point of contact  

Applications should be sent to: [email protected] 

Additional information 

  • Participation in the Resuscitation Competition requires independent registration for the ERC Congress – Resuscitation 2026  

  • Competing teams will receive a 10% reimbursement of the Congress registration fee after the event  

  • Full competition rules can be downloaded from this webpage 

For further information, please contact: [email protected] 

The Resuscitation Competition is part of the educational programme of the European Resuscitation Council and contributes to continuing professional development in resuscitation education, clinical practice, and teamwork. 

Resuscitation Competition Rules

Click below to download the Resuscitation Competition Rules for 2026.