How to Apply

The 2026 SERT application cycle is now open! Click here to begin the online application.

There are eight stages to the application process as outlined below. In order to apply to SERT you must be a Western student (including Huron and King's) and have a minimum certification of Standard or Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C.

Important Information:

  1. You must be invited to all stages after the written test & CPR skills evaluation.
  2. Application to join SERT is extremely competitive due to the large number of applications we receive and the limited spots available each year. If unsuccessful, we encourage you to reapply the following year.
  3. We encourage students who are dependable, humble, team-oriented, and genuinely interested in serving the Western community to apply. Prior medical experience is not required; we are looking for applicants with strong character, a willingness to learn, and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
  4. The final team is not picked until after Stage 8: Documentation.
  5. If you have any questions about the application process, you may email: sertapplications@gmail.com

 

The Eight Stages of Application:

Stage 1: Online Application

DUE at 11:00AM on September 13, 2026. 

Click here to begin the online application.

    1. The only prerequisites for joining SERT are:
      1. A valid Standard First Aid or Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C certification (or higher).
      2. Enrolment at Western University (or affiliates) as a student.
    2. Accepted applications are applications with ALL questions in the online application form completed. Additionally, a valid resume and your first aid certification must be uploaded.
    3. Incomplete applications will not be considered; it is your responsibility to complete the application in its entirety.

 

Stage 2: Written Test and CPR Evaluation

Evening of September 13, 2026.

  1. All applicants should attend Stage 2.
  2. The written test will be an original test created by SERT based on concepts found in the Standard First Aid and CPR-C course. It will be different from the tests used in certification courses or during previous application cycles.
  3. The test will include a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
  4. Applicants will also be asked to perform basic CPR at the standard at which they are trained (i.e, if you are trained in BLS, you will be asked to perform CPR to the BLS standard).
  5. Successful applicants will be invited to stage 3.

Stage 3: MMIs

September 14 and 15, 2026.

  1. Stage 3 is by invitation only.
  2. Applicants will take part in sequential interviews as well as attend a lesson and demonstration of a first-aid related skill.
  3. Applicants are not required to bring anything to this stage; applicants should be prepared to discuss their skill sets and past experiences at the interviews.
  4. It is recommended that applicants dress in comfortable attire, as the demonstration of a first-aid related skill may require freedom of mobility.
  5. Successful applicants will be invited to stage 4.

Stage 4: Practicals

September 16 and 17, 2026.

  1. Stage 4 is by invitation only.
  2. This stage is a practical first aid/CPR skills evaluation lasting for approximately 45 minutes and containing multiple first aid situations.
  3. Time slots will be assigned. There will be an opportunity to disclose any scheduling conflicts during Stage 3. We will do our best to accommodate any scheduling conflicts.
  4. Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather. This stage involves running and applicants should be prepared to get dirty.
  5. SERT provides any and all necessary equipment; you are just required to attend.
  6. Successful applicants will be invited to stage 5.

Stage 5: Interview 

September 18 and 19, 2026.

  1. Stage 5 is by invitation only.
  2. This stage is an in-person interview with SERT.
  3. You will be asked to bring a copy of your course schedule.
  4. Successful applicants will then be invited to stage 6.

Stage 6: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Course 

Beginning the morning of September 20, 2026

  1. Stage 6 is by invitation only.
  2. Applicants will complete the 100+ hour, multi-week, Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course, learn team protocol/medical directives, and meet senior SERT members.
  3. 100% attendance is mandatory, no matter your previous level of certification or experience. Applicants already certified in EMR must still attend entire course. Conflicts between lectures/labs/Western exams will be accommodated, if possible.
  4. The cost for this course will be approximately $650 in the 2026-2027 application cycle (price is subject to change). Payment plans are available but this course must be paid for in full by all applicants taking the course regardless of successful completion of the course, or successfully joining SERT.
  5. Applicants must also attend the SERT team training on October 18th, 2026, 4:30pm to 10:30pm.

Stage 7: Situation Testing Day

  1. Stage 7 is by invitation only; passing Red Cross EMR does not guarantee an invitation to Stage 7.
  2. Applicants will respond with senior members in groups of two or three to multiple mock situations around Western’s Campus.
  3. All skills (EMR, protocols, critical thinking, team work, communication, leadership, etc.) are evaluated at this stage.
  4. You MUST pass this evaluation and perform to SERT’s Standard of Care in order to be granted a spot on the team. SERT’s Standard of Care will be taught and emphasized throughout the EMR course.
  5. We welcome unsuccessful applicants as volunteers to act as fake injured patients during the simulated first aid situations.

Stage 8: Documentation - Before First Shift

  1. All potential members are required to provide a criminal background check with vulnerable sector screening. Anyone who has been convicted of a federal offence in Canada or abroad will not be granted a position on SERT.
  2. All potential members are required to provide proof of immunization including a negative two step TB test.
  3. All potential members must maintain an acceptable level of fitness.
  4. All potential members must be able to carry weight ≥ 20 lbs. for extended periods of time.