First Aid

First Aid requirements

1. Satisfy your counselor that you have current knowledge of all first aid requirements for Tenderfoot rank, Second Class rank, and First Class rank.
2. Do the following:

   a. Explain how you would obtain emergency medical assistance from your home, on a wilderness camping trip, and during an activity on open water.

   b. Define the term triage. Explain the steps necessary to assess and handle a medical emergency until help arrives.

   c. Explain the standard precautions as applied to bloodborne pathogens.

   d. Prepare a first aid kit for your home. Display and discuss its contents with your counselor.

3. Do the following:

   a. Explain what action you should take for someone who shows signals of shock, for someone who shows signals of a heart attack, and for someone who shows signals of stroke.

   b. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Then demonstrate proper technique in performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.

   c. Explain the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

   d. Show the steps that need to be taken for someone suffering from a severe cut on the leg and on the wrist. Tell the dangers in the use of a tourniquet and the conditions under which its use is justified.

   e. Explain when a bee sting could be life threatening and what action should be taken for prevention and for first aid.

   f. Explain the symptoms of heatstroke and what action needs to be taken for first aid and for prevention.

4. Do the following:

   a. Describe the signals of a broken bone. Show first aid procedures for handling fractures (broken bones), including open (compound) fractures of the forearm, wrist, upper leg, and lower leg using improvised materials.

   b. Describe the symptoms and possible complications and demonstrate proper procedures for treating suspected injuries to the head, neck, and back. Explain what measures should be taken to reduce the possibility of further complicating these injuries.

5. Describe the symptoms, proper first aid procedures, and possible prevention measures for the following conditions:

   a. Hypothermia

   b. Convulsions / seizures

   c. Frostbite

   d. Dehydration

   e. Bruises, strains, sprains

   f. Burns

   g. Abdominal pain

   h. Broken, chipped, or loosened tooth

   i. Knocked out tooth

   j. Muscle cramps

6. Do TWO of the following:

   a. If a sick or injured person must be moved, tell how you would determine the best method. Demonstrate this method.

   b. With helpers under your supervision, improvise a stretcher and move a presumably unconscious person.

   c. With your counselor's approval, arrange a visit with your patrol or troop to an emergency medical facility or through an American Red Cross chapter for a demonstration of how an AED is used.

7. Teach another Scout a first-aid skill selected by your counselor.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2016 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #621535)

A FREE workbook for First Aid is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the First Aid requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)