First Aid

First Aid requirements

1. Demonstrate to your counselor that you have current knowledge of all first-aid requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks.
2. Explain how you would obtain emergency medical assistance from:

   a. Your home

   b. A remote location on a wilderness camping trip

   c. An activity on open water

3. Define the term triage. Explain the steps necessary to assess and handle a medical emergency until help arrives.
4. Explain the universal precautions as applied to the transmission of infections. Discuss the ways you should protect yourself and the victim while administering first aid.
5. Do the following:

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

   b. With an adult leader. Inspect your troop's first-aid kit. Evaluate it for completeness. Report your findings to your counselor and Scout leader.

6. Describe the early signs and symptoms of each of the following and explain what actions you should take:

   a. Shock

   b. Heart attack

   c. Stroke

7. Do the following:

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

   b. Explain the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Identify the location of the AED at your school, place of worship, and troop meeting place, if one is present.

8. Do the following:

   a. Show the steps that need to be taken for someone who has a large open wound or cut that is not bleeding severely.

   b. Show the steps that need to be taken for someone who has a large open wound or cut that is severely bleeding.

   c. Tell the dangers in the use of a tourniquet and the conditions under which its use is justified.

9. Explain when a bee sting could be life threatening and what action should be taken for prevention and for first aid.
10. Describe the signs and symptoms and demonstrate the proper procedures for handling and immobilizing suspected closed and open fractures or dislocations of the

    a. Forearm

    b. Wrist

    c. Upper leg

    d. Lower leg

    e. Ankle

11. Describe the signs, symptoms, and possible complications and demonstrate care for someone with a suspected injury to the head, neck, or back.
12. Describe the symptoms, proper first-aid procedures, and possible prevention measures for the following conditions:

    a. Anaphylaxis/allergic reactions

    b. Bruises

    c. Sprains or strains

    d. Hypothermia

    e. Frostbite

    f. Burns—first, second, and third degree

    g. Convulsions/seizures

    h. Dehydration

    i. Muscle cramps

    j. Heat exhaustion

    k. Heat stroke

    l. Abdominal pain

    m. Broken, chipped, or loosened tooth

13. Do the following:

    a. Describe the conditions under which an injured person should be moved.

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

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

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

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Scouts BSA Requirements, 2019 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #648914)

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

usscouts.org has PDF and Word versions of workbooks for Scouts BSA ranks and merit badges, Cub Scouting ranks and adventures, and STEM Nova awards.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." The First Aid merit badge pamphlet can purchased at ScoutSthop.org or at your local Scout Shop.
• "Get a signed Application for Merit Badge ... from your unit leader." An electronic, fillable, and printable PDF file version is available.

• All registered youth and adults awards: Emergency Preparedness BSA Award
• Scouts BSA merit badges: Backpacking • Camping • Canoeing • Climbing • Cooking • Crime Prevention • Cycling • Dentistry • Electricity • Emergency Preparedness • Fire Safety • First Aid • Hiking • Home Repairs • Kayaking • Lifesaving • Medicine • Motorboating • Nature • Orienteering • Pioneering • Public Health • Radio • Rowing • Safety • Search and Rescue • Signs, Signals, and Codes • Small-Boat Sailing • Snow Sports • Swimming • Traffic Safety • Water Sports • Weather • Wilderness Survival
• Webelos: Webelos Adventure: First Responder • Webelos-AoL Elective Adventure: Castaway
• Venturing: Ranger Award-Emergency Preparedness Requirement
• Unit awards: BSA Ready & Prepared Award
• Skills: Emergency Kit • First-Aid Kit • First-Aid Skills • Safe Swim Defense • Safety Afloat • Guide to Safe Scouting

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge revision dates – latest revision dates of each merit badge pamphlet.
• 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 youths 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.)
• See Submitting New Merit Badge Ideas for guidance on how to submit suggestions for new merit badges to BSA.