First Aid

First Aid merit badge requirements

First aid

1. Satisfy 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. Prepare a first-aid kit for your home. Display and discuss its contents with your counselor.
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. 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.
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: 2018 Boy Scout Requirements, 2018 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #641568)

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, Cub Scout workbooks, and Nova Award 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.

• Scouter Awards: Emergency Preparedness BSA Award
• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Crime Prevention - Dentistry - Emergency Preparedness - Fire Safety - First Aid - Lifesaving - Medicine - Public Health - Safety- Traffic Safety
  
• Boy Scout awards: Emergency Preparedness BSA Award, BSA Ready & Prepared Award
• Webelos Adventure: First Responder
• Webelos-Arrow of Light Adventure: Castaway
• Cub Scout Awards: Emergency Preparedness BSA Award (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts)
• Others Links: First Aid Skills - First Aid Kit - Emergency Kit - Safe Swim Defense - Safety Afloat - Guide to Safe Scouting: First Aid
• Venturing: Ranger Award-Emergency Preparedness Requirement - Emergency Preparedness BSA Award, BSA Ready & Prepared Award

• 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 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.)