Troop Medic

[hops_scout]

I definitely agree!

Also the position would be held by the most qualified individual in the troop. Would you rather have a 50 year old who sees a few scrapes a year and has taken Basic First Aid, or would you like to have a 16 year old who rides regularly on an ambulance as a state certified EMT?
I am sorry but I would rather have the 16 who has a 120 hour certification and has passed a state written and practical exam over the 50 year old with the 8 hour Basic Course.

Pretty sure your 16 year old EMT-B CANNOT dispense medicines. I realize it doesn't make sense for a lay person to be in charge of doing it when you have an EMT there, but sometimes what makes sense isn't right. I'm looking at this, of course, from a legal standpoint... And I could be wrong too

[WeeWillie]

As a 16 year old EMT you are under the supervision of an 18+ year old EMT who is legally responsible.

You would be surprised what us 50 year olds have done with just basic 1st Aid.

[t305spl]

Actually I apologize but it does depend on the state you live in. NY you have to be 18, PA and MD you can be 16. And no matter what age you are you have a supervisor, but a 16-17 year old EMT can run on an ambulance without needing to be supervised. Just as, since I was 15 I have been able to respond to calls on the MT. as a member of the National Ski Patrol. I don't have someone supervising me, yeah of course we have Patrol Directors and Line Staff but they are there to supervise everyone. I don't believe it's an age facto,r I believe it's a skill and knowledge factor.

As for Medications, again it depends on the state and the medication. An EMT no matter what age can do anything any other EMT can do. States don't put ages next to the certification. Medication is usually not allowed to be administered solely by the EMT, it usually has to be when assisting the patient in the Medications use. This means the EMT is allowed to open the prescription that is written for the patient, take out the required dose, and hand it to the patient to take.

Please don't get me wrong I believe Basic First Aid is something everyone should be trained in. It is not a waste of time, I apologize if I made it seem like that. I was just trying to make the point that I would rather have an EMT or CFR would on me then someone with only the Basic First Aid Course.

[scouter01]

good point. " a scout is trustwortch ect" that mean that a medic could be trusted with the medicines.