First Aid Merit badge

[krdupes]

I think that the first aid merit badge should be reworked to coincide with the community first aid program developed by the American Red Cross. Then, all that would be needed is to find an instructor and have them teach the class with the materials. This way, the boys could be certified in first aid & CPR officially.

[wagionvigil]

I recently took the community first aid class. I was not thrilled. I learned alot more from First AId Merit badge 43 years ago.

[ynotquilt]

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away... (ie pre-children) I was a certified Red Cross CPR/First Aid instructor. The merit badge covers just as much if not more than the class, and th MB has the outdoor component of what to do on wilderness treks and all that th class would not.

[Lynda J]

I also use to be a CPR/First Aid instructor for AMRC. And the existing merit badge is hands above what their programs teach. I would hate to see the badge deluted to a lower standard

[Chief J]

Ditto, if taught correctly, the merit badge exceeds what the basic first aid class covers.

Chief J

[wagionvigil]

bingo

[Mick Scouter]

You can never get enough of first aid training. Because like most things in life if you don't use it you will lose it.

[commish3]

The BSA and the ARC in Jan. of 2004 signed a joint letter of cooperation. You will see more of the BSA first aid requirements in Cubs and Boy scouts begin to parallel the Red Cross Certification requirements. These are two large slow moving organizations and there are many requirements and skill levels that need to be adapted, but you should see some changes in the near future.

[riverwalk]

Yes, that's what they are, and it does take time to see changes. I see this often in the Emergency Services.

So when planning CPR stuff, as an example, consider whether they are required to learn it against when they can do it. A legitimate issue for some years, was the body mass required to do effective compressions on the adult patient. Granted, the skills are easily learned. Most people (fortunately) won't have lots of opportunities to do this on real Patients. Tell them not to be afraid to start it because they forgot a breathing/compression ratio or something like that. It's more important to do two things....send for help and initiate lifesaving efforts.

It will be a win-win to have the Scouts and ARC do some companion requirements.