Preparing for Emergencies

Req 2 — Preparing for First Aid Emergencies

Preparing for First Aid Emergencies. Do the following:

This requirement is about being ready before anything goes wrong. Know where medical information is kept, build a usable personal kit, and inspect larger kits so you can trust what is inside them.

Health and Medical Records

2a.

Obtain a copy of the Scout Annual Health and Medical Record and discuss the importance of the form including information on immunizations, allergies, medications, health history, and medical examinations to providing first aid at Scouting events.

The Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) tells first aiders about allergies, medications, medical conditions, and other health concerns.
In an emergency, that information can explain what is happening faster than guesswork.
If the victim is unconscious, the AHMR may be one of the only reliable sources of medical history.
Know where these forms are stored before the event begins.

Scout Health Forms Scouting America's current Annual Health and Medical Record forms and guidance. Link: Scout Health Forms — https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/annual-health-and-medical-record/

Build a Personal First-Aid Kit

2b1.

Assemble a personal first-aid kit for hiking and backpacking. Demonstrate the proper use of each item in your first-aid kit to your counselor.

Keep your personal kit small, organized, and trail-ready. It should cover the most likely problems, not every possible emergency.

Personal Kit Basics

Core items for hiking and backpacking

Gloves
Adhesive bandages and gauze
Tape and roller bandage
Blister care
Tweezers and small scissors
CPR barrier
Triangular bandage or sling material
Any personal medications you are authorized to carry

When you show your kit to your counselor, be ready to explain what each item is for and demonstrate the basics of using it.

Personal, Family, and Troop First Aid Kit Checklist Official Scouting checklist for comparing what belongs in different kinds of first-aid kits. Link: Personal, Family, and Troop First Aid Kit Checklist — https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Requirement%20Resources/First%20Aid/Personal%20Family%20Troop%20First%20Aid%20Kit%20Checklist.pdf

Inspect a Larger Kit

2b2.

With your counselor, inspect a unit, home, vehicle, or camp first-aid kit and discuss your findings.

When you inspect a larger kit, check:

completeness — are important items missing?
condition — are packages sealed and usable?
expiration dates — especially medications and ointments
organization — can you find what you need quickly?
fit for purpose — does the kit match the activity and group size?

First Aid Kit Checklists A Scout-facing reference for comparing kit contents and thinking about what different first-aid kits should include. Link: First Aid Kit Checklists — https://scoutlife.org/video-audio/4937/first-aid-kit-buying-guide/