BSA Outdoor First Aid Training
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is an organization for male youths to learn self-reliance, teamwork, leadership and a wide assortment of skills. One of the staple skill sets of Boy Scouts is wilderness survival, and the Wilderness First Aid (WFA) program is an opportunity for Boy Scouts and leaders to receive advanced training in emergency response in the wilderness.
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Purpose
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The purpose of BSA wilderness first aid training is for Boy Scouts and their adult leaders to be prepared to provide basic first-response treatment for illnesses or injuries that may occur in isolated outdoor environments away from medical facilities.
Qualifications
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Boy Scout youths and leaders can earn Wilderness First Aid Certification if they are over the age of 14 and complete the certification course led by a recognized provider. Qualified providers include the American Red Cross, Emergency Care and Safety Institute or another organization listed on the American Camp Association website of recognized certification courses. Younger Scouts can participate in a less advanced form of first aid training through a first aid merit badge earned through their troop.
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Curriculum
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The Wilderness First Aid Certification course includes course modules to deal with a wide range of possible outdoor emergency scenarios. Boy Scouts and leaders receive training in establishing leadership command in an emergency and taking charge of emergency situations, as well as specific information for dealing with bodily injuries and broken bones, wounds and infections, shock, complications resulting from extreme weather conditions and allergic reactions.
Outcome
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The outdoor activities of Boy Scouting, including first-aid training, are designed to make boys more self-reliant. Wilderness First Aid Certification trains Boy Scouts with medical knowledge as well as emergency decision-making and management of resources.
Benefits
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In addition to being prepared to deal with emergency situations, Boy Scouts and leaders who complete outdoor first-aid training can participate in additional opportunities within Boy Scouting. For instance, for a group of Boy Scouts to take a high adventure outing in the wilderness, they must typically be accompanied by at least two first-aid certified adults.
Evaluation
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The Boy Scouts of America collects evaluation feedback from both participants in the Wilderness First Aid Certification program and providers who offer the certification course. Separate surveys for participants and providers are available online.
Merit Badges
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In addition to the Wilderness First Aid Certification program, Boy Scouts can also complete several levels of first-aid merit badges through their troop. First-aid merit badges focus on first aid in general, including some outdoor first-aid topics such as allergic reactions and extreme weather complications like hypothermia, frostbite and heat stroke. Boy Scouts can earn first aid merit badges by demonstrating knowledge of the required topics listed in the Boy Scout Handbook to their troop leader or another adult counselor.
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