First Aid

Recognize Danger. Protect Life. Get the Right Help.

First Aid Guide 01

First Aid Fundamentals

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First aid is the immediate help given to someone who is injured or suddenly ill until the person recovers or more advanced care takes over. A Scout does not need to diagnose every problem. The first goals are to recognize danger, protect life, prevent the situation from getting worse, and get the right help.

Best preparation:

First aid knowledge is most useful when it is practiced. Take an age-appropriate first aid and CPR/AED course and refresh the skills regularly.

Start with scene safety

Before approaching, look for hazards such as traffic, fire, electricity, unstable terrain, falling objects, aggressive animals, moving water, smoke, or hazardous chemicals. Do not become a second patient. Use gloves or another barrier when blood or body fluids may be present.

Check, call, and care

  1. Check the person for responsiveness, normal breathing, and life-threatening bleeding. Look for other obvious injuries or signs of serious illness.
  2. Call 911 or the local emergency number for a life-threatening problem, or direct a specific person to call. If an AED, first aid kit, or other emergency equipment is nearby, have someone bring it.
  3. Care for the most serious problem first and continue to monitor the person until emergency services or another qualified responder takes over.

If the person is awake, introduce yourself, explain that you know first aid, and ask permission before helping. A parent or guardian should give consent for a child when available. When a person is unresponsive or unable to make a decision and emergency care is needed, first aid providers generally act under implied consent. Stay calm, explain what you are doing, and protect the person's privacy as much as practical.

When to get emergency help

  • The person is unresponsive, confused, having a seizure, or is not breathing normally.
  • There is severe or uncontrolled bleeding, a suspected severe allergic reaction, poisoning, chest pain, signs of stroke, or a serious burn.
  • There is a suspected head, neck, spine, major bone, or internal injury.
  • The person has serious breathing difficulty, blue or gray skin, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
  • You are unsure how serious the problem is or the condition is getting worse.

Care within your training

Use the skills and equipment you have been taught to use. Do not delay professional care while trying unfamiliar techniques. Continue reassessing the person because breathing, alertness, pain, and bleeding can change quickly.

Knowledge Today. Adventure Tomorrow.