First Aid is about staying calm and knowing how to help when someone is hurt or sick. You'll practice treating everything from small cuts to serious emergencies, and learn when to call for more help. It's Eagle-required, and it may be the most useful badge you ever earn.
Why it's worth it
Someday you'll be the first person on the scene: a friend falls off a bike, a patrol member gets dizzy on a hot hike, or someone at dinner can't breathe. This Eagle-required badge trains you to stay calm, check the scene, call for help, and do the right things until help arrives. The skills fit in your head and your pack, and you'll use them more often than almost anything else you learn in Scouting.
Start this week
- Open your family's or patrol's first-aid kit and check what's there. Make a list of anything missing or expired.
- Ask your Scoutmaster for the name of a First Aid counselor, and contact them with a parent copied.
- Ask a parent to look over your health form with you, so you know what's on it and why.
- Look for a CPR and AED class near you through the Red Cross, a hospital, or your fire department, and ask a parent to sign you up.
Stay safe
- Check that a scene is safe before you help, wear gloves when there's blood, and call 911 for anything serious. Your training lets you help until professionals arrive; it doesn't replace them.
Requirements · 15
Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).
- Requirement 1
Handling a first aid emergency
Tips for this section: Practice the steps of checking a scene for safety, checking the person, and calling for help. Role-play a few scenarios with your patrol.
Example for this section: Practice out loud: "Scene safe? Yes, no traffic. I'm a Scout trained in first aid, can I help? He's breathing but confused. You, in the red shirt, call 911 and come back." Then check for bleeding and shock.
- Requirement 1a
Explain the steps for sizing up and handling a first aid emergency, including checking that the scene is safe
- Requirement 1b
Explain how you'd get emergency medical help from home and from a remote spot on a wilderness campout
- Requirement 1c
Show the precautions that lower the chance of passing an infection between you and the person you're helping, including safely throwing away used supplies
- Requirement 1d
Show how to check and manage a person's airway and breathing
- Requirement 1e
Show how to do a thorough exam of an injured person
- Requirement 1f
Talk about why shock is an emergency
- Requirement 1g
Define triage and describe situations where you might need it
- Requirement 2
Preparing for emergencies
Tips for this section: Look over your own health form with a parent, then go through a troop or family first-aid kit and restock anything missing.
Example for this section: A patrol first-aid kit might hold adhesive bandages, gauze pads, roller gauze, tape, elastic wrap, gloves, a CPR mask, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, blister care, and a small notebook. Check expiration dates before each trip.
- Requirement 2a
Get the Scout Annual Health and Medical Record form and discuss why its details (immunizations, allergies, medications, health history, and exams) matter for first aid at Scouting events
- Requirement 2b
First-aid kits
- Requirement 2b1
Using a checklist from the First Aid pamphlet or one your counselor approves, put together your own first-aid kit for hiking and backpacking, and show your counselor how to use each item in it
- Requirement 2b2
Using a checklist from the pamphlet or one your counselor approves, check a first-aid kit for a unit, home, vehicle, or camp with your counselor and talk about what you found
- Requirement 3
For each wound below (none bleed on the outside), describe its signs and symptoms, show the first aid, and explain how to prevent it:
Tip: Practice cooling a burn and caring for bruises and blisters on a partner, talking through each step out loud.
- Requirement 3a
Closed wounds, such as a bruise (contusion) or hematoma
- Requirement 3b
Superficial, partial thickness, and full thickness heat burns or scalds
- Requirement 3c
Chemical burns
- Requirement 3d
Electrical burns
- Requirement 3e
Sunburn
- Requirement 3f
Snow blindness
- Requirement 3g
Immersion foot, frostnip, frostbite, and ice burns
- Requirement 3h
Abrasions such as chafing and rope burns
- Requirement 3i
Blisters on the hands, feet, buttocks, and shoulders
- Requirement 3j
Puncture wounds from splinters, rope splinters, nails, and fishhooks
- Requirement 3k
Poisonous plant rashes
- Requirement 3l
Bites from chiggers, ticks, mosquitoes, and biting gnats
- Requirement 3m
Bee stings
- Requirement 3n
Spider bites
- Requirement 3o
Scorpion stings
- Requirement 3p
Bites from a pet, a wild mammal, or a human
- Requirement 3q
Venomous snakebite
- Requirement 4
For each bleeding injury below, describe its signs and symptoms, show the first aid, and explain how to prevent it:
Tip: Use a partner and practice applying direct pressure and bandages. Speed and calm matter most with severe bleeding.
For example: Practice on a partner: put on gloves, press firmly with a gauze pad, add more gauze on top if blood soaks through (don't lift the first one), and wrap a pressure bandage. Explain when a tourniquet is used for life-threatening bleeding.
- Requirement 4a
Nosebleed
- Requirement 4b
An open wound that bleeds mildly or moderately, such as a scratch, scrape (abrasion), or shallow cut (laceration)
- Requirement 4c
An open wound that bleeds heavily, like a deep arm or leg cut
- Requirement 4d
Explain when one or more tourniquets should and shouldn't be used, list some benefits and dangers, and show how to apply a tourniquet without tightening it
- Requirement 5
For each breathing problem below, describe its signs and symptoms, show the first aid, and explain how to prevent it:
Tip: Learn the signs of choking and other breathing problems, and practice the response on a manikin or with a trained instructor.
- Requirement 5a
Choking
- Requirement 5b
Asthma attack
- Requirement 5c
Anaphylaxis caused by an insect bite or sting, or by a food or product allergy
- Requirement 5d
Inhalation injuries
- Requirement 5e
Altitude sickness
- Requirement 6
For each cause of passing out below, describe its signs and symptoms, show the first aid, and explain how to prevent it:
Tip: Make a quick list of things that can cause someone to pass out and what you'd do for each.
- Requirement 6a
Fainting
- Requirement 6b
Hypoglycemia
- Requirement 6c
Seizure
- Requirement 6d
Drug overdose and alcohol poisoning
- Requirement 6e
Underwater hypoxic blackout
- Requirement 6f
Cold water shock and drowning
- Requirement 6g
Lightning strike and electric shock
- Requirement 7
Heart attack
Tips for this section: Learn the warning signs of a heart attack and when to call for help. Then take a hands-on CPR and AED class to practice on a manikin with an instructor.
Example for this section: In a CPR class you'll push hard and fast in the center of the chest, about 100 to 120 times a minute, and practice with an AED trainer that talks you through each step. Know heart attack signs, like chest pressure and pain spreading to the arm or jaw.
- Requirement 7a
Explain what a heart attack is
- Requirement 7b
Describe the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the first aid for it
- Requirement 7c
Describe what must be true before you give someone CPR
- Requirement 7d
Show correct CPR on a training device your counselor approves
- Requirement 7e
Explain what an automated external defibrillator (AED) is used for
- Requirement 7f
Show or simulate how to use an AED, on an AED trainer if one is available
- Requirement 7g
Find where AEDs are usually kept in public places near you (school, place of worship, meeting place, sports facility, camp) or with a phone app, and discuss why they're placed there
- Requirement 8
Muscle and bone injuries
Tips for this section: Practice splinting with things you'd have on a campout, like sticks, rolled clothing, or trekking poles.
Example for this section: Splint a forearm with what's at camp: a rolled foam pad or trekking pole, padded with a fleece jacket, tied above and below the injury with bandanas. Check fingers for warmth and color before and after.
- Requirement 8a
Explain how a strain, muscle tear, tendon rupture, sprain, dislocation, simple fracture, and compound fracture are alike and different
- Requirement 8b
Describe the signs and symptoms of a muscle strain, muscle tear, and tendon rupture, and the first aid for each
- Requirement 8c
Describe the signs, symptoms, and possible complications of a fracture, a sprain, and a dislocation
- Requirement 8d
Show how to bandage each of these injuries:
- Requirement 8d1
Arm sling for a broken forearm, upper arm, or collarbone
- Requirement 8d2
Elastic wrap and cravat bandages for a sprained ankle
- Requirement 8d3
Elastic wrap and cravat bandages for a sprained wrist or hand injury
- Requirement 8e
Show how to handle and splint a possible closed or open fracture or dislocation of each of these:
- Requirement 8e1
Finger and toe
- Requirement 8e2
Forearm or wrist
- Requirement 8e3
Upper leg
- Requirement 8e4
Lower leg or ankle
- Requirement 9
Head and spine injuries
Tips for this section: Learn why it's important not to move someone with a possible head or spine injury, and practice keeping them still.
- Requirement 9a
Describe the signs and symptoms of head, neck, and back injuries, how they relate, their possible complications, and how to prevent them
- Requirement 9b
Describe the signs and symptoms of a concussion and how to give first aid for one
- Requirement 9c
Show first aid for an open head wound using a triangular or other bandage
- Requirement 9d
Show first aid for someone who may have a neck or back injury
- Requirement 10
Moving a patient
Tips for this section: Talk through when moving someone is the right choice and when it isn't, then practice a few carries with your patrol.
- Requirement 10a
Describe when a hurt person should be moved and when they shouldn't
- Requirement 10b
Explain how you'd choose the best way to move a sick or injured person who must be moved, and show those methods
- Requirement 10c
Show how to get a person out of a smoke-filled room, both alone and with a partner
- Requirement 10d
Alone and with a partner, show how to carry a person with a sprained ankle at least 25 yards
- Requirement 10e
Supervise helpers as you build an improvised stretcher and move a person acting unconscious at least 25 yards
- Requirement 11
For each heat-, cold-, or exertion-related condition below, describe its signs and symptoms, show the first aid, and explain how to prevent it:
Tip: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and hypothermia. Think about how to prevent them on your next outing.
For example: Heat exhaustion on a summer hike: pale, sweaty, nauseous. Move to shade, loosen clothing, sip water, and cool with wet cloths. If they get confused or stop sweating, it may be heat stroke: call 911 and cool them fast.
- Requirement 11a
Dehydration and over-hydration
- Requirement 11b
Heat cramps and muscle pain after exercise
- Requirement 11c
Heat exhaustion
- Requirement 11d
Heat stroke
- Requirement 11e
Chest pain linked to cold exposure
- Requirement 11f
Hypothermia
- Requirement 12
Mental health conditions
Tips for this section: Learn the warning signs that someone is in crisis and how to listen and get help from a trusted adult. It's OK to ask for help yourself too.
Example for this section: Know the warning signs, like a friend saying they feel hopeless or talking about not wanting to be here. Listen without judging, stay with them, and tell a trusted adult right away. In the U.S., anyone can call or text 988.
- Requirement 12a
Describe how people react to at least three stressful situations, such as backpacking in mountains, rappelling, a ropes course, public speaking, calling an adult, a swim test, homesickness, lighting a match, team tryouts, or meeting someone new
- Requirement 12b
Describe what you and others should do to get ready for and handle those situations
- Requirement 12c
Describe warning signs that a person could be a danger to themselves or to others
- Requirement 12d
Describe what you should do if you suspect a person could be a danger to themselves or to others
- Requirement 13
For each condition below, describe its signs and symptoms, show the first aid, and explain how to prevent it:
Tip: Make flash cards for things like something in the eye, a knocked-out tooth, and the signs of a stroke, and quiz yourself with a buddy.
- Requirement 13a
Something in the eye
- Requirement 13b
A broken, chipped, loose, or knocked-out tooth
- Requirement 13c
Vomiting and diarrhea from food poisoning
- Requirement 13d
Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Requirement 13e
Stroke
- Requirement 14
With your counselor's guidance, make a plan to teach a first-aid topic or skill using EDGE. Go over the plan with your counselor, then teach it to your family or one or more Scouts
Tip: Pick a skill you know well and teach it to a younger Scout: explain, demonstrate, guide, and then let them do it.
For example: Teach a younger Scout to treat a blister with EDGE: explain why blisters form, demonstrate cutting a donut-shaped moleskin, guide them as they try, then enable them by checking their feet on the next hike.
- Requirement 15
EMS visit, careers, or hobbies. Choose 1 of 4
Tips for this section: Ask your local EMS or fire department if you can visit and see an ambulance up close.
- Requirement 15a
Visit an EMS station or training center in person. Learn from the first responders how they serve the community and about their careers, then tell your counselor what you learned
- Requirement 15b
Interview an EMS professional about their job, how they chose it, and their duties. Discuss with your counselor what you learned and whether the career interests you
- Requirement 15c
Name three careers that use EMS skills. Research one: training, education, certification, experience, cost to get started, job outlook, starting pay, and advancement. Discuss it with your counselor and whether it interests you
- Requirement 15d
Find how EMS skills could support a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research the extra training, costs, and groups to join that would help, then share with your counselor what you learned and your short- and long-term goals
Places to visit
Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.
An EMS station or fire station with an ambulance
See the equipment inside an ambulance and how paramedics treat patients on the way to the hospital.
How: Have an adult call the station's non-emergency number and ask whether your patrol can visit. Crews may need to leave for a call.
A hospital emergency department education program
Some hospitals offer youth tours or safety classes that show how emergency care works.
How: An adult can contact the hospital's community education office to ask about youth programs.
Where it can lead
- EMT or paramedicResponds to 911 medical calls; EMT training can start in high school in some places.
- Emergency room nurseTreats patients in the busiest part of a hospital.
- Athletic trainerPrevents and treats injuries for school and pro sports teams.
- Military combat medic or corpsmanGives emergency care in the field to service members.
- Emergency physicianDiagnoses and treats emergencies after medical school and residency.
Ask yourself
- What injury or emergency are you most worried about handling, and how do you feel about it now?
- How do you think you'd react if you were first on the scene, and what would help you stay calm?
- Which skill felt awkward at first and then clicked with practice?
- What did you learn about mental health emergencies that you'd want a friend to know?
- How has carrying a first-aid kit changed what you pack for outings?
Good questions to ask an EMT, nurse, or first-aid instructor
- What injuries do you see most often with kids and teens?
- What's the most important thing a bystander can do before you arrive?
- How do you stay calm on a scary call?
- What do people often get wrong when giving first aid?
- How could someone my age start training for EMS or nursing?
Helpful reads
- Earning a merit badge, step by step, From picking a badge to getting the final signature: how to find a counselor, set up meetings safely, work the requirements, and keep your progress., Youth · Families · 6 min read
- Contacting counselors, experts, and organizations, Email and phone scripts, who to ask for, how to follow up, and how to say thanks, with a parent copied every time., Youth · Families · 7 min read
- Choosing your next merit badge, How to pick a badge you'll actually finish: start with what you care about, balance Eagle-required and just-for-fun badges, and make the most of camp., Youth · Families · 6 min read
For leaders & parents
- Use first aid scenarios with moulage or fake injuries at meetings and campouts to keep practice realistic.
- Invite a certified instructor to run a CPR and AED session for the troop.
People & places that can help
- Merit badge counselor — Talk with them early; they can explain what's expected.
- American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) — First aid and CPR classes for youth and families.
- American Heart Association (opens in a new tab) — CPR and AED training information.
- Local EMS or fire department — May host station visits or first aid demonstrations.
- Stop the Bleed (opens in a new tab) — How to control life-threatening bleeding, and where to find a free class.
- Poison Control (opens in a new tab) — What to do if someone swallows or touches something poisonous.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in a new tab) — Call or text 988 any time for yourself or a friend; it's free and confidential.
Pairs well with
Helps you earn
Into this? Explore more
Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.