Scout First Aid kits

[Michael Ray]

What do you require your Scouts to take vs all that is recommended in their Handbook?

[Joe Clement]

Generally just the obvious, for minor wound and foot care. We usually stick one of the adults with a more complete kit.

[Tad Englund]

Michael- if you look on page 289 of 1998 printing (my book)it lists for at "Personal First Aid Kit":

Adhesive bandages- 6 (I agree)

Sterile gauze pads, 3×3- 2 (I agree)

Adhesive tape- 1 small role (I have them role some on a halfed popcicle stick, you don't need a whole role)

Moleskin, 3×6"- 1 (I have them take about 1/2 that)

Soap- 1 small bar (no need for the bar- I have them repackage Dr. Broners in a very small dropper bottle- One bottle will take care of the whole troop)

Antiseptic- 1 small tube (too much- you can get it in small packets- 2 is plenty)

Scissors- 1 pair (not necessary)

Latex gloves- 1 pair (not necessary)

Mouth barrier device for rescue breathing or CPR- 1(NO WAY, this is nuts)

Plastic goggles or other eye protection- 1 (NO WAY, this is nuts also)

Pencil and paper- 1 each (unnecessary)

Here is what I tell them to carry:
Personal First Aid Kit
Item
Cloth bandages- regular size- 5
Knuckle bandage- 1
Butterfly bandages- 5
2×3 Gauze pads- 2
2×3 moleskin- 1
Ibuprofen tablets- 6
Dbl or Tri Antibiotic Ointment packet (small)- 2
Benzalkonium Chloride Towelette- 2
Diphen (antihistamine) tablets- 4
Imodium Tablets- 2
Soap- carried elsewhere
Bandana- carried elsewhere (use as sling or triangle bandage or as ankle support bandage)
Tape- Duct tape carried elsewhere

The above weighs in at just under 2 oz, the only thing that has every been used is the bandages- and only a couple of those in 3 years!

The Patrol/Troop first aid kit on the next page is way out of line- if everyone is carrying a personal kit you have everything in bulk except some of the larger stuff.
I teach the boys to improvise with what they have- To "be prepared" doesn't mean bringing the kitchen sink, it is to know what to do when, and know how to use what you have.

Good luck, I'm the scout master so I don't have to fight anyone on this, YMMV.

[Michael Ray]

> The Patrol/Troop first aid kit on the next page is way out of line

I agree (on the other nuts things as well). Not sure if I'll have a fight or not – we just got a huge tackle box to put the troop FA kit in but there's no way I'm taking that in the backcountry! :)

However, I WAS concerned about potential liability. I didn't know if BSA mandated certain things or if you could be sued for telling your Scouts not to carry various items that would have proved beneficial in an emergency.

[Tad Englund]

Michael- you have no liability- if you have every scout fill out their Medical release form- there is a new one out that is to be used from now on- (look up Medical form-2010.pdf)
The last page has a hold harmless agreement to be signed by parent.
These should be done anyway.
The old one has the same thing, so no worries.

[George Geist]

Nice list Tad,

The one other first aid item I make sure we have on outings is something for stomach ache — from the scouts eating their own cooking! Usually just a few TUMS and/or Pepto Bismol tablets. These get used pretty often.

After having someone twist a knee on a long hike, I started carrying an single elastic bandage for wrapping a knee or ankle. We have only needed it twice in four years, but it really makes a difference when you have miles to go.

[Jim Colten]

Latex gloves- 1 pair (not necessary)

I'm specifically NOT interest in starting a debate regarding risk of contact with blood but I'd take issue with that one.

We have bred a population of hemo-phobes who run (not walk) away from even the sight of blood. When a scout is injured in a way he cannot treat himself I want to observe (and coach if needed) another scout in treating him. The last thing I want in that situation is to be having the above mentioned debate with the scout in front of the others. Or even worse, get a phone call from his parent(s) when he goes home and tells them "Mr. Colten made me get Johnny's blood all over my fingers".

[Tad Englund]

Jim, I can't imagine any of my scouts parents having issue with their boy saving the live of another scout because he got
"Johnny's blood all over my fingers".
"this is all I have to say about that"

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