First Aid Scoutcraft Badge

First aid is a vital skill for every Scout! The First Aid Scoutcraft Badge helps you learn how to respond to common injuries and emergencies with confidence and care. Through practical activities and hands-on learning, you will develop the basic first aid knowledge you need to look after yourself and others — whether at camp, on a hike, or in everyday life.

Badge Requirements

First Aid

1. Emergency Scene Management
   1. Explain the principles and limitations of your role as a first aider.
   2. Identify key emergency numbers to call and describe the essential information to provide to the emergency call operator.
   3. Demonstrate how to load ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact information on a mobile phone, and how to access someone else's ICE contacts on their phone.
   4. Describe the typical steps involved in Emergency Scene Management (ESM) when assisting a sick or injured person. Use the Four Hs approach (Hazards, Hands, Hello, Help) followed by a Primary Patient Survey (ABC – Airway, Breathing, Circulation) to assess the person’s condition.
   5. Explain the proper procedure for handing over an emergency scene to a more qualified first aider or trained professional.
2. Recognising and Responding to Medical Emergencies
   Using SAMPLE history questions (Signs & Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last 'in and out', Events leading up to the incident), discuss how to recognise and manage the following conditions:
   1. Shock
   2. Diabetic Emergencies (high and low blood sugar)
   3. Asthma
   4. Seizures
   5. Heart disease & Stroke
   6. Heat related illness (hypothermia & hyperthermia)
3. Bleeding Control and Wound Care
   1. Explain the risks associated with exposure to blood and demonstrate how to protect yourself when assisting someone who is bleeding.
   2. Demonstrate effective techniques to control bleeding.
   3. Demonstrate proper methods to clean and dress a wound.
4. Bone and Joint Injury Management
   1. Demonstrate how to properly splint a suspected fracture.
   2. Demonstrate effective treatment techniques for a sprained ankle.
5. Burn Assessment and Treatment
   1. Demonstrate how to assess and treat superficial, partial-thickness, and full-thickness burns appropriately.
6. CPR, Choking Relief, and Recovery Position
   1. Demonstrate how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using current recommended guidelines without rescue breaths.
   2. Demonstrate how to assist a person who is choking.
   3. Demonstrate how to safely place a person into the recovery position.
7. Head and Spinal Injury Response
   1. Demonstrate how to properly maintain cervical spine (C-spine) stabilization on a patient with a suspected spinal injury.
   2. Explain the signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion, as well as appropriate treatment and management.
8. First Aid Kit
   1. Assemble your own personal first aid kit and explain the purpose and use of each item.
9. Team Scenarios and Transport
   1. As part of a patrol consisting of at least three other Scouts, use your personal first aid kit to participate in two simulated emergency scenarios set by the examiner.
   2. Demonstrate two methods of transporting an injured person, using either one or two rescuers.

Badge Examiner:
Training and assessment for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual with relevant experience or formal training in first aid.

The Examiner should hold a valid First Aid certificate from a recognised and accredited training provider — for example, an Adult Leader who has completed a SCOUTS South Africa or external First Aid Training course.

Alternatively, the Examiner may be a person with practical first aid experience, such as a first responder, paramedic, nurse, medical or healthcare professional, or an active first aid trainer.

Personal Wellbeing:
Understand that helping someone in a first aid situation can affect your own mental and emotional wellbeing. It's important to recognise signs of stress or trauma and to know where to find support if you need it.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

• First Aid Scoutcraft Badge (PDF)

Next Steps - Where This Badge Leads

Completion of this badge is required for the following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges:

• First Aid Scout Interest Badge
• Home Carer Scoutcraft Badge
• Home Carer Scout Interest Badge
• Lifesaver Scout Interest Badge

Last Update

June 2025

Explore More Opportunities

• My Scout Journey - An overview of your path in Scouting - from joining to earning top awards like the Springbok Award.
• Scout Advancement Programme - The core steps Scouts follow to build skills and earn theme badges and advancement badges.
• Scoutcraft Badges - Aimed at Scouts 11 to 13. Fun, hands-on badges that build confidence, essential skills, and lay the foundation for Interest Badges.
• Scout Interest Badges - Aimed at Scouts 13 and older. Badges that promote personal growth through exploring interests, hobbies, and skills.
• First Aid