First Aid Training Requirements

For many Girl Scout activities, especially those beyond a regular troop meeting, the presence of a trained first aider is required. A first-aider for a Girl Scout activity is an adult (18+) who has taken first aid training approved by the Girl Scouts Louisiana East council. First Aid training, as approved by Council, involves both First Aid and CPR.

Refer to Safety-Wise (available in the Council Shop) and in the Leader Resource Guide for activities that require the presence of a first aider. Activity checkpoints in Safety-Wise will state the level of first aid needed for specific program activities.

Level I First Aiders are required for most non-meeting troop activities, one or two night camping trips, day camps and most trips. Level II First Aiders may be required if there are a large number of participants or there are federal or state regulations requiring a higher level of training.

Exemptions

If you are a physician, a registered nurse, physician's assistant, paramedic, dentist or emergency medical technician 18 years of age or older, you are exempt from having to take any additional first aid training. You need to meet one of the previous qualifications, be comfortable with emergency medical skills, and have your license/certification is current.

Do I need First Aid Level 1 or Level 2?

First Aid Level I

Level I is sufficient for the following activities:

Troop activities and inter-troop events
One- or two-night overnight camping trips
Day camps
Traveling troops/groups

Or when the activity meets two or more of the following criteria:

The facility, structures, and site offer minimal hazards
Little or no safety equipment is needed for the activities taking place (helmets, etc.)
Activities do not require high levels of skill, pre-conditioning work, or extensive prior experiences for participation
No regulations (federal, state, or local) require higher levels of first-aid training

First Aid Level II

There must be a Level II First Aider for the following activities:

Resident camps
Core staff camps
Family camps where the council provides a core staff at the site
Day events with more than 500 Girl Scout participants
Overnights of three nights or more
Camping events with more than 200 participants
Activities regulated by federal, state, or local laws requiring level II training

Or when the activity meets three or more of the following criteria:

The response time of an emergency medical support team is greater than 15 minutes
The facility, structure, or site has multiple potential hazards, such as rough terrain
Safety equipment is needed for the planned activities (riding helmets, safety harnesses, belay lines, etc.)
Activities require pre-conditioning work, extensive prior experience, and at least intermediate skill levels for participation

Approved First Aid Training Providers

A first aider is an adult 18 years of age or older who has received recognized training in first aid. First aid training(s) that qualify are listed and are recognized by GSUSA; you do not have to take your course through Girl Scouts. Any approved equivalent course will be recognized by the council as fulfilling the requirement. All approved First Aid Courses must include CPR as part of the curriculum. The following organizations are approved First Aid/CPR providers. Follow the links to find courses offered close to you.

Organization	Level I	Level II
American Red Cross	One of the following: · Community First Aid and Safety including CPR · Standard First Aid including CPR	One of the following: · Sport Safety Training · Standard First Aid, When Help is Delayed · First Aid Responding to Emergencies · Emergency Response*
Safety Training Seminars, American Safety and Health Institute	· CPR for Community plus First Aid/CPR
Medic First Aid	· Pediatric Medic First Aid Level 1 including CPR	· Pediatric First Aid Level 2
National Safety Council	Standard First Aid and CPR	One of the following: · Advanced First Aid and CPR · Wilderness First Aid · First Responder*
American Heart Association	First aid plus CPR

* Represents courses that goes well beyond the Girl Scout requirements

Note: Girl Scouts Louisiana East offers CPR and First Aid courses throughout the year. Sign up early to secure your spot as they do fill up.