First Aid Merit Badge

First Aid and the Trail to Eagle

First Aid is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges. There is no substitute for it. Every scout who earns Eagle must complete First Aid, along with the other 12 required badges and 8 electives, for 21 merit badges in total. See the full breakdown in our Eagle Scout requirements guide.

First Aid Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 7 main requirements for First Aid. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Demonstrate to your counselor that you have current knowledge of all first-aid requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks.
2
Explain how you would obtain emergency medical assistance from your home, on a wilderness outing, and during an activity on open water.
3
Define the term triage. Explain the steps necessary to assess and handle a medical emergency.
4
Explain the standard precautions as applied to the bloodborne pathogen transmission during first-aid procedures.
5
Do the following:
1. a.Prepare a first-aid kit for your home.
2. b.Demonstrate appropriate first-aid treatment for various injuries and conditions.
6
Do the following:
1. a.Describe the symptoms of shock and demonstrate the steps of first aid for treating shock.
2. b.Describe the signs of a heart attack. Explain the steps to take for first aid.
7
Describe the indications for use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Demonstrate or simulate the proper use of an AED.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the First Aid Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start First Aid, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

First Aid is usually earned troop meetings and outings. Coordinate with your troop so the group activities line up with your requirements.

3. Budget the time

Expect about 6 weeks for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 11 First Aid requirements for you.