Figure 1.--These Scouts look to be participating in some kind of Firt Aid demonstration. The camp is unidentified, but is from a film dating to the 1930s. I think they are bandaging the boy's head. Notice that one of the boys here wear the knickers uniform. That ws the standard BSA uniform at the time, but not commonly wirn at camps.

First aid is emergency care for injured or ill persons by ordinary individuals until they can receive professional medical care. Today first reponders can reach the injured much more rapidly than ever before because of modern communications, espcially cell phnes. Even so, emergency first aid oriperly administered can still be a matter of life and death. It is important at camps, not only in the camp itself, but also outings such as hike, nature trails, and camping. In addition most ca,ps had water activities which offer some dangers if not properly supervised. First aid is thus an important skill for every Scout to be prepared to administer. It is a merit badge that every scout should earm. With some knowledge of first aid, a Scout can provide immediate care and help to someone who is hurt or who becomes ill. First aid can help prevent infection and serious loss of blood in emergeny situations. It could save a limb or even a life. First Aide from the very beginning of Baden-Powell's couting for Boys was an importnt part of Boy Scout progrms, imvluding camping. There isquite a bit to First Aide programs and they hve changed over time. Common topics include: Accidents--Minor, Artificial Respiration, Bleeding, Cardiovascular System, Drowning, Fire Emergencies, Fractures, Heatstroke, Shock, Simulations, Moulage , and Triangular Bandages. Scout camps offered the opportunity to practice skills and carry out demonstrations and help Scouts gain the skills need to ear his merit badge.