The levels of first aid required for any activity take into account both how much danger is involved and
how remote the area is from emergency medical services. See below:
Access to EMS Minimum Level of First Aid Required
Less than 30 minutes First Aid
More than 30 minutes Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR)*
*Although a WFR is not required, it is strongly recommended when traveling with groups in areas that are greater than 30 minutes from
EMS.
It is important to understand the differences between a first-aid course, and a wilderness-rated course.
Although standard first-aid training provides basic incident response, wilderness-rated courses include
training on remote-assessment skills, as well as the emergency first-aid response, including evacuation
techniques, to use when EMS is not readily available.
Note: The presence of a first-aider is required at resident camp. For large events—200 people or more—
there should be one first-aider for every 200 participants. The following healthcare providers may also
serve as first-aiders: physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed
practical nurse, paramedic, military medic, and emergency medical technician.
First-Aid Kit
Make sure a general first-aid kit is available at your group meeting place and accompanies girls on any
activity (including transportation to and from the activity). Please be aware that you may need to provide
this kit if one is not available at your meeting place. You can purchase a Girl Scout first-aid kit, you can
buy a commercial kit, or you and the girls can assemble a kit yourselves. The Red Cross offers a l ist of
potential items in its Anatomy of a First Aid Kit. (Note that the Red Cross’s suggested list includes aspirin,
which you will not be at liberty to give to girls without direct parent/guardian permission.) You can also
customize a kit to cover your specific needs, including flares, treatments for frostbite or snake bites, and
the like.
In addition to standard materials, all kits should contain your council and emergency telephone numbers
(which you can get from your council contact). Girl Scout activity insurance forms, parent consent
forms, and health histories may be included, as well.
You Witness or Experience Abuse
Sexual advances, improper touching, and sexual activity of any kind with girl members are forbidden.
Physical, verbal and emotional abuse of girls is also forbidden. All states, the District of Columbia,
American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have
statues identifying persons who are required to report suspected child abuse to an appropriate agency.
Therefore, if you witness or suspect child abuse or neglect, whether inside or outside of Girl Scouting,
follow your council’s guidelines for reporting your concerns to the proper agency within your state.