Re: CPR Patch
Settummanque, the blackeagle ("MAJ)
Fri, 6 Aug 1999 15:51:50 -0500
Hi Susan!!
You asked us all:
>Does any one on the list know of a patch for being CPR certified. It is
>shown in the handbook (last page listed in index under Cardiopulmonary
>Resusitation).
That's NOT a BSA emblem shown on that page (289) in the Scout Handbook.
That's a line drawing of a Red Cross CPR emblem.
The American Red Cross has such emblems available to those whom have
completed a standard ARC CPR course and has been certified by them. They
don't like giving them out, because the implication is that once you wear
the emblem, you're "certified for life". You're NOT.
Every year, I attend a Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR course. Every
year. The CPR certification is only good for a year. The Standard First
Aid course is good for three. But every year, I find such a course, sign up
and pay between $12 and $25 and attend all of the sessions.
Why? Because first aid is one of those lifelong skills that many of us
don't get to use very often. We forget sometimes the steps in CPR, even
under emergency circumstances. The constant reminder by attending the
course, undergoing the training and the skills parts, allows me as a Scouter
to be better prepared...it also reminds others attending that even though
I'm an Eagle Scout, have earned the First Aid and Emergency Services merit
badges, and even hold a military certification as an Expert Field Medic and
a state certification as an EMT...that there's ALWAYS room for improvement,
for learning more, and for sharing what you know with others.
So, because the certification is only good for a year, many ARC chapters
don't give out the patches. I have one at home in a drawer somewhere...I
don't wear it. If your son just HAS to have one, he can show his ARC card
(only his ARC card...the American Heart Association has different standards
for their CPR courses!!) at a local Red Cross office, and they should be
able to sell or give him a CPR Certified emblem.
The emblem is considered a TEMPORARY EMBLEM by the BSA, and can be worn
centered on the right pocket of the Scout. It can also be worn on the swim
trunks of the Scout or Scouter as well.
> My son saw one on one of the BSA lifeguards at summer camp also.
> Patch was similar to Mile Swim or Snorkeling patch but says CPR
>Certified.
Some Councils require their lifeguards to wear the emblem on their swim
trunks....others don't.
Hope this answers your question, Susan...and please encourage your son to
take another CPR course NEXT year to maintain his skills and ability to save
someone's life!! It's well worth the time and money!
Settummanque!
-----
(MAJ) Mike L. Walton (settummanque, the blackeagle)
http://www.mninter.net/~blkeagle
Joint Information Bureau Deputy Director
US SOUTHCOM FCE (Enhanced New Horizons)
APO Miami, AA 34042 (Soto Cano AB, Honduras)
personal inquiries via kyblkeagle@aol.com,
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