A story in The Plano Star Courier, tells of a Girl Scout Leader who is credited with saving the life of a child. According to journalist Cathy Spaulding who wrote the news article, on April 29 Julie O'Rielly used her CPR training get the four year old boy breathing again after he had been pulled from a backyard swimming pool.

Reading this story reminded me of the necessity of keeping our First Aid and CPR training up to date. In the United States we are entering that time of year when water sports, field sports, and long-term camping, join hiking and backpacking as the activities of choice.

Scouters all over the world will spend next weekend, next month, and next year working with young people in all types of situations. We know the unexpected can happen at any time. That's one reason the Scout motto is "Be Prepared." Hundreds of thousands of Scouts and Scouters take their initial First Aid and CPR training every year. Even more take refresher courses to update their training.

You don't have to be a Leader to be prepared! Scout parents, if you participate in camping, if you transport Scouts to events, if you spend time with people, you, too, should have First Aid and CPR training. Someone may live because you take the time to contact the American Red Cross in your area and sign up for classes.

Leaders, encourage the parents and Scouts in your Unit to get trained! Everyone will benefit. And for those of you who are reading this and have already been through First Aid and CPR Training - check your certification card! Is it time to take a refresher course?

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REMEMBER: These web pages are ONLY to be used as an informational resource. They DO NOT and CANNOT replace real CPR or first aid training. Attend a CPR training course in your community and help save lives.

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