Emergency Service Programs (1939-1995)

[RememberSchiff 3683]

"Starting in 1939, a series of Emergency Service programs were put in place for older Boy Scouts (and Explorers).  The idea was to have older boys be prepared to assist in various emergency situations by having them be certified in various skills to earn the right to participate.  Insignia was created, both for uniform wear and as armbands, and requirements were set to earn the right to wear such insignia.  If a unit had a certain number of members certified in Emergency Service, then the unit was considered an Emergency Service Unit. Thus was the Emergency Service programs created.

In the beginning, the program grew out of the general need of preparedness for World War II on the home front and from earlier BSA programs.  In the postwar years, the program continued with the heightened need for Civil Defense and emergency preparedness.  As part of this program, every Boy Scout and Explorer unit were supposed to have a mobilization plan.  Starting in the 1960s, the need for these sorts of programs started to decline, in part due to the beginning of Emergency Medical Response systems in most communities, and the program was apparently dropped in the early 90s. However, in part this program continues in the various Search and Rescue and Fire Rescue Explorer Posts and Venturing Crews. It is unfortunate with the increase in various emergency situations around the country (floods, tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, heat waves, etc.), that the need for these programs is not recognized.  Perhaps its the fear of litigation should a Boy Scout or Venturer get injured somehow in performing emergency service work that prevents the BSA from reviving such a program, as well as the increase in profession groups to handle these situations."

 

Source for above quote includes requirements for above patch (many variations over the years

https://www.seniorscoutinghistory.org/seniorscoutsite/emergency.html

September is National Preparedness Month .  How should our scouts help others (victims and professionals) during heat waves, fires, floods, ... Does our insurance cover personal injury during emergency services?

Edited July 17, 2023 by RememberSchiff