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CPR Training for Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts pride themselves on their sense of community involvement, leadership and preparedness. Many chapters of the Girl Scouts offer badges or programs for safety and emergency preparation that require troops to complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, typically offered through classes administered by the American Red Cross. Class content and instruction level vary by the ages of the Scouts and badge or skills desired.

  1. First Aid Junior Girl Scout Badge

    • The First Aid Junior Girl Scout badge is offered to Girl Scouts between the ages of 8 and 11. In order to qualify for the badge, Juniors must take a course in Red Cross Basic Aid Training (BAT); Juniors who complete the course will have the skills to assist one another in case of injury or emergency if an adult is not present. In addition to CPR, Juniors also learn how to identify and prevent dangerous scenarios, how to care for minor injuries and how to deal with poisoning, bleeding and choking.

    Safety Award

    • The Girl Scouts offer a safety award to Scouts between the ages of 11 and 17 who have aptly demonstrated safety consciousness and preparation. To win the award, Scouts are required to complete three of seven activities, including the completion of CPR and first aid training. Other options include making a list of safety responsibilities, creating a home safety plan, picking a topic of interest regarding safety for the rest of the troop to discuss, analyzing the risks of an outdoor sport or activity, teaching younger children about pool and water front safety, or conducting a lesson on Internet safety.

    Together We Prepare Patch

    • The Southwest Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross has collaborated with Girl Scouts of America to offer the Together We Prepare patch. The purpose of the patch is to help Girl Scouts, their communities and their families prepare for unforeseen situations and emergencies. Earning the patch requires executing a five-part plan: make an emergency plan, build a preparedness kit, get trained in emergency protocols including CPR and first aid, volunteer and give blood.

    Emergency Preparedness Interest Project

    • Cadette and Senior Scouts have the option of completing an Emergency Preparedness Interest Project to gain knowledge for the benefit of their troops, homes and communities. Scouts who choose to complete this project are required to complete a first aid course and earn their CPR certification. Additional options include checking the home for fire hazards and instituting plans for evacuation, preparing first aid and emergency kits, creating action plans for emergencies and learning the missions of agencies for disaster relief.

    Primary First Aider

    • Girl Scout troops involved in activities, events, programs or overnight camping trips are required to be accompanied by a primary first-aider volunteer who has completed an American Red Cross Community First Aid and Safety course. Courses are comprised of three elements: adult CPR, child CPR and first aid.

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