BSA Washington Crossing Tamanend District Units Attend First Aid O-Ree

Weekly there are stories of young men and women throughout our country saving the lives of classmates, relatives and neighbors using the skills they learned in Scouting. That doesn’t happen by accident. Over 100 scouts, cubs and venturers representing twelve units participated in the Tamanend District First Aid O-Ree which was held at Washington Crossing Historic Park the weekend of April 15th through April 17th.

“The event is designed to replicate the kinds of situations a scout might encounter on a typical day hike” said Troop 168 Scoutmaster N. Sonnie, who has coordinated the event for the last nine years and grown it from a one day training session held in a school gymnasium to a 3-day campout.

Attendees rotated through nine stations where they learned the proper first aid measures for cardiac arrest, choking, allergic reactions, burns, cuts, broken bones, water rescues and head injuries. Once they learned the skills taught at the individual stations they practiced them on one another so they would be prepared should they be called upon to use them. There was also a popular mystery station where scouts learned about first aid emergencies they might encounter in their own homes and communities. Here the scenarios in included lawn mower usage with pints of fake blood and a demonstration of the effects of mixing ammonia and bleach that triggered a widespread zombie outbreak.

“Through the leadership of Troop 168 of Fairless Hills and their Scoutmaster and with the longstanding support of our scouting units, parents and the 79 adults who volunteered for the weekend, the annual First Aid O-Ree was a success” said District Director Tyler Yankey.

Those who attended First Aid-O-Ree came away from the experience with the information and practice that would leave them better equipped to live the Boy Scouts’ motto- “be prepared”.

Scouting continues to be a premier youth serving organization focused on leadership, character development and creating a sense of achievement in the lives of the young people in our community. For information on Cub Scouts for boys in 1st through 5th grades, Boy Scouts for boys 5th grade through high school and Venturing programs for young men and women from high school through age 20, please visit http://www.washingtoncrossingbsa.org/