Venturing Lifesaving Elective for 2024

The Lifesaving Elective is an important part of the Ranger Award for Venturers. This elective helps Venturers learn vital skills to save lives. These skills include lifeguarding, emergency response, and first aid.

To complete the Lifesaving Elective, Venturers must meet certain requirements. They can choose between getting a lifeguard certification, completing an emergency response course, or earning a certificate from the American Red Cross. Each option provides important training.

Another part of the elective involves first aid. Venturers will help build a first-aid kit for their crew or family. They will also learn how to use the items in the kit and teach others to do the same.

The Lifesaving Elective is not just about earning an award. It’s about being ready to help others in emergencies. These skills can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Download the Ranger Lifesaving Elective Requirements

Ranger Lifesaving Elective Workbook / Worksheet

Choose Your Path to Saving Lives

The Lifesaving Elective is a key part of the Ranger Award for Venturers. This requirement helps Venturers learn how to save lives in emergencies. To complete this part of the elective, you need to do one of the following:

• Get a Lifeguard Certification
  You can complete the Boy Scout or Venturing Lifeguard requirements. This certification lasts for three years. It teaches you how to save people in water emergencies. These courses are offered for Venturers and Scouts who will be serving as lifeguards at summer camps. Check with your local council for availability.
• Take an Emergency Response Course
  You can complete a 45-hour or longer emergency response course or an EMT Basic course. These courses teach you how to handle many types of emergencies. They are often available at local community colleges or training centers. Check with local hospitals or fire departments for course offerings.
• Earn a Red Cross Lifeguard Certificate
  You can also earn the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training or Lifeguard Trainer certificate. This training is similar to the BSA Lifeguard certification but from the Red Cross. Many local pools and Red Cross chapters offer this training.

Choose the option that interests you the most or is most available in your area. Each option provides valuable skills that can help you save lives.

Building and Using a First-Aid Kit

The Lifesaving Elective is part of the Ranger Award for Venturers. One of the important skills in this elective is building and understanding the items a first-aid kit. Then teach someone else about the kit. This kit is essential for handling emergencies. Here’s how to complete this requirement:

Here’s how to complete this requirement:

• Bandages: Include various sizes to cover cuts and scrapes. Use them to protect the wound and keep it clean.
• Gauze Pads and Tape: Use gauze pads to cover larger wounds and tape to secure them in place. They help stop bleeding and protect the wound.
• Antiseptic Wipes: Clean wounds with antiseptic wipes to prevent infection.
• Adhesive Bandages: These are for small cuts and blisters. They help protect the wound and promote healing.
• Scissors: Use scissors to cut tape or clothing if needed during first aid.
• Tweezers: Use tweezers to remove splinters or debris from wounds.
• Instant Cold Packs: Apply cold packs to reduce swelling from injuries. Activate them by squeezing or shaking, as instructed.
• Gloves: Wear gloves to protect yourself and prevent infections while giving first aid.
• CPR Mask: Use the CPR mask for safe mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It helps protect both the rescuer and the victim.
• Antibiotic Ointment: Apply this to wounds to help prevent infection and speed up healing.
• Burn Cream: Use burn cream on minor burns to soothe pain and prevent infection.
• Elastic Bandages: These are useful for wrapping sprains or strains to provide support and reduce swelling.
• Pain Relievers: Include over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain relief.
• Hydrocortisone Cream: Use this for insect bites, rashes, and other skin irritations to reduce itching and swelling.
• Safety Pins: Use safety pins to secure bandages or make slings for injured arms.
• Thermometer: A digital thermometer can help monitor body temperature in case of fever.
• Alcohol Swabs: Use these to disinfect tools like tweezers and scissors before use.
• First-Aid Manual: Refer to the manual for guidance on how to handle different emergencies.

Having a first-aid kit and knowing how to use it can save lives. This skill is essential for Venturers and their families. It ensures you are ready for any emergency.

Venturing Ranger Award

The Lifesaving Elective is just one part of the Venturing Ranger Award. This guide provides detailed information about all the Ranger Award requirements. It’s a great resource for Venturers and leaders working toward this challenging and rewarding award. Explore the guide to get tips, documents, and advice on how to complete each elective and core requirement.

What is the Lifesaving Elective?

The Lifesaving Elective is part of the Venturing Ranger Award. It teaches you skills to save lives in emergencies.

What are the options to complete requirement a?

You can choose one of these:

1. Get a Boy Scout or Venturing Lifeguard certification.
2. Complete a 45-hour emergency response or EMT Basic course.
3. Earn an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training or Lifeguard Trainer certificate.

How long is the BSA Lifeguard certification valid?

The BSA Lifeguard certification is valid for three years.

Where can I find a lifeguard certification course?

Check with local community pools, lakes, or recreation centers. They often offer lifeguard certification courses.

What should be included in the first-aid kit?

Include bandages, gauze pads, tape, antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages, scissors, tweezers, instant cold packs, gloves, CPR mask, first-aid manual, antibiotic ointment, burn cream, elastic bandages, pain relievers, hydrocortisone cream, safety pins, thermometer, and alcohol swabs.

How do I learn to use the items in the first-aid kit?

You can learn through first-aid training courses or by reading the first-aid manual included in your kit.

Can I teach others how to make and use a first-aid kit?

Yes, part of the requirement is to teach another person or group how to make and use a first-aid kit.

Why is the Lifesaving Elective important?

It prepares you to handle emergencies and save lives. These skills are valuable and can make a big difference in critical situations.

The Lifesaving Elective is part of the Venturing Ranger Award. This elective teaches important skills for saving lives in emergencies. By completing this elective, Venturers become better prepared to help others in need.

To meet the Lifesaving Elective requirements, you must complete one of three options. First, you can get a Boy Scout or Venturing Lifeguard certification. This training teaches you how to save people in water emergencies. The certification lasts for three years.

Second, you can complete a 45-hour emergency response course or an EMT Basic course. These courses cover how to handle many types of emergencies, from car accidents to medical issues. They are often available at community colleges or training centers.

Third, you can earn an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training or Lifeguard Trainer certificate. This training is similar to the BSA Lifeguard certification but from the Red Cross. Many local pools and Red Cross chapters offer this training.

Another part of the elective involves building and using a first-aid kit. You will help build a kit for your crew or family. This kit should include items like bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, and more. You will also learn how to use each item and teach others to do the same.

The Lifesaving Elective equips Venturers with skills to save lives and handle emergencies. This training can make a big difference when it matters most.