Earning the Medicine merit badge can give scouts the knowledge they need to respond to a medical emergency and potentially save a life. The criteria for this badge covers a variety of topics, from basic first aid to understanding the symptoms of common illnesses.
The Requirements
In order to earn the Medicine merit badge, scouts must complete the following requirements:
- Explain the three types of wounds and how they are treated.
- Demonstrate the proper techniques for bandaging.
- Discuss the causes and symptoms of the five most common illnesses.
- Describe the steps for treating shock, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia.
- Explain the use of over‐the‐counter medications and their potential side effects.
The Worksheet
You can download the Medicine merit badge worksheet here. This worksheet will provide further instructions for completing each of the merit badge requirements.
Additional Resources
To learn more about earning the Medicine merit badge, visit the Scouting.org website. Here, you will find helpful resources such as educational videos and expert tips from medical professionals.