1. Senior Scouts are often the first to be called for service when disaster strikes. With this in mind, Emergency Service Training stimulates interest in the service principle of Scouting, as out-lined in the Oath, Law, and Motto.
2. As one of the important parts in the vigorous physical activity program requiring knowledge and skill, Emergency Service Training can be one of the important activities planned and promoted by the outdoor committee.
3. It develops knowledge and skills which contribute to the worthwhile training of the Scout, and insures his effectiveness in time of Emergency.
THE NEW PLAN
One of the most important changes in the Emergency Service Training Plan is that the emphasis is now on training being carried out within the Unit, under Unit leadership. It is recommended that the Local Council have a member of the District Commissioner’s Staff specialize as a coordinator of all Emergency Service Corps Units within his District. His responsibility would be to coordinate and supervise the activity of Emergency Service Corps within his area, organized in Senior Scout Units and Emergency Service Crews (within Scout Troops). He would stimulate Emergency Service Training within the Unit, providing lists of qualified instructors in the various skills required for Corps membership. He would recommend joint planning of inter-Unit and District activities for the purpose of Emergency Service Training, practice, and demonstration when and as desirable.
If an area larger than a geographical District is stricken, a Scout Executive, a Field Executive, or a Special Field Commissioner, should serve as Special Director and coordinator of the various Emergency Service Corps involved.
START NOW!
Now is the time to start pointing out the various phases of Emergency Service Training to program planning committees, and indicating how it affects them. Get them to suggest plans for organizing a Corps within their Unit.
The Senior Scout is immediately qualified as an Apprentice Emergency Service Corps member if the information obtained in any recent medical examination is sufficient to cover the items listed on the application for membership (Form C-1278, Cat. No. 4425), by adding the health history, and filing the application with parents’ approval.
The next step is to develop activity programs which will enable him to qualify for full membership. The requirements for the Emergency Service Corps are as follows: