Red Cross and Boy Scouts Sign Historic Training Agreement

Written by Bonnie Gillespie, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

February 12, 2003 — Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to readiness education, the leaders of the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America recently formalized a national training agreement that establishes the Boy Scouts as an authorized provider of Red Cross health and safety programs.

American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha J. Evans, Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams (center) and Scott Conner (far left), Vice President of Health and Safety, Youth and Community Services, are encircled by members of the Boy Scouts "Report to the Nation" delegation at the historic signing ceremony.

"The Scout motto to 'Be prepared' complements the mission of the American Red Cross to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies," said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, during a commemorative ceremony at Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

"We are taking an important step toward achieving this common mission today with the signing of this training agreement that will equip more than three million youth and 1.2 million adult Scouting volunteers with the skills they need to save lives," said Evans.

A century of cooperation spans the history of the organizations, and the agreement signed on Feb. 11 is the culmination of two years of collaborative efforts to develop a comprehensive program for Scout leaders and youth members nationwide.

As a result, instructors and instructor trainers will be established in more than 300 Boy Scout Councils. Training areas include Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Emergency Response. Preventing Disease Transmission and Babysitter's Training are also part of the program, along with Wilderness First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer.

"The Boy Scouts will help the American Red Cross reach even more people with health and safety training and save more lives," said Scott Conner, Vice President of Health and Safety, Youth and Community Services for the Red Cross.

Jonathan Nagata of Santa Monica, Calif., received a Boy Scout Heroism award for administering first aid at the scene of a multi-car accident. Nagata was trained in Red Cross lifesaving procedures.

Along with Evans and Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams, members of the Boy Scout "Report to the Nation" delegation took part in the event, including winners of Boy Scout Heroism awards. Among the young heroes recognized was Boy Scout Jonathan Nagata, who administered Red Cross first aid techniques at the scene of a multi-car accident.

"The signing of this training agreement between our organizations will create even more heroes like Jonathan . . . by preparing Scouts across the country to render aid when lives are at stake," said Evans.

Troop members will now receive both Red Cross and Boy Scout certifications upon training completion, in addition to benefiting from the most current course materials available.

The historic agreement also represents the potential for future combined educational efforts in areas such as disaster response and endeavors complimentary to the Red Cross and Boy Scout commitment to community service and volunteerism.

"The agreement will help the Red Cross benefit from the creativity and talents of individuals in the Boy Scout organization who may wish to put their training to work as Red Cross volunteers," Evans said. "We all share a responsibility to be prepared to help others in an emergency."

Related Links

• Boy Scouts of America
  
• American Red Cross Health and Safety Services

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