As part of their ongoing advancement training program, dedicated scout leaders from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Camarines Sur Council participated in the Live-Out Training on First Aid and Basic Life Support. The sessions were held across two weekends, June 13-14 and June 20-21, 2026, at Camp Rodriguez-Santos, Cadlan, Pili.
Facilitated by an expert team from the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) of the Provincial Government of CamSur, the training aimed to equip adult leaders with critical emergency response skills. By learning to save lives and lead by example, these leaders ensure the safety of scouts during outdoor activities while fostering greater community resilience.
“Aram ta man po baga na ang scouting ay outdoor. Talagang dae mo maiiwasan, halos pirmi kaming may nai-encounter wherein dapat talaga laging handa, dapat talaga may aram. Dapat aram kung paano maging first responder, paano magtao nin first aid. Kaya ang pinaka-dapat talagang gibohon, i-equip ang kada saro. As a scouter, ang scout motto: Laging Handa,” shared Alex Bongalos, Council Program Commissioner of BSP Camarines Sur Council.
“Grabe ang pagpasalamat mi sa mga instructors kasi dakol kaming nanudan. Mas na-standardized ang pagkaaram mi sa First Aid and BLS. Pige-emphasize ko ngani sainda na gamiton ining training para ma-upgrade and ma-upskill sinda tanganing standard na ang maibaba na training para sa mga aki. Ang kagayunan pa kaini, bilang indibidwal, magagamit ninda ini mismo sa sadiri, sa pamilya, asin sa komunidad ninda,” Bongalos added, stressing the collective impact of the training on the scout leaders.
The intensive four-day training equipped the scout leaders with essential hands-on skills. Lectures and practical simulations focused on the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest chain of survival, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rescue breathing, pediatric chain of survival, CPR for pregnant patients, foreign body airway obstruction management, and defibrillation.
Participants also mastered crucial protocols for trauma emergencies, musculoskeletal, head and spine injuries, medical and environmental emergencies, poisoning management, and safe patient lifting and moving techniques.
For Wena Barrameda, a Wood Badge Holder (WBA) with CML, and one of the participants, the training was more than just a series of lessons—it was a vital toolkit for everyday life. She noted that the comprehensive skills and knowledge provided during the program thoroughly equipped them to handle emergencies confidently, no matter where they are, allowing them to deliver immediate and effective responses.
Barrameda also highlighted specific scenarios where her newly acquired skills would be vital.
“Sa mga essential skills, unang-una, kaipuhan manudan su pagiging safe. Halimbawa, pag may nadisgrasya, mga environmental incidents like earthquake, na pwedeng makatabang kita na makaresponde tulos sa pasyenteng nangangaipo. Basically, ma-rescue kaagad na hindi na kailangan pang maghintay nang matagal na oras kung kaya naman makatulong na sa kanila.”
Furthermore, the practical, hands-on training in BLS—including proper bandaging for lacerations, managing bone fractures, and responding to choking incidents—ensures that they can administer critical first aid on the spot, confidently stabilizing patients without the risk of causing further injury.
Upon successfully completing the training, the scout leaders were awarded certificates as Merit Badge Counselor. With this credential, they are now authorized to facilitate and cascade First Aid and BLS training, and other related activities to their respective districts. This milestone will also allow them to advance through the ranks—from Membership to Explorer, Pathfinder, [Outdoorsman, Venturer], and ultimately, to the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
