It is recommended
that all members of the Boy Scouts of America have perodic medical evaluations
by a licensed health-care practitioner. In recent years, in an effort
to provide better care to those who may become ill or injured and to
provide youth members and adult leaders a better understanding of their
physical capabilities, the Boy Scouts of America established minimum
standards for providing medical information prior to participating in
various activities. They are classified as follows:
Class
1:
Includes any event that does not exceed 72 consecutive hours, where
the level of activity is similar to that normally expended at home or
at school, and where medical care is readily available. Examples: day
camp, day hike, swimming party, or an overnight camp. Medical information
required is a current health history signed by parents or guardian.
The health history form currently found on the back of the BSA individual
applications or the Class I Personal Health and Medical History found
on form No. 34414A (Personal Health and Medical Record) meets this requirement.
Den leaders, Scoutmasters, team coaches, and crew Advisors should review
these and become knowledgeable about the medical needs of the youth
members in their unit. Forms must be updated annually. They are filled
out by participants and kept on file for easy reference.
Class
2:
Includes any event that exceeds 72 consecutive hours, where the level
of activity is similar to that normally expended at home or at school,
and where medical care is readily available. Examples: resident camping,
tour camping, and hiking in relatively populated areas. Medical data
required is an annual health history signed by parents or guardian supported
by a medical evaluation completed within the past 36 months by a licensed
health-care practitioner. The Personal Health and Medical RecordClass
2, on No. 34414A, is designed primarily for resident Cub Scout and Boy
Scout summer camp but could be used for any Class 2 activity. Youth
members and adult participants under 40 years of age use this form.
(See Camp Health and Safety for additional information on Class 2 application.)
Class
3:
Class 3: Includes any event involving strenuous activity such as backpacking,
high altitude, extreme weather conditions, cold water, exposure, fatigue,
athletic competition, adventure challenge, or remote conditions where
readily available medical care cannot be assured. Examples: high-adventure
activities, jamborees, Wood Badge, and extended backpacking trips in
remote areas. Medical information required includes current health history
supported by a medical evaluation within the past 12 months performed
by a licensed health-care practitioner. Form 34412A is to be used by
youth for Class 3 activities. Adults age 40 or older will use this form
for Class 2 and Class 3 activities. See form No. 34414A, Personal Health
and Medical Record, for more information.
High-Adventure
Medical Forms. Philmont Scout Ranch and Florida Sea Base require the
use of their special medical form by all youth and adults because of
the strenuous nature of the activities taking place there.
It is recommended
that unit leaders have a complete medical history and permission slip
for every participant attending each Scouting activity. The medical
history form and permission slip, in most cases, will allow emergency
medical treatment to a youth member in case of injury or illness when
a parent or guardian cannot be contacted.