NMHM Scout Day Teaches Lifesaving Skills That Support Military Readiness

National Museum of Health and Medicine:

"Knowing how to help someone in an emergency can save lives. That’s a lesson scouts share with service members who care for injured teammates

More than 130 visitors attended the [National Museum of Health and Medicine's](https://medicalmuseum.health.mil/) Scout Day on Oct. 24, 2026. During this annual event, Scouts learned how to treat injuries, control bleeding, and respond to emergencies through multiple hands-on activities led by military medical experts, first responders, and museum volunteers.

The activities showed how learning these skills early can build the confidence to act when every second counts.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Procter of U.S. Army [Maneuver Medical Systems](https://paemaneuverground.army.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4506758/maneuver-medical-systems-and-army-leaders-forge-the-future-of-army-medicine/), Army’s premiere program developing and delivering deployable medical capabilities for America’s soldiers, taught wilderness first aid, showing scouts how to respond to injuries when medical help may not be nearby. He stressed the importance of having a plan, a lesson that also applies to troops in the field.

“It's the confidence that it brings across a formation to say, ‘Hey, every single person in my formation has the ability to take care of me,”’ Procter said.

At the Stop the Bleed station, Norma Quintanilla of the Uniformed Service University’s [National Institute for Defense Health Cooperation](https://news.usuhs.edu/2026/09/usus-national-institute-for-defense.html) taught scouts how to spot severe bleeding and apply pressure to wounds. She explained that the training uses lessons from military medicine to help civilians respond to life-threatening injuries.

Quintanilla said the goal is to give people the knowledge to act, especially when they are the first to arrive at an emergency.

“We want to empower our troops and the general public,” she said.

But knowing how to treat an injury is only part of the challenge. Staying calm can be just as important.

Army Cpl. Kegan Lambert of the [Walter Reed Army Institute of Research](https://wrair.health.mil/) taught scouts how to assess injuries and stay focused during emergencies. He explained that military medical care goes beyond treating wounds. It also means supporting fellow service members so they can stay focused on the mission.

“The biggest thing in the military is staying in the fight,” Lambert said.

He stressed that staying calm helps both the injured person and those trying to help.

“The biggest thing when you run into a real-world emergency is to keep calm, make sure you're focused and help others remain calm,” Lambert said.

Lt. Brian Rhodes of the [Forest Glen Fire Department](https://home.army.mil/detrick/my-fort/all-services/fire-division) reinforced the importance of staying calm through fire safety and emergency response activities. He taught scouts how to recognize danger, call for help, and take action before first responders arrive.

Together, the lessons showed why basic medical skills matter beyond Scout Day. On the battlefield, troops may be the first to help an injured teammate. Knowing how to respond, staying calm, and trusting one another can help save lives and keep service members ready for their missions.

For Procter, a former scout, sharing those lessons with the next generation was also a chance to give back. “I hope they take away some confidence that they can solve a problem,” he said.

That confidence was at the heart of Scout Day. Whether helping someone at home, outdoors, or in military service, being prepared starts with knowing how to act when someone needs you most.

To learn more about the [NMHM](https://medicalmuseum.health.mil/), or about upcoming events, please check us out on the web, or social media."