Being A Chirurgeon-In-Training (Applicant) is first and foremost a time for evaluation on the application of first-aid treatment within the structure of the SCA and to teach Applicants the administrative policies and procedures of the Chirurgeonate. Historically, the longest part of Chirurgeon-in-Training Process has been gaining enough supervised first-aid encounters to become warranted, rather than any additional steps or classes. The process in Northshield is intended to balance direct patient experience with adequate SCA-specific knowledge and skills. Being a Chirurgeon-In-Training is not intended to be a lengthy process, but should be expected to last three to six months at minimum. If an Applicant is having difficulty progressing towards warranting, he or she should contact their Regional or the Kingdom Chirurgeon about the problem.
In order to become a Chirurgeon-In-Training, one must meet the following conditions:
Once these conditions are met, the Applicant should fill out A Chirurgeon-In-Training application form (on the Northshield Chirurgeon Webpage). The Chirurgeon-In-Training form and copies of current of first aid certification, CPR certification and proof of current SCA membership should be sent to the Kingdom Chirurgeon. Once applicants have been approved for Chirurgeon-In-Training Status, the Kingdom Chirurgeon will send them "Chirurgeon-In-Training" cards. Only the Kingdom Chirurgeon can designate Chirurgeons-In-Training and issue them cards.
Chirurgeon-In-Training cards serve to identify a person as A Chirurgeon-In-Training and help the Applicant keep track of the tasks and signatures needed to become a fully warranted.
In order to become a warranted Chirurgeon, the Applicant must serve an observation period as A Chirurgeon-In-Training for evaluation of attitude, demeanor and training in SCA-specific knowledge. The first topic to be covered is the Chirurgeon-In-Training process. Chirurgeon-In-Training is first and foremost a time for evaluation on the application of first-aid treatment within the structure of the SCA and to teach the Applicants the administrative policies and procedures of the Chirurgeonate. Historically, the longest part of process has been gaining enough supervised first-aid encounters to become warranted, rather than any additional steps or classes. The process in Northshield is intended to balance direct patient experience with adequate SCA-specific knowledge and skills. Being A Chirurgeon-In-Training is not intended to be a lengthy, but should be expected to last three to six months at minimum . If an Applicant is having difficulty progressing towards warranting, he or she should contact their Regional or the Kingdom Chirurgeon about the problem.
A Chirurgeon-In-Training may only provide first aid under the supervision of a warranted chirurgeon. The supervising chirurgeon will then fill out a Chirurgeon-In-Training evaluation form (found on the Northshield Chirurgeon Webpage) and sign and date the Chirurgeon-In-Training's card. It is the Applicants responsibility to remind the supervising chirurgeon to complete the evaluation and sign the card. The supervising chirurgeon will then send the evaluation to the Kingdom Chirurgeon.
Whether or not a given first aid activity performed by A Chirurgeon-In-Training "counts" towards a signature is at the discretion of the supervising chirurgeon. However, the activity should include: direct interaction with the injured person, obtaining at least a brief history of the illness or injury, performing a brief, relevant exam (can be merely observing the patient), and providing treatment as indicated. "Treatment" covers the spectrum of first-aid interventions, including simple reassurance.
Chirurgeon-In-Training must meet the following conditions in order to become warranted:
Once these conditions have been met, A Chirurgeon-In-Training may notify the Kingdom Chirurgeon that they wish to be warranted. The Kingdom Chirurgeon may also suggest to Applicants that they may be ready to be warranted. The Chirurgeon-In-Training should send a copy of their Chirurgeon-In-Training card (both sides), their current SCA membership, current CPR and first aid certifications to the Kingdom Chirurgeon (if not previously done).The Kingdom Chirurgeon will then review all evaluations, and acceptable candidates will be mailed a warrant card.
Applicants with extensive SCA experience OR advanced medical certifications (above first aid) and at least six months of SCA experience may be able to participate in a fast track apprenticeship, at the discretion of the Kingdom Chirurgeon. Fast-track apprentices must serve a minimum of one event as an apprentice, and must meet all other apprentice requirements before receiving a warrant.
Some candidates for Chirurgeon-In-Training live in isolated areas where there are no warranted Chirurgeons within a reasonable traveling distance. All paperwork necessary for A Chirurgeon-In-Training must be sent to the Kingdom Chirurgeon, along with a reasoned request to train under the isolated Applicant process. The Chirurgeon-In-Training may then perform first aid on a trial basis in the presence of the Seneschal or Marshal of his or her local group at events held by the local group only. First aid performed at fighter practices may qualify as first aid at a group event for the purposes of this Handbook and at the discretion of the Kingdom Chirurgeon.
Completion of the evaluation period may occur upon receipt by the Kingdom Chirurgeon of affidavits from at least three people verifying to the best of their ability that the Chirurgeon-In-Training has fulfilled the training requirements outlined above. These three people must include the Seneschal and the Marshal of the local group (if the group has one).
Chirurgeons-In-Training may be designated as "inactive" if 1) they do not report for two consecutive reporting periods or 2) allow either their first aid, CPR and membership certifications to lapse for over six consecutive months. The Kingdom Chirurgeon will notify the Chirurgeon-In-Training of their inactive status. Inactive Chirurgeons-In-Training wishing to become active again will contact the Kingdom Chirurgeon regarding their status. Depending on the length of inactivity, some or all of the Applicants process may need to be repeated.
The SCA recognizes the American Red Cross and the Priory of St. John of Jerusalem (commonly referred to as St. John Ambulance in Canada) and Medic First Aid (EMP America) as agencies suitable for certification in First Aid. CPR certification may also come from these agencies as well as from the American Heart Association. Licenses for MDs, RNs, LPNs or certifications as EMTs, ERTs, etc. will also be accepted as will proof of membership in the Canadian Armed Forces. Other certification must be cleared with the warranting Officer.