General Chirurgeon Information

What is a Chirurgeon? A Chirurgeon is a volunteer who provides first aid at events of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). The word Chirurgeon is the medieval word from which the modern term Surgeon is derived. From the Chirurgeon's Handbook, "The members of the Chirurgeonate are Red Cross trained first aiders, medical doctors, military medical corpsmen, nurses, paramedics, St. John's Ambulance volunteers, and many other medical volunteers and professionals. We are united as members of the Chirurgeonate for one purpose: to provide first aid at SCA events to anyone who asks at no cost to the recipient."

You can recognize a Chirurgeon by the badge they wear when on duty. It is a red circle with a white teardrop containing a fleam (the "upside down 2"). The fleam was used in the middle ages to cut a patient and allow bad blood to escape.

How do you become a Chirurgeon?

• First you must be certified in First Aid and CPR. This may be from an American Red Cross, American Heart Assotiation, or equivalent course or medical credentials.
• You must be at least the legal age of majority in the area in which you live.
• You must be a paid member of the SCA with access to your kingdom newsletter.
• You must serve an observation period as an Apprentice Chirurgeon for evaluation of attitude, demeanor, and training in SCA-specific knowledge.
• Download or otherwise acquire the Apprentice Application form and fill it out.
• Contact one of the Chirurgeonate Officers and provide him/her with copies of the proof of certifications, membership, age, and the filled out application. They will get the paperwork to the Kingdom Chirurgeon and help you find a mentor with whom you may apprentice.
• Read the Chirurgeon's Handbook.

What does an Apprentice Chirurgeon do?

• An Apprentice Chirurgeon may provide first aid under the direct supervision of any warranted Chirurgeon at SCA events. This is an opportunity to observe attitude, demeanor, and knowledge of SCA-specific issues.
• The Apprentice Chirurgeon can extract the required SCA-specific knowledge while working with the warranted Chirurgeon.
• The Apprentice should make sure the Apprentice Evaluation form is filled out by each warranted Chirurgeon with whom they work. These forms are the basis for the mentoring Chirurgeon and the Kingdom Chirurgeon to decide when and if the Apprentice will become a Journeyman Chirurgeon.

• A Journeyman Chirurgeon is fully warranted and sanctioned to provide volunteer first aid at SCA events in any Kingdom and serve in Chirurgeon-specific offices.
• They may be Chirurgeon in Charge (CIC) at an event.
• They may evaluate Apprentice Chirurgeons.
• They may wear a baldric or tabard with the Chirurgeon badge and a white or silver border.
• They must fill out an event report when they are CIC.
• They must fill out incident reports when they treat anyone.
• They must fill out refused treatment reports when anyone refuses treatment.
• They must work at least one event per year and report on it.
• When they are on duty, they must provide first aid to all who request it.
• They must have access to a first aid kit when they are on duty.
• They must keep their certifications and membership up to date.