Members of Boy Scout Troop 6, chartered to St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Butler, provide first aid to a fellow Scout who is pretending to be a victim at Morrow Field House at Slippery Rock University.

SLIPPERY ROCK — More than 120 Butler County Boy Scouts spent the morning of March 12 learning how to properly administer lifesaving techniques at Slippery Rock University’s Morrow Field House with a little competition for motivation.

Judges, led by Dr. Barry Hootman, a retired orthopedic surgeon, reviewed the scouts’ first-aid skills in five medical emergency scenarios, ranging from heart attacks to possible parade bombings.

“Scouting prepares young men for life. we see that here today,” Hootman said.

Troop 467 of Zelienople took first place for the second time in two years. It was mentored by assistant scoutmaster Dr. Mike Wahl, who is a family physician in Butler. Wahl became involved with scouting when his son Benjamin joined the troop.

“They’re scenarios that are very much possible,” Wahl said of the first aid training. “Part of being a Boy Scout is being prepared.”

Wahl said this is something the scouts in his troop take seriously. He noted having first aid knowledge makes the community a safer place.

“Two of our kids had to do the Heimlich out in the real world,” Wahl said. “If they hadn’t learned it, who knows.”

Wahl said he was proud of his troop for winning a second year in a row.

He said the scouts continue to impress him with their efforts, and the results speak for themselves.

“The boys are paying attention and applying it,” he said.