This is the third story in the series about “The Merit Badge That Changed My Life.” Since 1910, Scouting America has offered hundreds of merit badges—each one a doorway to new skills and life-changing experiences. In 1911, the First Aid Merit Badge was added to the original list of 14 “Badges of Merit,” bringing the total number of Merit Badges that could be earned to 57 (27 of which, including First Aid, are still in use). While earning the First Aid Merit Badge, Scouts learn how to care for injured or ill people until professional medical help arrives. Scouts also learn that emergency medical treatment is a set of clear action steps. This month’s story is about Steven Chait, who earned the First Aid Merit Badge in 1975.
In 1975, Steven was a young Scout in Elizabeth, New Jersey. With the help of his older cousin who was an Emergency Medical Technician, he earned the First Aid Merit Badge in his troop. The knowledge he gained ignited a deep fascination with helping others during emergencies. As Steven worked toward the rank of Eagle Scout, he cultivated a lifelong dedication to serving those in need.
While attending college, Steven joined the volunteer first aid squad in 1982, gaining firsthand experience by applying his skills in real emergencies and discovering the importance of teamwork under pressure. Then, during the summers of 1983 and 1984, when Steven was a young EMT, he served on camp staff at Winnebago Scout Reservation in Rockaway, New Jersey, working as a Health Officer. These early experiences steered him toward a career as a paramedic.
Since 1988, Steven has served his community faithfully as a paramedic, embodying the same spirit of service he developed as a Scout. Along the way, he helped instruct others in advanced first aid skills like CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and the use of Automatic External Defibrillators. He has also served on dignitary protection details for Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States.
In June 2026, Steven plans to retire after a 40-year journey of helping others in their most desperate moments. His remarkable career was inspired by the skills he learned as an 11-year-old earning his First Aid Merit Badge back in 1975—a merit badge that truly changed his life.
