Chirurgeon
Outlands Chirurgeons’ Guild was the branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism’s (SCA) volunteer first-aid organization that operated in the Kingdom of the Outlands. The group supported first-aid services at SCA events until the Chirurgeonate was dissolved as an official office in 2015, after which it continued informally as an independent guild.
Overview
The term chirurgeon derives from Middle English cirurgien and Old French cirurgien, from the Latin chirurgia (“surgery”). In the SCA, chirurgeons were volunteers who provided first aid at events such as tournaments, feasts, and camping gatherings. Members typically included certified first-aid providers, EMTs, nurses, and physicians.
The Outlands Chirurgeons’ Guild maintained administrative resources including forms, reporting schedules, and training information, and kept a roster of warranted chirurgeons to assist event organizers.
History
In the early period of the SCA, first aid at events was handled informally by individuals with personal supplies. As the organization grew, the need for coordinated first-aid support led to development of the Chirurgeonate. The Outlands adopted a guild model to manage warrants, volunteer coordination, and compliance with local medical regulations.
On 10 August 2015, following Pennsic 44, the SCA discontinued the Chirurgeonate as an official office. The Outlands group continued to function as an independent guild providing information and informal support at events.
Organization and ranks
The Outlands Chirurgeons’ Guild used a guild-style hierarchy rather than traditional SCA officer tiers. Each rank was associated with specific duties and a distinct version of the Chirurgeonate badge.
Chirurgeon-in-Training
Chirurgeons-in-Training were applicants who submitted proof of first-aid and CPR certification, SCA membership, and a written request to the Kingdom Chirurgeon. Apprenticeship focused on learning SCA-specific first-aid procedures and observing warranted chirurgeons. They wore the Chirurgeonate badge without a border.
Chirurgeon
A Chirurgeon was a fully warranted volunteer authorized to provide first aid at SCA events. Requirements included maintaining certifications, working at least one event annually, and submitting written reports. Chirurgeons wore the badge with a white border, typically on a baldric or tabard.
Mentor Chirurgeon
Mentor Chirurgeons were recognized for exceptional service and ability within the Chirurgeonate. The designation was honorary and did not grant additional authority in medical situations. Mentor Chirurgeons wore the badge with a gold or yellow border.
Chirurgeon Emeritus
Chirurgeon Emeritus status was granted to experienced individuals unable to perform first aid due to health, legal, or certification limitations. Emeriti advised and mentored others and could serve in administrative roles, but did not provide patient care. They displayed a badge registered by the Chirurgeon General.
Duties and responsibilities
Chirurgeons provided Good Samaritan first aid within the limits of their real-world certifications and SCA policy. Responsibilities included maintaining a first-aid kit while on duty, coordinating with event officers, and identifying Chirurgeon’s Point with appropriate signage or banners.
The Chirurgeon-in-Charge at an event organized volunteer coverage, ensured necessary supplies were available, and submitted required reports.
Badges and regalia
The badge of the Chirurgeonate, registered in 1992, was blazoned: Gules, on a goutte argent a fleam gules. Border colors signified rank:
- None – Chirurgeon-in-Training
- White – Chirurgeon
- Gold/yellow – Mentor Chirurgeon
- Registered Emeritus badge – Chirurgeon Emeritus
Dissolution
The Chirurgeonate ceased to be an official SCA office on 10 August 2015 due to liability concerns/
External links
- Archived Outlands Chirurgeons’ Guild website – via the Internet Archive