Medicine for the Outdoors

This is the third edition of this book I have owned. Each edition is better, more thorough and complete. I approach this book with 40 years of outdoor experience, numerous first aid classes during that time, and having certified as a WFR about 3 months ago. If I could only pick one reference to take with me on a remote expedition, into a disaster zone, or on a foreign trip, this would be the book. (I have the hard copy and keep an electronic copy on my phone and tablet.) It covers the gamut from basic first aid, through more advanced treatment I am trained on, to more advanced treatments (some of which I would try in a real pinch and some I would not attempt). I think it is great reference up through the WFR or EMT level for wilderness medicine, although even more advanced providers may find it useful if they have little or no background or training in wilderness and austere environment. The only persistent knock I have on the book is that its organization is not quite as good as it could be, although I do believe it has improved somewhat with the latest revision and there are copious cross references to help you locate the correct information if you end up in an incorrect but related place.

After reading raving reviews about this manual I decided to buy it. My current guide has become well used and needs to be updated. I've been fishing, hunting, camping and backpacking for over forty years and found the title to be misleading. After spending some time with this book it should have been titled "Medicine For The Home". I've found this manual to be overkill for the "outdoorsman's" needs. It's way too complex and lacks easy to follow photo's (there are only crude drawings) In the outdoors you may be hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting, you don't have a MASH unit on hand for equipment. You only have the essential's. So an easy to follow, comprehensive manual that covers the basics for outdoor activities is needed. I would strongly recommend the "ACEP First Aid Manual 5th Edition: The Step-by-Step Guide for Everyone (Dk First Aid Manual)." It's easier to understand and use, and utilizes text understandable to the everyday person along with real photo's showing how to treat and dress all types of cuts, abrasions, bites, burns, position broken limbs, along with all the usual outdoor nuisances, poison ivy, poison oak, etc. Don't misunderstand me, this is a great manual, and I'm keeping it for home use, but not when I'm outdoors where supplies are limited and quick reference to treatment is required. Although it's a good medical handbook, it's titled wrong.

The book was a gift for my boyfriend for Christmas, and he absolutely loves it. It was excellently wrapped and in perfect condition when we received it. It's very interesting to flip through, and makes a valuable addition to our bookcase/go bags. We hike all over the Northwest, and we always bring this book with us. The book consists of five parts- general information, major medical problems, Minor medical problems, disorders related to specific environments, and miscellaneous information. The book is very well written and structured. Some of the more detailed aspects of the book include allergic reactions, emergency childbirth, amputation crisis, head injuries, infectious diseases, respiratory and inner organ disorders, tornado, hurricane, flood and other natural disaster emergencies, hazardous aquatic life, wild plants & animals, water purification and much much more. It also has tons of diagrams and examples for clarification for some of use who are more visual learners. The book is small enough to easily be put into any SHTF backpack. It measures right under an inch as you can see in the photos. This is definitely an essential source for survival and staying healthy in the outdoors; wherever your travels will take you this book has something you can benefit from! You won't regret it!

OK, I'm going to step oout ona limb here since I've not finished reading this book, though just 'reading' won't cut it for this kind of writing. THis is something that must be studied and practiced, hopefully never required to be applied but wonderful to know if the need does arise.That said, I'll introduce myself by saying I have been an REMT and worked in the field of emergency medicine, but certainly not to the depth as would a Paramedic or MD, so my opinion is strictly this.First, having purchased the book based on the title and swayed by a simple review, I have to admit to being... underwhelmed, I guess I can say. Being on the lookout for a book more concerned with individual applicaition than within group setting. I.E: when on a wilderness trip alone, what do I need to know to keep my head above ground in an emergency? Rather than, what do I need to kow to keep another above ground in an emergency? I guess the title, "Medicine for the Outdoors" is less indicative of the contents than would be "Emergency Medicine for the Common Group". A better read for my purposes may well be the Ski Patrol EMergency Manual.But I am being too critical, perhaps, since I feel a bit let-down by my own expectations. I will finish the book, then attempt a more less critical defense of the author.Thank you, Doctor Auerbach, for writing this manual. I am sure I will benefit from your labor.

I reading this the second time as there is so much good information to try and absorb. I find that it provides a good balance between things that you can attempt on your own and when you should head to the emergency room right away.I believe this book is very well suited to have in your library as a reference. If you find yourself needing it right away as in an emergency, the text is not suited for quick on the spot prognosis of most ailments. You need to have read this book in advance and really understood the things that he is describing.

I've been using photocopied excerpts from this book for the past few years to refresh and exercise the skills of the members of my Search and Rescue Team (all have Wilderness First Aid, Level 2). It is currently used by various members of the military and first responders to wilderness areas to enhance their skills and has proven so useful, I finally broke down and bought the entire book.This is NOT a beginner's book, you'd better know some stuff BEFORE you get into it.

es un libro que todo campista, alpinista, amante del aire libre, excursiones y expediciones debe tener, es un libro muy completo para primeros auxilios y un poco mas, algo caro pero vale cada centavo, lo único malo es que viene en ingles todo, y para muchos podría se un impedimento ya que si contiene vocabulario medico, pero con un buen traductor no debería ser problema. recomendado al 100%

Good alround book. A little disorganized. To much detail for someone without some kind of medical back ground.

Très bon!

Come da descrizione adatto sia per gli esperti del settore ma soprattutto per chi vuole imparare da zero. Consigliato agli amanti dell'avventura in generale.