Customer Reviews

Life's Little Emergencies: A Handbook for Active Independent Seniors and Caregivers

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If you are fifty or older, have someone living in your home of that age group, have a neighbor that fits into this demographic or, if you fit in with all the above, and you buy just one book this year, I highly recommend that this one be it! Not to sound overly dramatic, but this book could most certainly save your life. At the very least it will make you feel much safer, secure and will quite likely save you a bit of pain from time to time.

My goodness what a helpful and informative piece of work Rod Brouhard has turned out here! I will be honest with you and tell you that when I received this book and started reading it, I read it from cover to cover and I learned much! I am not unschooled in the subject matter of this book and I was unable to find one instance of poor, false or even useless information. Everything about this book was absolutely spot on!

This is so very much more than your typical first aide book. The author has mixed sound advice as to what procedures to follow in the event of just about any medical problem that is likely to occur. From removing a simple splinter and a sore throat to suffering the possibilities of a major heart attack or stroke, Brouhard has given us easy to follow, pragmatic and detailed advice on how to handle the situation. The important aspect of prevention is also discussed in a very practical and doable way. (More about this later).

In addition to the above, this author can actually write, and he writes well! Very serious subjects are discussed here - grave situations, yet the author has used a very readable approach which is completely non-intimidating to those with little or no medical training. He even has a sense of humor and I found myself smiling more than once while I was reading.

The book is set-up in a manner that is easy to navigate. There are 217 pages in this book and it is rather amazing the amount of information; readable and doable information he has managed to pack into these few pages. He does not use medical terms or medical jargon which many without training would find almost impossible to read; much less understand. The research that went into this work must have a full time job alone for the author for quite some time.

In no way has the author tried to leave the reader with the illusion that all can be treated at home and that a physician visit or a 911 call avoided. He has been very emphatic, precise and rather forceful in telling the reader when he or she is in well over their heads. He does this in a way though that is not "preachy" in anyway. He simply tells you, in a nice way, the way it is.

Natural disasters, safety issues, hygienic issues...folks, it is all here.

From a personal point of view, I have been working in various aspects of the medical field for over 50 years now. I started as a military medic in 1962. I am one of those individual who has, throughout the years, had all the specialized training. I was delighted with the new information I picked up in this book and was extremely grateful that I was given a wonderful review of much I knew...or I should say...thought I knew.

I note, after reading the product description, etc. in the front of the book that the company who publishes this work does give bulk discounts. This is one of those works that organizations dealing with senior citizens should consider purchasing for their members. This is a work that would be a wonderful gift to those you know who might benefit from knowledge offered here.

There are countless unnecessary deaths in this country each year caused by either ignorance or pure denial. Many to most of these deaths can, should and would be avoided simply by following the directions and advice given in this book.

Like I said in the beginning...if you buy only one book this year...make this the one.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Rod Brouhard has written a comprehensive and valuable guide to help in dealing with emergencies of all levels. The book is packed with valuable advice about situations that require a 911 call as well as those situations where alternatives might be considered. The author explains what to expect when you call 911 and what information the 911 call taker needs. In addition, the book also covers such topics as dealing with cuts, bleeding, breaks and sprains just to name a few. Preparing for natural disasters is also discussed. He provides solid advice about being prepared and what to do if you are not. Mr. Brouhard gives practical and sound advice for what is needed for survival. In addition, he provides charts for listing medications and a fire escape grid. He makes it easy for the reader to understand the importance of recognizing life threatening situations and to follow one's intincts- never hesitate to call 911- "follow your gut".
This is an important book- both as a first aid guide and as a source of reference. I plan to keep it close.
I received this book free of charge from LibraryThing Early Reviewers and I provide this review of my own free will.

This is a book that should be read, reread and then placed near at hand so that it might be referenced when need arises. It is succinct, readable, and informative. Although it is written with seniors and senior care givers as its primary audiences, it is directly applicable to parents and others, such as teachers, who are apt to be called upon for dealing with life's emergencies.
Good books of this nature tell us what to do; better books also tell us what not to do including things we might have learned from parents or older information sources that have proven to be either ineffective or downright contra-indicated. This is one of those better books. It is logically divided into four sections The first lays the groundwork with some general guidance. Section II focuses on the most dire of eventualities: what to do when lives are at stake. A wide range of specific illnesses and injuries are discussed in the third section; it is this part of the book most apt to be referenced when specific emergencies are encountered. Each chapter or subsection includes a flow chart to guide the decision process to treat or call for help and numerous illustrations augment the text. The last section shifts the perspective from the patient to the hazardous situations and environments that are apt to be encountered and the precautions that should be taken to avoid situations or to treat the consequences.
Like many health and safety manuals of this nature, it should be read from cover to cover at least once and, preferably, multiple times not only so that its principle points can be learned but also so that its structure can be engrained to enable quick reference to an applicable item when the need arises.
The single fault I find with this book is related to that last point - its use as a reference guide when time is or may be of essence and is not related to its content or readability but to its use. The binding inhibits its utility; the book does not open and lay flat. This causes difficulty when, for instance, one hand holds a compress over a wound and the other leafs through the manual to see what needs to be done next. A spiral or ring binding would be much more preferable. Tabs to indicate content location would also help in this regard.
Bottom line: it is a good buy worthy of study but be prepared for some frustration when used as an on the spot reference guide.