Customer Reviews

Steve Longenecker's Wilderness Emergency Medical Aid Book For Kids (& Their Adults)

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Imagine: a scout leader takes a group of young boys mountain biking. Their ride covers rough terrain, and leads them many miles from the trailhead. Without warning, the adult leader hits an exposed root in the middle of the trail. Unable to stop his bike in time, he is thrown over the handlebars and lands (head first) on the rocky trail.

Adults teach children to rely on their advice and emotional stability during emergency situations. However, sudden accidents often claim adult victims, and others occur when adults are not present. Therefore, kids must be prepared to assume responsibility in situations that require immediate action. What should the scouts do to help their leader in the case described above?

Steve Longenecker's Wilderness Emergency Medical Aid Book for Kids (and their Adults) provides an outstanding resource not only for kids but also for those who teach them. In many emergency situations, a lack of preparedness could lead to serious injury or death. Through role playing and discussion, Longenecker prepares kids to make the right decisions should these cases present themselves.

Though the book encourages people to seek first aid training, bandages and splints are not its primary focus. It shows how children can respond to numerous injuries that call for immediate action, including stopped breathing, severe bleeding, cerebrospinal injuries, broken bones, animal stings and bites, burns, and even accidental amputation. However, rather than discussing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the book focuses on "little cpr," or the giving of comfort, protection, and reassurance to an accident victim. It also discusses the challenges of contacting and communicating with emergency personnel.

Longenecker, an experienced mountain guide, outdoor educator, and WEMA (Wilderness Emergency Medical Aid) instructor, wrote the book with both teachers and students in mind. His many "what if" games scattered throughout the book challenge adults and kids alike by engaging the reader in "thought experiments" in a manner reminiscent of Newton or Einstein. The book's many illustrations add a witty, thoughtful twist to his user-friendly writing style. He also peppers the book with curriculum suggestions for those who teach.

Longenecker says, "A medical emergency requires the constant making and modifying of choices. The material and exercises in this book are all about preparing children to make positive choices when that time comes" (19). His book gives kids (and adults) the confidence, knowledge, and wherewithal to make sound decisions in emergency situations.

This is a superb book, funny and illuminating and empowering. Kids love reading it, and they come away knowing how to keep themselves and their companions safer in the woods as well as in the street.

Camp counselors, scout leaders, teachers and parents should make this required reading for the kids in their care. You never know: One of those kids could end up saving YOUR life.

The illustrations are great too.

I've been a Falling Creek camper for three years taken SFL's(Steves)WEMA course multiple times, and spent countless hours with him. I've read both his WEMA books and gotten both autograhed by him. something he always writes in, I hope you'll never need the information.I htink that's wonderful.
The book is packed with captivating stories and information that you never know when you need.

As a teacher, scout leader, camp counselor and parent I can't place enough importance on preparing kids for difficult situations that may happen to them in their real lives. Steve Longenecker's book not only prepares kids for some of the MOST difficult situations (being a first responder in an emergency), but it does so very effectively. In all my rolls in dealing with kids, I have realized how important it is to communicate with kids in an effective manner. Steve's book is written so that the reader can easily pass on its important points to kids in a way that they can understand. This is perhaps the greatest asset of this book. The concept that this book deals with, namely teaching kids how to respond to emergencies, is one that I am surprised isn't taught more widely. Steve Longenecker couldn't have written this book too soon!!

Steve's WEMA book is very informative for small and large adults. Being able to cope with an emergency situation is a skill that all should know. We have no idea when one of Steve's examples or a real life emergency may happen. Being able to help other's or even save a life is something that will stick with you forever. I have had two chances to save a life and this is a "high" feeling you will carry in your "Minds eye" until you die.
Two lives were saved by awareness of my surroundings and quick actions, as Steve emphasizes repeatly in this book.Thanks for thinking and sharing your knowledge with us Steve!