Customer Reviews

Medicine: For Mountaineering & Other Wilderness Activities 5th Edition

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

To quote part of the book, this book is not of the attitude "don't do any harm until the docter comes, because in many wilderness setting the docter is not comming." This is not the book for general first aid and first time learners, rather the more advanced outdoor person who would be in situations where medical help is more than a day away. It explanis more advanced treatments, the backgroud anatomy, and how to address the entire patient not just cookbook first aid.

Here I am, ordering a replacement. Of all the books on health and first aid, this is the one I look to the most often. I live on a remote island and have used this book to judge the severity of injuries and the need for evacuation, or just the need for time. I am not a mountaineer, but my family does manage to get into scrapes....concussions, chainsaw injuries, broken glass and a recent allergic reaction. This last incident is what made me realize that my ancient copy was gone. This book has been better than any other book as far a raising my kids in a proactive way, especially when it comes to emergency room conversations!

I was an EMT until recently and a mountaineer going on 30 years. I was asked to do some research on first aid and wilderness medicine. Of the ten or so books I reviewed this one was the most authoritative and most complete. If you want a primer on the subject consider "Mountaineering First Aid" by the same publisher. However, if you want extraordinary depth and breadth this is certainly the best book for the lay person (or at my level of training)I could find. Well organized, well illustrated, excellent index. Too heavy for a day pack! 367 Pages of fine print.

As always, books from The Mountaineers are chock full of useful, well-described advice. This one is no exception...it is well illustrated and highly conservative in it approach. This is not a wacky, how to survive on a soap-opera 'reality survival' show book; rather, it details how to prevent illness, diagnose it, and deal with most, if not all, serious medical emergencies out in the wild lands.

This book comprises 3 main sections. The first section deals with some basic principles of diagnosis, evacuation and preventive medicine like immunisation, sanitation and disinfection.

Section 2 deals with all sorts of traumatic and non-traumatic injuries/disorders. Fractures and burns, disorders affecting various organ systems are all covered. It's really extensive yet not too wordy for the layman who just needs some essential, practical and highly distilled information.

Section 3 deals with environmental injuries including high altitude problems, heat/cold injuries and animal bites. There is also a very useful glossary covering useful medications and their dosages. Definitely a must for serious adventurers.

Excellent source of information for those having to deal with injuries in the wilderness. As a survival instructor I recommend it to all my classes.

This book is amazing. It covers a vast variety of medical procedures ranging from simple to complex and are all explained in a manner that can be understood by EMTs and the layman alike. It covers basic nursing as well as trauma and has a more longterm care feel to it. While your pamphlet in your first aid box will explain how to put a bandage on a wound this book explains what to do next. I would recommend it to anyone seeking knowledge in first aid. It is so informative and easy to understand while still possessing the advanced procedure and explanation for the EMT. I highly recommend this book.

A good book to read covering most medical problems anyone would meet. Unfortunately its too big at 900g (2lb) to carry about, and most would leave it behind. Some of the serious medical problems finish with "evacuate the patient" if its not available hardluck! I didn't expect a set of pictures on how to remove an appendix but obviously there is a limit to what can be done in the field.
The writer seemed concerned about being sued and mentions that he nearly left out the very small bit about what should be included in a medical kit, to me this is as important as the rest of the book. In my case, some guidance and information is better than no information.

I selected this book on the basis of the reviews. My interest is in sail cruising but enough comment made me believe that the 'remote first aid' nature of this book would make it worthwhile.

This book is not adequate for the purpose most readers would purchase it: advanced but non-professional first-aid in remote conditions.

I lost count of the number of times the phrase "if x happens seek medical advice immediately" or similar occurred.

Each chapter is written by a different author and whilst some attempt has been made to coordinate the content - it has a haphazard feel to it.

Some information is nonsensical - in the chapter on large animal attacks - Kangaroos are cited! One attack in recorded history! As an Australian (and hence my amusement at the Kangaroo entry) - the content is overly North American. This criticism of course a blessing to those who live and roam in the USA (where perhaps remote wilderness first aid and access to medical advice for 'real' emergencies is less problematic).

Perhaps over-critical - but it wasn't a book I can recommend.

Great, compact reference for EMS and guides who work at altitude.