Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to Emergency Medical Procedures and First Aid; Revised and Expanded Edition [Paperback]

Dr. Paul S. Auerbach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

Since its introduction in 1986, this indispensable guide has been hailed as the definitive take-along text on the subject of outdoor medicine. This edition has been completely revised and expanded, making it even more essential for the growing numbers enjoying outdoor activities. With more than 250 illustrations, MEDICINE FOR THE OUTDOORS provides state-of-the-art medical procedures for just about every injury or illness likely to be encountered in the wild. It is logically organized, easy to reference, and surprisingly simple to understand.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anyone who travels to out-of-the-way places will take comfort in this handy, updated guide to coping with medical emergencies. It is much more than a first aid manual. True, Auerbach does not skimp on common-sense precautions: he suggests that a wise traveler must let friends know his or her itinerary in advance, attend to any known medical problems well before setting out and pack in anticipation of possible mishaps. The author also gives valuable information on first aid kits, immunizations and transportation of injured victims. However, Auerbach goes beyond the call of duty in his detailed attention to heart attacks, chest injuries, falls, allergic reactions and strokes; he tells us what to do until a doctor arrives. Minor malaises such as strains and sprains, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and food poisoning are also addressed. Other chapters focus on ailments related to altitude or excessive heat or cold. Especially useful are an extensive medical glossary and appendices on commonly used drugs and where to find further information about wilderness medicine. This indispensable handbook is not only for off-the-beaten-track travelers, but for anyone who has to worry about a physical crisis away from home. Auerbach is head of emergency medicine at the Vanderbilt University medical center in Nashville and co-editor of the Journal of Wilderness Medicine.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"If a doctor isn't with you on your wilderness wanderings, this splendid book should be in your pack."--Nelson Bryant, The New York Times

"By far the best book on the subject."--Field & Stream

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 4th edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585747882
• ISBN-13: 978-1585747887
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,275,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Clinical Professor of Surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University Medical Center, a founder and past president of the Wilderness Medical Society, and editor of the definitive medical reference text Wilderness Medicine, 5th Edition; author of the leading book on outdoor health for laypersons, entitled Medicine for the Outdoors; Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the Medical Advisory Board for Healthline Networks; Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians; Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine; and author of the blog entitled Medicine for the Outdoors at www.healthline.com. Dr. Auerbach serves on the National Medical Committee for the National Ski Patrol System and is a recipient of the DAN America Award from the Divers Alert Network, Outstanding Contribution in Education Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians, and a NOGI Award in 2006 from the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences. He continues to practice emergency medicine, teach, perform research, and advise numerous agencies and organizations.

Dr. Auerbach's special interests within wilderness medicine are hazardous marine animals, dive medicine, and the environment.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bring DOC along on your next adventure, September 23, 2007

By 

Veronique Bardach "vpbardach" (NY, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to Emergency Medical Procedures and First Aid; Revised and Expanded Edition (Paperback)

We're kitesurfers, heli-skiers and scuba divers. Stuff is always happening to us or those around us in remote places. We have learned to rely on medical reference books out of necessity. I have several at home (A comprehensive Guide to Marine Medicine, Emergency Medical Treatment, The Pocket Doctor: A Passport to Healthy Travel) and this is by far the most complete, easy to use and useful of the bunch.

Three examples of how I have used the book in the past come to mind. An unexpected storm came in quickly once while we were kitesurfing off shore. Although we headed back when we saw the weather change, by the time we made it on shore lightning was striking less than 50 feet away. Once on shore, I asked if anyone knew what to do if one of us got hit. No one had a clue. When I got home I grabbed my trusted "Medicine for the Outdoors", where I found an entire section on lightning, how to avoid it and what to do in the event someone gets hit.

I have also had occasion to use the book while traveling abroad. When you get sick in a foreign country, especially if you don't speak the language, life becomes pretty miserable quickly. It was wonderful to have a resource to identify what was ailing me and even what could cure me. I took the book to the nearby pharmacist and pointed at the suggested remedies and prescriptions. The pharmacist knew right away what the local name for the pharmaceutical was and relief was just a pill away. The book covers everything from the remote (male genital problems :-)) to the mundane (traveler's diarrhea). It also has a helpful first aid refresher chapter as well as suggested supplies for a first aid kit.

I used the book to create my own first aid kit on board.

This book has and continues to be a great resource for us. It is written clearly and intuitively for both beginners and the more advanced.