Need advice on a good wilderness medicine book

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fausto nasafiaschi

Joined
Aug 6, 2000
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506
Hi Guys,
Is anybody familiar/confident with some good books on wilderness medicine? I've picked two on Amazon just by their sound: "wilderness first aid: emergency care for remote locations" by National safety Council and "Wilderness medicine, beyond first aid" by W. Forgey but I would like some advice before buying anything. I have already some limited medical training (compulsory for merchant ships officers) so I wouldn't like to waist money on something that doesn't really improve my knowledge.
Thanks for your assistance
Fausto
 
A couple come to mind...

For a for-real Textbook, consider Paul Auerbach's Textbook of Wilderness Medicine (published by Mosby, I think) It's very comprehensive and useful in settings other that strictly wilderness, as well. We keep a copy in all 7 ED's I work in as a reference. I use it quite often even in the urban setting of Tidewater, Virginia. The down side to this is size--It's a BIG book, and expense--~$200 USD.

There is a Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine which is smaller, cheaper and more portable. Also published by Mosby (ISBN 0-323-01894-7). ~30-40 USD.

Lastly, I found a ring-bound manual which is perfect for a field medical kit. Unfortunately, I lent mine to a friend who is headed for Iraq. I got it at a Wilderness Medical conference, from Chinook Medical Supplies. (http://www.chinookmed.com/detail.php?product_id=000291&limit_start=5)

Hope that helps.

MP
 
Oh yeah, one other...

Wilkerson's Medicine for Mountaineers is a classic! It's been through several editions, and widely available. Mine copy's ancient, but I've seen the latest edition at major booksellers (ie Barnes and Nobles)

MP
 
"A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine" by Eric A. Weiss, M.D. It is published by Adventure Medical Kits Co., Oakland, California. It is pocket sized and costs $6.95.

Before becoming an emergency room physician, Dr. Weiss was a professional rafting, kayaking, and mountaineering guide. He is the medical editor of Backpacker magazine.

Certainly reading a book is no substitute for formal training under competent instructors.
 
"Wilderness medicine, beyond first aid" by W. Forgey is considered by many to be the definitive work. Make sure you have the latest edition as he updates fairly frequently.
 
Another vote for Wilkerson's medicine for mountaineering.Great book even has drug listings and non wilderness know how.
 
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