Medicine for the Outdoors

Description

Since 1986, Medicine for the Outdoors has been hailed as the definitive take-along manual on the subject. Packed with step-by-step instructions and how-to explanations, this updated edition tells you the best way to respond to just about any medical problem. Logically organized, simple-to-understand enhanced illustrations and an increased focus on new topics mean this medical reference book may literally save your life. Whether you’re venturing into mountains, deserts, forests, or out to sea, it belongs in your pack!

NEW TO THIS EDITION

• Clearly visualize how to perform specific treatments, such as the use of a SAM® splint, with an increased number of helpful illustrations.
• Stay abreast of the latest in emergency medicine care,including new antibiotics, medicines, products to control bleeding, and today's most common infectious disease threats.
• Enhance your understanding of Lyme disease; water disinfection; emerging diseases (including West Nile Virus); and how to seek safety and act during natural disasters.
• Take advantage of Dr. Auerbach’s expert guidance with revised recommendations on high-altitude problems, drowning, airways management, toxic plants, and snake bites.
• Access new appendices covering AIDS/HIV transmission, expanded treatment instructions, global conflict guidelines (including terrorism), and canine medicine.
• Expert Consult eBook version included with purchase. Thisenhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, references, and videos from the book on a variety of devices.

KEY FEATURES

• Examine the most diverse and comprehensive coverage of medical conditions related to the outdoors.
• Be guided through logical and complete explanations of every topic.
• Enhance your understanding with descriptive material including numerous drawings and instructions.
• Research recommendations for injury and illness prevention.
• Locate answers quickly with a helpful comprehensive index.

By Paul S. Auerbach, MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM, Redlich Family Professor of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California

Contents

Preface v
Introduction vii

PART ONE: General Information
How to Use This Book 1
Before You Go 2
General First-Aid Principles 10

PART TWO: Major Medical Problems
An Approach to the Unconscious Victim 21
Chest Injury 39
Serious Lung Disorders 42
Chest Pain 46
Bleeding 49
Shock 58
Head Injury 59
Allergic Reaction 64
Seizure 65
Fractures and Dislocations 67
Amputation 107
Burns 108
Inhalation Injuries 112
Abdominal Pain 116
Emergency Childbirth 130
Diabetes 133
Stroke 135
Infectious Diseases 137
Dealing with Death 150

PART THREE: Minor Medical Problems
General Symptoms 153
Head (Also Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat, and Mouth) 160
Upper Respiratory Disorders 189

PART FOUR: Disorders Related to Specific Environments
Injuries and Illnesses Due to Cold 281
Injuries and Illnesses Due to Heat 296
Wildland Fires 303
High Altitude-Related Problems 306
Snakebite 315
Insect and Arthropod Bites 322
Lightning Strike, Tornado (Cyclone), Hurricane (Typhoon), Flood, Earthquake, Tidal Wave (Tsunami), Landslide (Mudslide), Volcano, and Snow Avalanche 340
Hazardous Aquatic Life and Aquatic Infections 347
Underwater Diving Accidents 360
Drowning 364
Animal Attacks 367
Wild Plant and Mushroom Poisoning 374

PART FIVE: Miscellaneous Information
Oxygen Administration 405
Water Disinfection 406
Motion Sickness 411
Jet Lag 413
First-Aid Kits 415
Immunizations 420
Immunizations 420
Transport of the Injured Victim 429
Ground-to-Air Distress Signals 442
Lost People 444
Procedures 444

APPENDICES
Appendix One: Commonly Used Drugs (Medications) and Doses 455
Appendix Two: Conversion Tables 476
Appendix Three: Guidelines for Prevention of Diseases Transmitted via Human
Blood and Other Bodily Fluids 481
Appendix Four: Commonly Used Applications of the SAM Splint 483
Appendix Five: Personal Safety in an Age of Global Conflict, Kidnapping, and Terrorism 497
Appendix Six: Emergency Canine Medicine 499

Glossary (Including Acronyms and Abbreviations) 502
Index 516
About the Author 549