The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way

Within the last 30 years, after working in the health field as a medical professional and obtaining a copy of the first edition of this very helpful guide, this book is outstanding in every aspect as a valuable reference to emergency situations, where no other help is available. Although I have collected hundreds of books that cover this topic, I felt this one is extremely useful for my daughter to have in her home. This handbook outlines several conditions for one to identify with as it offers step-by-step instructions, with solutions for unexpected health problems. This informative guide also prepares for any disaster, where help is not on the way. It is specifically designed for the non-medical professional to help deal and cope with unexpected issues during emergencies. Some of the topics covered are fractures, nosebleed, chest pain, and much more. Dr. Joseph Alton highlights several medical conditions, covering over 100 medical issues. In addition, he provides information on how to handle different situations, what to look for, and how to treat. This is a valuable, essential reference book for every home. Highly recommended!

Just reading through the table of contents, I knew this is the book that's been missing from my go-to library. Unlike many survival books that focus on gun shot wounds and trauma, the Alton's is 100% practical. In austere scenarios we are likely to face body lice and ticks, food poisoning and even how to deal with sewage. Influenza and other viruses. This book has those and hundreds more of important topics. Yes, it has the usual, but it covers things other books don't....that are all likely to occur in a grid down situation. Hat tips to the Altons for a fine book and I cant praise it enough. Covers everything I learned, and didn't learn, as an EMT and more! Very practical and highly recommended.

My husband and I live on a farm. Our purpose in doing so was to leave all the trappings of the corporate America lifestyle. With nothing but optimism, we gladly gave up the old lifestyle in favor of the new one. We didn't kid ourselves; we knew it wouldn't be a piece of cake, but we were ready to put in the work. What was the one thing we hadn't considered living deep in the backwoods? Emergency medicine. Our farm is at the top of a mountain and we fall all the time. Most falls result in bruises and nothing more. Twice, however, my falls have required stitches. What if... We often ask ourselves what if questions. What if my husband hadn't been there and I couldn't drive myself to the emergency room? What if he were home and the roads were blocked, which happens in the boonies all the time--especially after a major thunderstorm or a tropical storm/hurricane? We bought The Survival Medicine Handbook both on Kindle (for tips on what to stock up on and to educate ourselves) and the printed version for emergencies. I can't recommend this book more highly. It is really jam packed with extremely valuable information--both for the emergency and for preparing ourselves in the event of one. Every family should have one. Whether you live in the city, the suburbs or in the backwoods, you don't know when access to a hospital will be hindered. It's truly a must have!

I was surprised by how much of this I already knew, but then I am not the normal customer I think. If you need to develop a basic understanding of first aid and survival medicine, especially some tricks on what to stock and what to grow, this is a good book for you! If you are already know basic first aid, you are pretty far down the road. The book is still useful, because of the tips the nurse gives about gardens and medical herbs. Further the Doc give you some pre-made letters for your Doctor to view. These are helpful in winning over a Doctors confidence in allowing you to stockpile critical meds, like diabetic sugar control, blood pressure control, etc. Lastly there is a section on recommended books and research that will be really helpful for advancing your knowledge. All in all, it was good to read the words of a Doctor and Nurse team that get it. They don't think anybody is a kook for preparing for a societal meltdown. They understand that within 48 hours, disease will be the greatest killer of people and build the book with that in mind. One more "neat" thing is the Doctor maintains a website where he demonstrates many of the techniques that will be useful in survival medicine. Four stars instead of five because I thought the book would have a bit more detailed information. But now I realize I should have read the title more clearly. It does say, "Survival Medicine Handbook," not "Doctorate Degree in Surgery." My bad. This IS the place to start if you have no real knowledge of medicine. Ordering this book is recommended just for its resources on purchasing much needed supplies from "unusual sources." You won't be sorry you bought it in any case. Jeff

1. If you think reading this book is going to make you an MD; It's not. 2. If you are adding this to your general knowledge of how to deal with common health and possible life saving scenarios, in a grid down environment or even while in a remote camping location. It helps, (if the time comes, who else, in your group, has taken the time to learn how to heal?) 3. This book contains a wide range of potential medical issues that one may have to encounter in a grid down scenario, (or just camping), while being the only person to address those issues. ( there may be issues that you are not willing or are able to address). But it gives the fundamentals. 4. This book is a GREAT starting place for people who want to know more about basic survival medical treatment. 5. If you buy this book, It provides you with a wealth of knowledge to build on.

This is a practical book for situations where modern medical help is not available. Most places in the world would benefit from this book. If society as we know it ever failed this book could save your life and your family. First aid training is a must but this book is critical knowledge.

Not overly complicated. Good factual information with a logical breakdown/help/index. Maybe a bit too much "natural" medicine for me as I come from a very strong scientific background. But, hey, if I ever needed it, I'd treat it with the pinch of salt it deserves but when all else fails it gives you an avenue you may otherwise not have had. I hope I never have to need this medical knowledge, but I'm very fglad I bought it.

This book is great to have if you live far from a hospital or health care center. Good o have even in a city.

A very thoroughly written book, hope I never need to be dependent on it, but the peace of mind is nice to have.

Excellent book! Happy I picked it up! Very valuable information and most importantly interesting! Not finished it yet! Very large in size but that's even better for the price! Thanks!