Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook

by Jeffrey Isaac

Overview

It is critical for backcountry travelers to have the ability to handle dangerous situations when they occur. This includes a logical, commonsense approach to injury and illness that takes into account the unique aspects of the wilderness setting. This comprehensive reference book, based on the Wilderness Medical Associates curriculum, clearly explains essential diagnostics and first aid procedures necessary for wilderness injuries, including general principles in wilderness medicine; basic life support; medical supplies; wilderness travel; and the newest first aid methods for outdoor situations. It is an essential reference for anyone headed into the great outdoors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780762792788
Publisher:	Globe Pequot Publishing
Publication date:	01/01/2013
Series:	Outward Bound
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Jeffrey Isaac is a senior instructor with Wilderness Medical Associates and an experienced physician assistant with an interest in remote and extreme environments. He has served as an ambulance medic, fire/rescue crewman, professional ski patroller, and emergency department practictioner. For more than twenty seasons he was an instructor and course director with Outward Bound. He lives in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

About Outward Bound xi

Introduction xv

Section I An Approach to Medical Problems

1 General Principles of Wilderness Medicine 3

2 The Patient Assessment System 12

Section II Basic Life Support and the Critical Body Systems

3 Basic Life Support 24

4 The Circulatory System 31

5 The Respiratory System 39

6 The Nervous System 51

7 Allergy and Anaphylaxis 62

8 Severe Asthma 66

9 Diabetes and Low Blood Sugar 69

Section III Trauma

10 The Musculoskeletal System 72

11 Skin and Soft Tissue 101

Section IV Environmental Medicine

12 Toxins 118

13 Thermoregulation 132

14 Cold Injury 146

15 Submersion Injury 151

16 Altitude Illness 154

17 Lightning Injury 159

18 Avalanche Rescue 163

19 Arthropod Disease Vectors 165

Section V Backcountry Medicine

20 A General Approach to Illness 170

21 Abdominal Pain 172

22 Chest Pain 176

23 Diarrhea 179

24 Constipation 181

25 Nausea and Vomiting 183

26 Ear and Sinus Problems 185

27 Nosebleed 188

28 Genitourinary Problems 190

29 Respiratory Infection 195

30 Dental Problems 197

31 Eye Problems 200

Section VI Medicine and Medical Supplies

32 Pain and Pain Medication 204

33 Antiseptics and Antibiotics 207

34 Medical Kits 209

Section VII Wilderness Travel

35 Preparation for Wilderness Emergencies 216

36 Rescue and Evacuation 218

Appendix

Water Treatment 220

Glossary

Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Mnemonics 221

General Glossary 224

Index 232

About the Author 240

Editorial Reviews

A clear, practical first-aid guide for use in the wilderness. Early chapters explain general principles of wilderness medicine and the major body systems. Later chapters detail appropriate responses to injuries and conditions involving the bones and soft tissue, toxins and allergies, environmental medicine, and common symptoms and medical problems. Final chapters discuss medicine and medical supplies and wilderness rescue, evacuation, and helicopter safety. Includes case histories, a glossary, and b&w drawings. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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