Ditch Medicine: Advanced Field Procedures for Emergencies

by Hugh L. Coffee

Whether it's a war zone or a civil disaster area, traumatic injuries often occur in remote, unsanitary locations. This book teaches advanced field procedures for small wound repair, care of the infected wound, IV therapy, pain control, amputations, treatment of burns, airway procedures and more.

Genres: Medical, Medicine, Health, Survival, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Steppenwulf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this because the title cought my attention. The educational status of the author is not mentioned. But he adresses himself to a group of people called "Pre-Hospital Care Providers" (PHCP). Maybe he is a PHCP himself. Anyway, a PHCP seems to hop around the world a lot, and the photo's in the book testify for this. And he seems to prefer places devoid of hospitals, Medical Doctors, regular supply of medical stuff. In other words, places devoid of a civilized health care system.

On the other hand he seems to have ready at hand an endless supply of sterile surgical instruments, sterile bandage's, needle's, IV bags, glove's, medication etc. At one point he jokes that "unfortunately for the PHCP's patient, it is highly unlikely that he has 'humped' an E-size oxygen cylinder in his rucksack". Point well taken.

You can't expect a PHCP to have an iPhone in his rucksack either, because the book was written 20 years ago. So reading this book left me in awe for the many advanced procedures for emergencies I had to learn myself as an intern.

Only thing I can say is this: if you are in a place far away from civilization, and if your body is really in need for some help, pray this PHCP guy comes along with his rucksack.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that it must be getting outdated but so much of it is still relevant that it is worth the time to read. In a world where we are only educated on plan A and B, it was great to read about options C and D for the austere environment.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great medical text for advanced medical care under adverse conditions. Along the lines of EMERGENCY WAR SURGERY but much more practical

[Mic · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is amazing. it covers IVs, stitches, amputations, everything you need to know to become a guerrilla medic.

[Robert Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

required reading for wilderness practitioners. semper paratus