Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care

by Bernard J. Feldman M.D.

How to use this book

When a medical emergency strikes, what you do can mean the difference between life and death. The American Medical Association Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care, Revised Edition, gives you all the information you need--quickly, easily, clearly--so that you can make the difference.

Key features include the most up-to-date emergency care

¸         the newest CPR positions and techniques to be used on infants, children, and adults

¸         first-aid and lifesaving techniques you can practice so you're prepared when an emergency strikes

¸         injuries, illnesses, and medical an alphabetical listing to help you find the information you need quickly

¸         easy-to-follow instructions and clear line drawings that walk you through each step

¸         what happens in the emergency room; knowing when to call your doctor or the hospital and what information to have ready

¸         sports treatment and recovery, especially for the amateur, school, or weekend athlete

¸         a chart to be filled in for each family member to list medical information, such as allergies and immunizations, to have on hand for emergency situations

¸         a comprehensive index, with complete listings by subject and symptom for fast reference

Genres: Reference

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid guide on first aid published by the American Medical Association. There were areas where the book shone. Part 1 details prevention. Having basic good health better prepares pretty much everyone to deal with unexpected disasters or emergencies. So does using common sense and taking precautions to safeguard one's home. There are good tips for that. Part 2 has tips for building a first aid kit as well as instructions on how to provide first aid (dressings, closing minor wounds, controlling bleeding, relieving choking, and performing CPR). Be warned that the text for CPR is out of date (pre-2010 current American Heart Association guidelines), but the graphic on pg. 50-51 is up to date.

Part 3 and 4 are descriptions and "what to do" actions for various illnesses (part 3) and sports injuries (part 4). It's a decent guide, but be aware that it is written for those with limited to no medical knowledge, and is written below an 8th grade reading level. There is expert advice on treating and/or recognizing diverse emergencies including fractures, burns, food-related illnesses, eye injuries, concussions, seizures, asthma, fever, emergency childbirth, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The nurse in me had to laugh at a few pointers though (although experience with the uneducated public has probably caused the MD authors of this guide to take *nothing* for granted). Here are a few examples: for a victim of poisoning "Do not induce vomiting if the person is unconscious or is having seizures". You think? Or to treat a depressant overdose "Keep the person awake. Use a cold, wet towel or cloth to slap the person's face gently. Calm and reassure the person." I got a good laugh out of picturing that scene in my head.

Part 5 is where the book really has worth. It is a great guide on environmental injuries and illnesses--from hypothermia and heat stroke to being hit by lightening. It explains treating everything from snake bites to black widow bites to removing fish hooks and altitude sickness. This is a worthy take along guide for anyone hiking or camping.

Finally part 6 is an overview of disaster preparedness. There's a decent bulletin list of things to do before disaster strikes (like having an evacuation plan and meet up spot, putting important documents in a safety deposit box, having disaster kits, and knowing where the shut off valve to your house is for utilities).

Bottom line: This is a good choice for preparing oneself for emergencies or disasters. Given a rating of 3.5 stars or "Very Good".

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess I was expecting more from the AMA, but when most of the how-to advice consists of whether to contact a physician immediately, or wait a little while, I feel cheated. I was hoping for more information on how to actually treat injuries and illnesses, instead of all the many horrible things that can go wrong and why you should call the doctor for all of them.

[Don Gubler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide and reference.

[JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

A handy reference with symptoms and basic treatment recommendations by the AMA.