Wilderness Medicine

by William W. Forgey

Designed especially for use in isolated circumstances, where a physician is not available, and from whence evacuation is not feasible, this book provides information on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and emergency medical techniques. Index is cross-referenced by anatomical location, symptom, procedure, and topic.

Genres: Survival, Medicine, Nonfiction, Outdoors, Health, Research, Reference

151 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Andrew K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book when I realized that I had not only forgotten some of the first aid I learned in boy scouts almost 30 years ago, but also that first aid had changed in that time. This book (in one edition or another) seems to be one of the most consistently recommended. It is quite thorough, which is a blessing and a curse. While it fascinating to read about some of these scenarios, or what minimal set of prescription drugs you should carry with you to treat wilderness emergencies, this is not likely a practical book unless you are going on serious expeditions or are medically responsible for a large number of people in a professional capacity.

[Lisa Kearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several other books about first aid and medical emergencies in wilderness/survival situations, but this one is the best I've read. Dr. Forgey covers almost every imaginable injury and illness the typical outdoorsman would face, and gives detailed instructions on pre-trip vaccinations, treatment, and when to just evacuate to a hospital. He uses medical terminology that assumes the reader has some basic medical knowledge and I appreciate that this book isn't written for people who can't put a bandaid on without help.

I learned several new things from this book - how mild and severe frostbite should be treated with completely different methods, and how nettle stings can be neutralized with DEET and rubbing alcohol. I also learned better techniques for opening/lancing abcesses through the illustrations in the book.

Dr. Forgey refers to different "modules" of equipment and medication (orthopedic, Rx meds, OTC meds, bandaging, surgical, injectable) throughout the book, and in the end gives details about the contents of each module. I prefer this method of compartmentalizing in my family's 72-hour bags and first aid supplies, because it's faster and more efficient to grab the correct bag based on the injury in question. I used his lists to cross-check what I already have and discovered some items I need to buy.

This 4th edition was written in 1994 and is slightly dated in the medications Dr. Forgey suggests. This was disappointing to me when I tried to find some of the items such as Percogesic (it's been reformulated and isn't as effective) and Stadol (discontinued). I plan to buy his new 6th edition to get the updated Rx and OTC recommendations.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heart practical medical guidance. This was a good read and chock full of useful information.

[Gary D.]

Expect this for Christmas...can't wait to read it!

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I was a doctor I would use some of these medications. Kinda want to take a wilderness medicine/wilderness first aid course.

[Ann]

Wilderness Medicine Beyond First Aid by Forgey, M.D. @2000, ISBN: 076270490X, eBay,$12.26, 3/2012