The Survival Medicine Handbook (2021 4th edition)
"An absolutely essential book that should be one of the first in every preppers library"
-Canadian Prepper
Our 2021 newest edition of The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help Is NOT On The Way, Fourth (4th) Edition is available. It is revised and greatly expanded.
It is almost 700 pages, 8" x 10" size (much larger now) and have over 300 photo and graphic images, charts and how-to text boxes. We have rewritten 90% of the third edition (which was 700 pages at 6" x 9" size, with a larger font size and spaced paragraphs) and added over 300 additional step-by-step instructions/topics/issues/educational graphics and images. This book edition is full of how-to instructions.
Dr. Alton's description and almost the entire table of contents (a few subchapter listings are not here yet):
If a disaster took away the high-technology we take for granted in normal times, would you be prepared to keep you family healthy? Could you be an effective medic when hospitals are overcrowded and the ambulance is heading in the other direction? Can you take over if you were the highest medical asset left? Medical preparedness advocates Joe Alton, MD and Amy Alton, NP’s award-winning Survival Medicine Handbook: A guide for when help is NOT on the way is now out in its greatly expanded and revised 4th edition!
Previous editions have been 1st place winners in the Book Excellence Awards in medicine, and this new edition has many more topics and almost triple the illustrations to give you the best chance of keeping it together, even when everything else falls apart. Called “America’s favorite survival medic” by American Outdoor Guide, NY Times/Amazon bestselling author Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton have put together an essential book that encompasses first aid, chronic care, medical procedures, and much more in a comprehensive book that’s an essential reference for anyone concerned about the uncertain future.
The Survival Medicine Handbook is written in plain English that anyone can understand, but it’s not just another medical first aid book. It’s unique in that it assumes that a disaster, natural or man-made, has removed all access to hospitals or doctors for the foreseeable future; you, the average person, are now the highest medical resource left to your family. The book’s goal is to make you effective in that role.
When medical personnel are overwhelmed and modern technology is non-existent, The Survival Medicine Handbook is THE essential book for you library.
Here are just some of the over 300 topics (plus over 330 illustrations) covered:
SECTION 1: PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS
- The Case For Medical Preparedness
- The New Normal
- What Is Survival Medicine?
- Integrative Medicine
- Spirituality And Survival
- The Importance Of Community
- Personal Goals And Survival
- The Patient Advocate
SECTION 2: BECOMING A MEDICAL ASSET
THE STATUS ASSESSMENT
- What Are Your Responsibilities
- What Scenario Are You Preparing For?
- How Many People Are You Responsible For?
- What Are Your Provisions For Special Needs?
- What Physical Environment Will You Live In?
- How Long Will You Needed As Medic
- How Do You Obtain Knowledge and Training?
MEDICAL ISSUES YOU’LL FACE
USEFUL MEDICAL SKILLS
SECTION 3: MEDICAL SUPPLIES
THE MEDIC’S BAG
MEDICAL KITS FOR AUSTERE SETTINGS
- Personal Carry (IFAK) Kit
- The Vehicle Kit
- The Family Kit
- The Field Hospital
- How Much Is Enough?
MEDICAL SUPPLIES AS BARTER
MASKS AND GLOVES
STERILE VS. CLEAN
HOW TO DISINFECT MEDICAL SUPPLIES
ULTRAVIOLET GERMICIDAL RADIATION
SECTION 4: NATURAL MEDICINE
TYPES OF NATURAL HERB PRODUCTS
-Colloidal Silver
ESSENTIAL OILS
-Ways To Extract Essential Oils
-Using Essential Oils
-“Essential” Essential Oils
HERBAL TEAS
-Herbal Tinctures
GROWING MEDICINAL GARDENS
-Seeds And Cuttings
-Harvesting
-Useful Herbs for The Garden
CBD
BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
-Sleep
-Nutrition
-Stress
-Bad Habits
-Probiotics
-Herbs
-Supplements
SECTION 5: THE HISTORY AND PHYSICAL
THE MEDICAL HISTORY
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
THE PROBLEM-ORIENTED EXAM
-The SOAP Note
VITAL SIGNS
-Pulse Rate
-Respirations
-Blood Pressure
-Body Temperature
-Mental Status
THE PHYSICAL EXAM
-Head and Neck
-The Chest Exam
-The Abdominal Exam
-Extremities
SECTION 6: HYGIENE AND SANITATION
HANDWASHING
FOOD AND WATER SAFETY
-Water Filters
-Water Disinfection
-Preparing Food Properly
DEALING WITH HUMAN WASTE
RODENTS AS A SANITATION HAZARD
-Rodent Proofing a Retreat
SAFE BURIAL PRACTICES
SECTION 7: HEAT, COLD, AND ALTITUDE ISSUES
TEMPERATURE REGULATION
HYPERTHERMIA
-Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
-Treating Heat-Related Illness
HYPOTHERMIA
-How the Body Loses Heat
-Symptoms of Hypothermia
-Levels of Hypothermia
-Treating Hypothermia
-Prevention of Hypothermia
FROSTBITE/IMMERSION FOOT
-Stages of Frostbite
-Immersion Foot
-Treating Frostbite/Immersion Foot
COLD WATER SAFETY
-Falling Through the Ice
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
SECTION 8: NATURAL DISASTERS
BLIZZARD SURVIVAL
AVALANCHE SURVIVAL
HEAT WAVE SURVIVAL
TORNADO SURVIVAL
HURRICANE SURVIVAL
FLOOD SURVIVAL
LIGHTNING SURVIVAL
EARTHQUAKE SURVIVAL
MUDSLIDE SURVIVAL
MARITIME SURVIVAL
-Stranded at Sea
-Hazards Posed by Sea Creatures
-Near Drowning
WILDFIRE SURVIVAL
SECTION 9: RADIATION/BIOLOGICAL/CHEMICAL EVENTS
NUCLEAR EVENTS
-Types of Nuclear Weapons
-Damage Caused by Nuclear Attacks
-Radiation Exposure
-Nuclear Reactor Meltdowns
RADIATION SICKNESS
-Prevention
-Treatment
BIOLOGICAL WARFARE
-Biological Agents
-Biological vs. Chemical Warfare
CHEMICAL WARFARE
-Chemical Accidents
-Treatment of Chemical Exposure
SECTION 10: HEAD ISSUES
HEADACHE
-Types of Headaches
-Headache Relief
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
-Concussions
-Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention
STROKES
-Types of Strokes
-Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
-Identifying a Stroke
-Treating a Stroke
EYE ISSUES
-Eye Infections
-Styes
-Eye Trauma
-Foreign Objects
-Corneal Abrasions
-Other Injuries to The Eye
EAR ISSUES
-Using an Otoscope
-Otitis Externa
-Otitis Media
-Otitis Interna and Vertigo
-The Ruptured Eardrum
-Wax Blockage/Foreign Objects
-Tinnitus
-TMJ
NASAL ISSUES
-Nosebleeds
-Placing a Nasal Pack
-The “Broken” Nose
-Foreign Object Removal
SECTION 11: DENTAL ISSUES
DENTAL ANATOMY
-Dental Hygiene
-Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
-Diet And Decay
THE SURVIVAL DENTAL KIT
THE DENTAL EXAM
-Toothache
-Temporary Fillings
TOOTH ABSCESSES
-Signs and Symptoms
-Treatment and Prevention of Tooth Abscesses
DENTAL TRAUMA
-Dental Fractures (Broken Teeth)
-Dental Subluxations (Loose Teeth)
-Dental Avulsions (Teeth Knocked Out)
DENTAL EXTRACTION
-Other Oral Cavity Injuries
Section 12: RESPIRATORY ISSUES
UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
-The Common Cold
-Influenza
-Colds vs. Flus
-Treating Colds and Flus
-Treating a Fever
-Pharyngitis
-Epiglottitis
-Tonsillitis
-Sinusitis
-Laryngitis
LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
-Croup
-Bronchitis
-Pneumonia
-Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
-Prevention of Major Respiratory Infections
NATURAL RESPIRATORY REMEDIES
CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE
-Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis
-COPD and Smoking
-Treatment and Prevention of COPD
ASTHMA
-Symptoms of Asthma
-Treatment of Asthma
-Natural Remedies For Asthma
SECTION 13: HEART ISSUES
HEART ATTACK
-Other causes of Chest Pain
-Cholesterol and The Heart
CPR IN AUSTERE SETTINGS
-Airway Obstruction
-Tracheotomy/Cricothyroidotomy
-CPR in Cardiac Arrests
-Maintaining An Open Airway
SECTION 14: ABDOMINAL ISSUES
ACID REFLUX
-Gastritis
-Peptic Ulcers
-Treating Acid Inflammation
THE PANCREAS
THE SPLEEN
THE LIVER
-Hepatitis
THE GALL BLADDER
INTESTINAL INFECTIONS
-Botulism
-Campylobacter
-Cholera
-Cryptosporidium
-Cyclospora
-Dysentery
-E. Coli
-Giardiasis
-Norovirus
-Rotavirus
-Trichinosis
-Typhoid Fever (and Typhus)
PARASITIC WORMS
-Types of Worms
-Treatment
DIARRHEA AND DEHYDRATION
-Dehydration
-Oral Rehydration
-Rectal Rehydration
-Treating Diarrhea
CONSTIPATION
-Fecal Disimpaction
FOOD POISONING
-Edibility testing
APPENDICITIS
DIVERTICULOSIS/ITIS
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
-Crohn’s Disease
-Ulcerative Colitis
HEMORRHOIDS
-Incision of External Hemorrhoids
SECTION 15: URINARY TRACT ISSUES
THE KIDNEY
-Kidney Stones
-Kidney Infections
-Kidney Trauma
BLADDER INFECTIONS
SECTION 16: GENITAL TRACT ISSUES
MALE GENITAL TRACT
-Prostate Issues
-The Enlarged Prostate
-Urinary Retention
-Epididymitis
-Jock Itch
FEMALE GENITAL TRACT
-Ovarian Cysts
-Tubal Pregnancy
-Endometriosis
-Fibroids
-Vaginal Yeast Infections
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (BACTERIAL)
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (VIRAL)
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (OTHER)
SECTION 17: BONES AND JOINTS
STRAINS, SPRAINS, AND OTHER INJURIES
-Sprains
-Wrapping a Sprain
-Sprains vs. Fractures
-Bone Contusions (Bruises)
-Strains
-Tendinitis
-Plantar Fasciitis
-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
-Orthopedic Natural Remedies
FRACTURES
-Types of Fractures
-How a Broken Bone Heals
-Evaluating the Fracture
-Reducing a Deformity
-Traction
-Applying Splints
-Placing a Cast
-Care of Casts and Splints
-Fractured Clavicle (Collarbone)
-Open Fracture Wound Care
-Long-Term Fracture Care
DISLOCATIONS
-Shoulder Dislocations
-Wrist Dislocations
-Finger Dislocations
-Hip Dislocations
-Knee Dislocations
-Jaw Dislocations
AMPUTATION
CHRONIC JOINT DISEASES
-Types of Arthritis
-Natural Therapy for Joint Disease
SECTION 18: SKIN ISSUES
SKIN RASHES
-Acne
-Eczema
-Atopic Dermatitis
-Contact Dermatitis
-Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
-Seborrheic Dermatitis
-Stasis Dermatitis and Varicose Veins
-Nummular Dermatitis
-Dyshidrotic Eczema
-Neurodermatitis
-Natural Eczema Relief
HERPES
PSORIASIS
ROSACEA
SKIN INFECTIONS
-Impetigo
-Cellulitis
-Abscesses
-Incision and Drainage
HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA
TETANUS
NAIL BED ISSUES
-Nail Anatomy
-Nail Trauma
-Ingrown Nails
BLISTERS, SPLINTERS, AND FISHHOOKS
-Blisters
-Splinters
-Fishhooks
SECTION 19: animal bites, stings, and other issues
INSECTS
-Bees/Wasps/Hornets
-Fire Ants
-Chiggers
-Bedbugs
-Lice and Scabies
-Kissing Bugs
MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES
-Malaria
-Zika
-Chikungunya
-Dengue Fever
-Yellow Fever
-West Nile and Related Viruses
-Mosquito Control
ARACHNIDS
-Black Widow Spiders
-Brown Recluse Spiders
-Scorpion Stings
-Ticks
-Lyme Disease
-Other Tick-Borne Illnesses
SNAKE BITE
-Pit Vipers
-Elapids
ANIMAL ATTACKS
-Cat Bites
-Dog Bites
-Wild Animal Bites
-Rabies
-Treating Animal Bites
-Skunks
LARGE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
-Bears
-Cougars
-Wild Boars
-Wolves
-Alligators and Crocodiles
-Human Bites
SECTION 20: ALLERGic reactions and anaphylaxis
ALLERGIES
-How Allergens Cause Reactions
-Types of Allergens
-Drug Treatment of Allergies
-Natural Treatment of Allergies
ANAPHYLAXIS
-Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
-Treatment of Anaphylaxis
SECTION 21: MINOR WOUNDS
CUTS, SCRAPES, AND BRUISES
-Herbal Treatments For Minor Wounds
SECTION 22: BURNS
BURN DEGREES
-First Degree Burns And Treatment
-Second Degree Burns And Treatment
-Third Degree Burns And Treatment
-Natural Burn Remedies
SECTION 23: BLEEDING TRAUMA
BLOOD BASICS
-Physical Effects of Blood Loss
EVALUATION IN THE FIELD
BLEEDING CONTROL TECHNIQUES
-Direct Pressure
-Packing a Bleeding Wound
-Non-Extremity Bleeding
TOURNIQUETS
-Other Bleeding Control Devices
HEMOSTATIC DRESSINGS
-Compression Bandages
CONVERTING A TOURNIQUET
-Wound Care After Bleeding Control
SECTION 24: MAJOR WOUNDS
CHEST TRAUMA
-Rib Fractures
-Pneumothorax
-Needle Decompression
-Chest Seals
-Chest Tubes
BLUNT TRAUMA
-How Blunt Trauma Damages Tissue
-Motor Vehicle Accidents
-Falls from Height
-Identifying Internal Injuries
STAB WOUNDS
-Treating a Stab Wound
GUNSHOT WOUNDS
-Ballistic Trauma
-Treating a Gunshot Wound
BODY ARMOR
CRUSH INJURIES
SHOCK
SECTION 25: OPEN WOUND CARE
HOW SOFT TISSUE HEALS
-Signs of Wound Infection
DAILY WOUND CARE
WOUND IRRIGATION
-Making Irrigation Solutions
-Wet-To-Dry Dressings
DEBRIDEMENT OF NON-VIABLE TISSUE
ANTIBIOTICS AND NATURAL WOUND TREATMENTS
DRESSINGS AND BANDAGES
-The “Wet-to-Dry” Dressing
SECTION 26: WOUND CLOSURE
CLOSE A WOUND OR KEEP IT OPEN?
LOCAL ANESTHESIA
METHODS OF WOUND CLOSURE
-Tapes and Glues
-Sutures and Staples
-Suturing Materials
HOW TO SUTURE SKIN
HOW TO STAPLE SKIN
DRAINS
PERFORMING DRESSING CHANGES
SECTION 27: MASS CASUALTIES
MASS CASUALTY INCIDENTS
-The Five S’s Of MCI Triage
-S.T.A.R.T.
PRIMARY TRIAGE SCENARIO
-RPMs
-Scenario Results
ACTIVE SHOOTERS AND TERROR EVENTS
-Shooter events
-Run, Hide, Fight
-The OODA Loop of Situational Awareness
VEHICULAR TERROR
CIVIL UNREST SAFETY
THE MEDIC UNDER FIRE
-Zones of Care
SECTION 28: PATIENT TRANSPORT
CONTROLLED TRANSPORT
-Transport Using Materials At Hand
-Transport Using No Materials
SECTION 29: PREGNANCY, AND CHILDBIRTH
PREGNANCY IN SURVIVAL SETTINGS
-Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications
PREVENTING PREGNANCY OFF THE GRID
-Natural Family Planning
PREGNANCY BASICS
-Diagnosing Pregnancy
PRENATAL CARE
LABOR AND DELIVERY
-Stages of Labor
-First Stage
-Second Stage
-Delivering The Baby
-Breech Birth and Multiples
-Third Stage (placenta)
POST PARTUM CARE
SECTION 30: OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
-Treatment and Prevention
DIABETES
-Types of Diabetes
-Symptoms of Diabetes
-Treating Diabetes Off the Grid
-Diabetic Emergencies
THYROID ISSUES
-Hyperthyroidism
-Hypothyroidism
-Goiter and Other Thyroid Issues
SEIZURE DISORDERS
-Syncope (Fainting) or Seizure?
ANEMIA
-Types of Anemia
Section 31: PANDEMICS
GERMS THAT CAUSE DISEASE
-Epidemic, Endemic, Pandemic
-How Infections Spread
IMMUNITY
INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS
-Epidemic, Endemic, Pandemic
DISEASES THAT CAUSE PANDEMICS
-The R-Nought Number
COVID-19
THE EPIDEMIC SICK ROOM
-Separate Areas for Injured Patients
-Disinfectants and Contact Times
SECTION 32: NURSING CARE OFF THE GRID
NURSING CARE PROTOCOLS FOR THE SICK AND INJURED
-Vital Signs And Charting
-Safety And Shelter
-Hygiene And Sanitation
-Nutrition And Hydration
-The Bedridden Patient
Section 33: MENTAL HEALTH
ANXIETY
DEPRESSION
-Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome
SLEEP DEPRIVATION
-Sleep Hygiene
-Natural Remedies for Sleep
SECTION 34: MEDICATIONS
ESSENTIAL OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS
PAIN MEDICATIONS
NATURAL PAIN RELIEF
SECTION 35: ANTIBIOTICS
MAKING THE CASE FOR ANTIBIOTICS
-Risks Associated with Antibiotics
-Stockpiling Other Medications
HOW TO USE ANTIBIOTICS
-Amoxicillin
-Ciprofloxacin
-Cephalexin
-Doxycycline
-Azithromycin
-Clindamycin
-Levofloxacin
-Metronidazole
-Sulfa Drugs
-Ampicillin
-Erythromycin
-Minocycline
-Fluconazole
-Other Antifungal Drugs
-Antiviral Drugs
WHICH AND HOW MANY?
-Determining How Much To Store
-Preferred Antibiotics
EXPIRATION DATES
PROPER STORAGE Of MEDICINES
-Drug Spoilage
