Table of Contents
About the Authors ix
Introduction
I Principles of Medical Preparedness 5
Medical Preparedness: How to Get Started 6
Wilderness Medicine vs. Long-Term Survival Medicine 9
The Importance of Community 12
II Becoming a Medical Resource 15
The Status Assessment 16
Likely Medical Issues You Will Face 21
Medical Skills You Will Want to Learn 23
Medical Supplies 25
Natural Remedies 34
The Physical Exam 37
The Mass Casualty Incident 41
Patient Transport 51
III Hygiene and Sanitation 55
Hygiene-Related Medical Problems 56
Lice and Ticks 57
Dental Care 63
Respiratory Infections 78
The Effective Sickroom 87
Food-Borne and Water-Borne Illness 89
Diarrheal Disease and Dehydration 92
IV Infections 95
Appendicitis and Conditions that Mimic It 97
Urinary Tract Infections 102
Hepatitis 104
Fungal Infections 107
Cellulitis 110
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses 115
V Environmental Factors 117
Heat-Related Emergencies 120
Cold-Related Medical Issues 123
Altitude Sickness 130
Wildfire Preparedness 132
Storm Preparedness 136
Earthquake Preparedness 140
Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis 142
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac 152
VI Injuries to Soft Tissues 155
Minor Wounds 157
Hemorrhagic and Major Wounds 159
Burn Injuries 174
Animal Bites 178
Snake Bites 180
Invertebrate Bites and Stings 183
Head Injuries 188
Sprains and Strains 191
Dislocations 195
Fractures 197
Amputation 202
VII Chronic Medical Problems 205
Thyroid Disease 207
Diabetes 210
High Blood Pressure 213
Heart Disease and Chest Pain 216
Seizure Disorders 220
Kidney Stones and Gall Bladder Disease 223
VIII Other Important Medical Issues 229
CPR in Austere Settings 230
Headache 237
Eye Issues 240
Nosebleeds 244
Earache 244
Hemorrhoids 249
Birth Control, Pregnancy, and Delivery 251
IX Medications 259
Essential Over-the-Counter Drugs 260
Pain Medications 263
Natural Pain Relief 265
Stockpiling Medications 267
Emergency Contacts 285
Glossary 287
Index 301
