Preface

vii

Introduction

ix

PART ONE

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to Use this Book

3

Before You Go

4

General First-Aid Principles

10

Medical Decision-Making

18

PART TWO

MAJOR MEDICAL PROBLEMS

An Approach to the Unconscious Victim

21

Chest Injury

41

Serious Lung Disorders

45

Chest Pain

49

Bleeding

53

Shock

60

Head Injury

61

Allergic Reaction

66

Seizure

68

Fractures and Dislocations

70

Amputation

107

Burns

108

Inhalation Injuries

114

Poisoning

118

Abdominal Pain

119

Emergency Childbirth

137

Diabetes

142

Stroke

144

Infectious Diseases

146

PART THREE

MINOR MEDICAL PROBLEMS

General Symptoms

165

Head (Also Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat, and Mouth)

172

Upper Respiratory Disorders

202

Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract

207

Skin Disorders

226

Minor Bruises and Wounds

257

Musculoskeletal Injuries

284

Disorders of the Kidneys, Bladder, and Prostate

294

Male Genital Problems

297

Psychiatric Emergencies

299

PART FOUR

DISORDERS RELATED TO SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTS

Injuries and Illnesses Due to Cold

305

Injuries and Illnesses Due to Heat

322

Wildland Fires

331

Altitude-Related Problems

335

Snakebite

346

Hazardous Aquatic Life

354

Insect and Arthropod Bites

374

Lightning Strike

395

Underwater Diving Accidents and Drowning

401

Animal Attacks

409

Wild Plant and Mushroom Poisoning

416

PART FIVE

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Oxygen Administration

431

Water Disinfection

433

Motion Sickness

440

First-Aid Kits

442

Immunizations

449

Transport of the Injured Victim

459

Ground-to-Air Distress Signals

472

Lost People

473

Procedures

474

APPENDICES

Appendix One

Commonly Used Drugs (Medications) and Doses

485

Appendix Two

Conversion Tables

509

Appendix Three

Guidelines for Prevention of Diseases Transmitted via Human Blood and Other Body Fluids

515

Glossary

517

Index

533

About the Author

553