This book is writen in straightforward language for those who don't know an artery from a anuerism, and step-by-step proceedures are discussed in great detail. Pictures of suturing, debriding wounds and many other items show you what a thousand words cannot describe. So many techniques and how-to's are discussed that there is not room here to elaborate on all of them. Let's just say this book is pretty complete. Pair it with a few other reference manuals and you greatly increase your chances of saving a loved one's life in a disaster situation!

The Down Side: None, well thought out with lots of diagrams and procedure pictures

Would WE Buy It?: Oh Yes! Our Alpha team medic has already made this book part of his personal library and is recommending it to others for their reference library. I consider this to be a companion to the US Army's Special Forces Medical handbook.

Technical Specs: Book size is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, softcover, w/photos and illustrations., 224 pages. ISBN 0873647173


Good - as far as it goes   February 24, 2003
 55 out of 55 found this review helpful

I was a disappointed with this book mainly because I had such high expectations. As a wilderness first responder on third-world country trips, I wanted a simple but definitive guide for use in locations here NO doctor or hospital was available. There is definitely a real need for such a book, but this isn't it.

Books and manuals of this type assume one of two things, either 1) there really IS definitive care available to the responder, OR 2) the responder has all the drugs, gear, and education they need on their own.

Of the two, this book is #2 - it just point-blank assumes you have ready access to injectables and emergency prescription drugs and gear. If you don't, be advised that this book will not help you very much.

The second problem I had with this book was that the descriptions and photos are of very poor quality. Having done some of these procedures I can tell you that in general the descriptions and photos are just not clear or complete enough to be able to do these procedures correctly and appropriately. Maybe the author's [costly] videos would be a much better investment.

Finally, the book is small and just leaves out a WHOLE BUNCH of even more commonly needed procedures. It is also not very current.

What is included is ok, its just that this book falls short of the need. I would really have liked to see the author tell us where to access the medications and gear he assumes you have. Oh, and I mean LEGALLY.


when everything already went wrong and no doctor is coming   July 3, 2002
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

That is what Ditch Medicine is about. If you are just going to
stablise the person and shout into your cel phone for the ER
to get ready while you drive the SUV back to town this isnt
your book. If you are stuck somewhere and there is no medical
help coming soon and the situation is bad THIS IS YOUR BOOK.


Outstanding Text   December 11, 2000
 18 out of 20 found this review helpful

This is the required textbook for the "Remote Medical Technician" program that I teach in Roatan, Honduras. It is written for individuals who routinely operate in remote isolated areas without the benefit of a doctor or hospital nearby. It is clear and concise in its presentation of advanced procedures without the usual "clutter".


Excellent and informative   August 27, 1999
 5 out of 13 found this review helpful

I found this book to be well-written, informative, and well-researched, as is every written work by Hugh Coffee.I am eagerly awaiting the publication of Ditch 2!