I never thought I would enjoy reading a book about treating burns to human flesh, but I actually did when I read Dr. James Hubbard’s book Burns. When he asked if I would read and review his newest book, I was only too glad to do so.
If anyone can make First Aid interesting and understandable, it’s James Hubbard. 
I’ve enjoyed reading his blog, The Survival Doctor, and watch for his tips on Facebook. His advice is always practical, always easy to understand and apply.
His new book, Living Ready Pocket Manual: First Aid is a handy 7×5 inches, ready to be popped into a backpack or in the glove compartment of your vehicle. The author’s intention is to make this information handy both in its physical form as well as it’s very readable content.
That’s what I liked most about the Living Ready Pocket Manual. It’s well organized and explains in very simple terms each step in responding to a first aid emergency. In a panic, I don’t need complicated instructions. Just tell me what to do, how to do it, and when to get it done!
Before a first aid emergency hits, Dr. Hubbard provides a comprehensive list of the supplies and medications to have on hand. However, just in case something isn’t available or your kids have used it up playing medic, he also provides suggested alternatives. For example, he recommends SAM splints but then suggests using sticks, paint stirrers, or newspaper as makeshift splints. It’s always a good idea to have alternatives in the back of your mind and listed here in this book, it’s even better.
His list of medical supplies are easily attainable at most any drug store and on Amazon. When I saw his recommendation for including a box of 100 tongue depressors, I knew I wouldn’t be finding those at Walgreens, so headed over to Amazon, and there they were for about 5 bucks. The remaining 145 pages of this book guide the reader through steps in dealing with:
- What to do when a person collapses
- How to handle choking
- How to make water drinkable
- Dehydration
- Exposure to extreme heat and cold
- How to treat both hyperthermia (overheating) and hypothermia
- Makeshift sound-treatment tools
- Sterilizing medical instruments
- Gunshot wounds
- Animal bites
- First, second, and third degree burns
- Anaphylaxis
- Treating bone, muscle, and joint injuries
- Pneumonia
- …and much, much more
You’ll also find “Prevention Tips”, illustrations, pop-out boxes with extra details, and a thorough index. The Living Ready Pocket Manual: First Aid is just as handy for the busy mom with children as it is to the hunter or backpacker who heads out into the wilderness. Survival minded people will appreciate the practical and realistic advice.
Dr. Hubbard readily admits that calling 911 or seeking medical help is going to be necessary in many situations, but until that ambulance arrives, this book will provide guidance and peace of mind. I highly recommend it.