Book and media review

Auerbach, PS Mosby, 2007 2336 pages, $199.00 ISBN 0323032281 Auerbach has recently released the fifth edition of his text, Wilderness Medicine. The bold mission statement of this book is stated on its back cover: to help the reader “manage any medical emergency you encounter in the great outdoors!” We are happy to report, “mission accomplished!” Easily doubling the size of other wilderness medicine texts, and with an impressive array of contributors, Auerbach has long been considered the “Bible” of wilderness medicine. To reflect the current growth and expansion in the field of wilderness medicine, this fifth edition contains several additional sections not included in the prior edition. Also, original chapters have been expanded. The text is organized into 13 sections, based on types of injury, environments encountered, equipment, and patient presentations. Each topic is presented clearly and is easily followed, with consistently strong authorship throughout. Nearly all of the many illustrations are full color and relevant to the topic at hand, and numerous tables summarize frequently needed information in easy to reference formats. One of the most impressive new additions to the text is a chapter on bandaging and taping. This section contains a large number of full-color illustrations and photos for step-by-step guides to these common procedures. Figure 18-2, for example, uses 11 large photographs to illustrate the proper technique for wrapping an ankle, and is clear, color-coded, and simple to follow. The high-quality illustrations persist throughout the text, from instruction on proper technique for rescue knots, to creating a litter or stretcher, to identification of common venomous reptiles. Existing chapters have been updated as well. This is evident beginning with the first chapter on high-altitude medicine, which contains additional figures that diagram the nitric oxide mechanism, and relate acclimatization to acute mountain sickness prevalence, as well as additions to the chapter text that further explain high-altitude physiology. There is also considerably more coverage given to the effects of wilderness situations on pre-existing medical conditions. Accompanying the text is a DVD-ROM containing the figures located throughout the text. These are easily found by chapter heading, and may be saved into picture or PowerPoint© files, a very useful tool when preparing lectures. For those wishing to further pursue a topic, the disc also contains the original material and research used in writing the chapters referenced in its Medline© format. However, one limitation is that these citations, probably in deference to text length and size constraints, are not included in the printed version of this edition. Overall, Wilderness Medicine remains an excellent reference text for any clinician planning to venture into the outdoors, or in need of a thorough review of any given wilderness topic. It is well suited as a general text for a range of readers from academicians to students and residents. At greater than 2300 pages and over 10 pounds, the text is too cumbersome to be effectively used as a field manual, although a much smaller field edition does exist. In addition, certain sections such as the chapters on survival at sea and volcanic eruptions make for interesting reading but only minimally address actual medical care or preparedness. A few rare criticisms aside, this text remains an excellent resource for any practitioner preparing for a wilderness experience, an encompassing reference text on the subject matter, and an engaging read that continues to further the reader’s interest in the various topics of wilderness medicine.