Hello, I am not an EMT, nor do I plan to be. However, I would like to be educated and prepared to deal with emergencies around me until you all (professionals) arrive.
We live in a rural area and first response time is usually 20 minutes or more. I have a degree in occupational therapy, so I do have basic anatomy/physiology/medical terminology knowledge. I took a semester of EMT courses in college (15 years ago). I am certified CPR, but my schedule makes it impossible for me to take any further courses. (I understand that none of the above translates to EMT knowledge...just trying to get across the point that I can read and understand more complex medical books.)
I would like to get suggestions for the best overall book for educating myself and my family on emergency medicine. Don't worry, I'm not planning to attempt intubations or anything ridiculously beyond my knowledge/skill level, but I am interested in learning such things as how to control arterial hemorrhage, pneumothorax/applying chest seals, etc..
The first aid books I've looked at are much more basic than I want, and I feel don't really prepare use for what we might face (I came upon a bad MVA earlier this week, and unfortunately the victim was already deceased).
I understand the best books might also have sections on pharmacology, IV's, and other professional EMT topics. That is fine. I'll simply skip over what doesn't pertain to my situation.
So, you have a motivated learner who is level-headed, has some medical knowledge, access to emergency supplies, but no opportunity for class time or real-world practice. What book would you hand him?
Thanks!
We live in a rural area and first response time is usually 20 minutes or more. I have a degree in occupational therapy, so I do have basic anatomy/physiology/medical terminology knowledge. I took a semester of EMT courses in college (15 years ago). I am certified CPR, but my schedule makes it impossible for me to take any further courses. (I understand that none of the above translates to EMT knowledge...just trying to get across the point that I can read and understand more complex medical books.)
I would like to get suggestions for the best overall book for educating myself and my family on emergency medicine. Don't worry, I'm not planning to attempt intubations or anything ridiculously beyond my knowledge/skill level, but I am interested in learning such things as how to control arterial hemorrhage, pneumothorax/applying chest seals, etc..
The first aid books I've looked at are much more basic than I want, and I feel don't really prepare use for what we might face (I came upon a bad MVA earlier this week, and unfortunately the victim was already deceased).
I understand the best books might also have sections on pharmacology, IV's, and other professional EMT topics. That is fine. I'll simply skip over what doesn't pertain to my situation.
So, you have a motivated learner who is level-headed, has some medical knowledge, access to emergency supplies, but no opportunity for class time or real-world practice. What book would you hand him?
Thanks!
