When There Is No Doctor: Preventive and Emergency Healthcare in Uncertain Times [Paperback]

I very recently picked up this book for it looked really interesting. Unlike most other books that I have reviewed of a certain genre, I should in all fairness first say that I do not own any other book of this variety, so consequently I have no experience with any other books of its type to compare it to. All I can do it offer a clear an objective opinion on the book as it stands alone.

Personally I have found this book to be extremely informative and interesting. It should be understood that this is not a book that speaks all that much about cuts and bruises, but real life emergency situations where lives could very easily be at stake. Its title is very much right on in that it prepares and instructs one as clear and easily as possible as to what to do, and how to handle a series of very traumatic medical emergencies. In other words, it is designed more for when their really isn't a doctor to either be found, or when there will be a long time between the emergency situation, and actually getting hold of a medical professional. It is very helpful in informing one as to what should be in your home or whatever place you will be keeping this book as to what supplies, equipment, and medicines should be kept on hand just in case. And it does clearly and as plainly as possible explain the procedure for dozens of truly emergency situations and trauma. On the other hand, it is not a book that will either describe or recommend that you attempt to pull out your own tonsils to save some time and cash. As the author, Dr, Gerard Doyle himself states on the book jacket:

"I will not teach you to be a lone survivalist who anticipates doing an appendectomy on himself or a loved one on the kitchen table with a steak knife and a few spoons, although I will discuss techniques of austere and improvised medicine for really hard times."

My experience with this book so far has been fortunately not to have any real need of it. But I am attempting to educate myself as to the advice, preparedness, and actual procedure should such an emergency situation arise when there really is no doctor around, and its only you, or some other non professional to be depended on. It is very interesting to read, very informative in a plain easy to understand language, and could very well save your own, or someone else's life someday. I have taken one star off the total rating for unfortunately Dr. Doyle cannot help himself but regurgitate a lot of both very well known and common sense advice about eating right and exercising. And the book does contain a healthy dose of filler here and there as to the background and anatomy of an appendix for example, along with the actual description of an emergency involving one should one arise. But certainly not does his lecturing or anatomical filler come at the expense of great deal of truly helpful and potentially life saving instruction and procedure. Personally I like the book very much and consider it well worth the price, and something that every home should have around. Recommended...

I have read a couple titles from the Process Self-reliance Series, and they were impressive. However, after reading this one cover-to-cover ... it was a disappointment. I wouldn't go as far to say it wasn't helpful ... just not as much as a I expected. After I read this book, I purchased "Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to Emergency Medical Procedures and First Aid" by Paul Auerbach ... and that book was REALLY GOOD. It contained a lot more of what I was expecting from this book (i.e. practical instructions for advanced medical aid). What was helpful from this book was comprehensive info on preventive measures for disaster scenarios, and a pretty comprehensive list for medical supplies to have in a well-stocked first aid kit (based on the author's years of experience in the ER).

When there is no doctor is a very good overview of austere and disaster medicine preparation, it is not however a how to manual. Nor is it one you would read after grid crash. It is a book that the intent is to point you in the right directions do learn and read more and to get supplies together. Of unusual content is the fact that the book touches on veterinary medicine post grid crash. I would highly recommend that everyone read this book.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 26 reviews  3.5 out of 5 stars