This is a book about some bad things that can happen to you in the mountains-things that can kill you, in fact.

Other books covering wilderness first aid usually hit only the high points. For those who want a deeper understanding, such as Search and Rescue team members, this book contains a wider range of information on each subject.

The book spotlights the latest and best information on prevention of trauma and dealing with it effectively-as well as what treatments only make matters worse:

Snakebite --

Identifying venomous snakes and avoiding them

Treating snakebites-and how not to treat them

Acute Mountain Illness --

Prevention

Symptoms

Treatment

Lightning --

Warning signs

First aid for victims

Avalanche --

Dynamics and characteristics

Safety protocols

Rescue

Hypothermia --

Diagnosis

Treatment-and how not to treat it

Wayne Smart, EMT, is founder of Far Out First Aid and teaches courses regularly on wilderness and remote first aid.