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| Book Review 
Copyright © 2003-2007. All rights reserved.
The Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook was developed as a primary medical training resource by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) out of MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa Florida and the United States Army Medical Research and Material Command (USAMRMC) out of Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland. The handbook is designed to be a comprehensive medical reference for Special Operations Forces (SOF) medics who often face the most difficult of medical challenges in very hostile environments. The handbook replaces the former U. S. Army Special Forces Medical Handbook ST31-91B (last updated in 1982) which previously set the standard for remote military medical care. The current Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook is the work of over 80 authors from both civilian and military medical backgrounds with only one goal in mind—to create the best and most comprehensive medical reference written in plain, straightforward language to be used by SOF medics. Though the authors consider the handbook to still be a work in progress, I would say that they have accomplished their goal. The Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook is designed to be used as a part of an evolving system that includes an interactive CD-ROM. The CD covers topics in a more exhaustive and detailed manner (see below for more information). In the handbook will be found diagnostic and treatment algorithms for virtually every acute medical condition faced by the remote medic in a very concise and easy to use format. Designed to be used in less than optimal conditions, the handbook is ring-bound, compact, and waterproof. The manual is, also, printed on special stock paper to aid with reading under poor light conditions. Even though the handbook is written for special operations medical personnel, remote-duty paramedics, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants will all find the manual a very useful clinical resource. C. Leigh Culver
This CD-ROM version of the Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook, like the ring-bound version, is an incredibly useful medical reference for the remote medical practitioner. The CD-ROM contains the same information that is in the ring-bound version with the addition of 15 QuickTime video clips, a comprehensive data search capability, integrative internet links to DOD medical databases on the world-wide web, and an extensive image library. The CD-ROM is well designed and well thought out. It should be pointed out that neither the manual, or CD-ROM, is a "first aid" book. It is written as a medical reference for the experienced physician extender. The Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook is absolutely the best medical handbook that I have found to date for remote medical support operations. All remote medical practitioners will want to have this handy reference in their clinics. C. Leigh Culver | |
