Hypothermia

This slim but content-packed volume goes far beyond the rudimentary information in most wilderness first aid texts. Forgey devotes the majority of the text to a readable explanation of how the body produces, retains, and loses heat, providing practical advice on avoiding hypothermia in the first place. The final third deals with the recognition and treatment of chronic and acute hypothermia, with clear and specific directions for treating the progressive stages of each. A final chapter on other dangers of cold rounds out the contents. Although Dr. Forgey's wilderness medicine credentials are beyond dispute, the book would benefit greatly from a list of references. Its website has also disappeared without a trace. These omissions, however, do little to mar the usefulness of this excellent reference, which belongs on the bookshelf of any outdoor adventurer.