SAS Essential Survival

If you are going into the woods, or the "Sandbox" this book is an excellent preparation and handbook. The author outlines essentials for survival and rescue. My favorite topics included: instructions on how to assemble and use a survival kit. The only things I might add to his list of handy multitask items would be Honey, in little portion packs you can swipe from the coffee shop as it is not only an excellent concentrated food source, but it has antibiotic properties as well to protect against infection. Honey has also been used since ancient times topically as an ointment for wounds and burns for the same reason; and it provides an air tight flexible seal over the wound plus it's sticky and will help to hold a dry dressing in place. Sugar packets are useful both for energy and to stop bleeding from wounds. Just sprinkle the sugar into the wound, and apply pressure. Baking Soda is another item I might consider taking for it's multipurpose uses. For dehydration it can be added with salt to water to maintain electrolyte balance, for hygiene it can be used to wash the skin, clothing, eating utensils, and to brush your teeth. For wet rashes and bug bites it can be applied as a poultice or paste to the injured area and it helps to draw out the poison or stinger if present. It also helps relieve the itch. Baking Soda can also be taken in water to relive an upset stomach. Another favorite topic were the chapters on medical care and finding things to use as medicine. I'm in the medical field so I'm into that kind of stuff. I liked it so well, I sent one to my Dad who is going up to the boundary waters this spring (The Essential Survival Guide) and this one (Desert Survival) to my son in law who's over there right now. They both have much info that is applicable in any setting but the special editions also have additional info for specific climates. I say it's short and sweet because it is just the bare facts. Instructions on how to survive and be rescued: what you need to do and how to do it. I felt it was realistic in it's explanations. The book is small, thin and narrow but sturdily constructed so it is a guide that will stand up to some abuse; a practical hand book.

I do not believe anyone will be disappointed with any of the Survival books, that Mr. Davies writes. No nonsense! The adviceis simple and put forward in terms anyone would be able tounderstand. How to live on little, when your life is in peril. This book is worthy of any survival bookshelf, unless one werea native to the jungle regions, or already a master at jungle survival.