First on the Scene: The Complete Guide to First-Aid and CPR

Ian W. Toal is a nurse in Barrie, Ontario.

First on the Scene is a truly complete guide to first-aid. It starts
with the fundamentals, including what constitutes first-aid, the legal
aspects of first-aid, and how to take charge at an emergency scene, and
then outlines basic assessment techniques and background information on
such common problems as shock and unconsciousness. The next chapters are
devoted to the most common emergency situations—choking, artificial
respiration, cardiac conditions (including CPR), wounds, broken bones,
poisoning. Further chapters focus on special medical emergencies, such
as diabetic coma and convulsions, emergency childbirth, and
psychological emergencies. All of this is followed by brief sections on
lifting techniques and on how the body works.

The guide is well designed and well written, so that complex
information is accessible and easy to understand. Ideally, anyone
interested in first-aid should read the book from start to finish,
concentrating on the most common emergencies. Although the layout of the
book suggests that it can be used right at an emergency scene, this is
not inadvisable. There is a lot of information presented (each page of
the guide is crowded with colored diagrams and boxes), and it would be
difficult to learn some of these medical procedures during an emergency
situation.

At one time or another we all encounter emergency situations. This
excellent St. John Ambulance handbook will prepare anyone to respond
adequately when such a situation arises.