Review of The Doom and Bloom Survival Medicine Handbook

I finally choose to purchase The Doom and Bloom(tm) Survival Medicine Handbook: Keep your loved ones healthy in every disaster, from wildfires to a complete societal collapse from Amazon last week (yes, long title, I know). It arrived earlier than expected so I read it over the weekend, and I’m glad I did. Although the book is about 400 pages, it was quite easy to read.

Typically, I don’t bother to read a book cover to cover anymore, but this one was different. Not only because I was interested in the content but I REALLY enjoy reading everything I find at DoomAndBloom.net (another one of my highly recommended sites).

As for the book, I must say that I expected to find a hefty tome of boring medical terms and clinical talk that would put me to sleep…. after all, it is a book by a doctor about medical stuff. What I found, on the other hand,  was what felt like a frank and honest discussion about collapse medicine from people who not only understand medicine from a Western medical viewpoint but with Alternative therapies in mind as well. The most important factor is that the discussion is from a constant emphasis on being without modern medical advances, which is critical to any post-collapse medical care standpoint.

What I enjoyed most about this book is that the Altons discuss the various medical subjects like you’re a normal person, not another doctor. They talk to you like an average Joe and don’t expect that you understand anything with regards to proper medical care. Moreover, they understand that Western medications and care are not going to be available so they frequently offer many Alternative therapies and even plenty of home remedies that may be useful too.

The book covers quite a few topics, from burns to wound care, allergic reactions, diabetes, and even advice on stockpiling antibiotics for your “fish.” Many, many topics are covered. In general, however, emphasis is always placed on preventive measures and plenty of observation. In essence, they’re trying to teach you to think and act like a doctor!

Some topics are covered in more detail while others are just touched upon. For example, the book shows you step-by-step how to suture and discusses burn treatment in detail but only mentions serious medical conditions such as appendicitis. Of course, I couldn’t expect the good doctor to explain what you can do about something like appendicitis without proper medical care available. That said, most of the time the Altons offer good advice for most medical conditions discussed.

All-in-all, The Doom and Bloom(tm) Survival Medicine Handbook is really about a doctor and nurse team trying to honestly prepare you and your family for dealing with the most common medical condition that you may confront in a collapse situation. They offer the most useful medical advice they can, from treatment best practices to herbs and other remedies. They do so with an open mind and the honesty that I expect from “Dr. Doom” and “Nurse Bloom.” If you want to know how to properly setup your family or group for a collapse from a medical perspective then I can certainly recommend this book to you. I’m glad I purchased it and I can see myself referencing it often.