Books are an excellent medium for the transfer of bulk knowledge; however keep in mind that experience comes from training and time spent in the field. Do not just read a book if you desire to really understand. True understanding can only be achieved through a combination of knowledge and experience. We have selected the books listed in this section to assist you in your search for knowledge. Reading, training and practice are critical to a safe and sane rescue. Remember, rescue is serious business.
The Essential Wilderness Navigator
THE ESSENTIAL WILDERNESS NAVIGATOR: HOW TO FIND YOUR WAY IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS, by David Seidman. A detailed explanation of maps, compasses, general navigation, practical navigation, natural navigation, and extreme environments. Complete with pictures, diagrams, and figures. 160 pages
Catalog #EWN Essential Wilderness Navigator
Modern Rope Techniques in Mountaineering
MODERN ROPE TECHNIQUES IN MOUNTAINEERING,
by Bill March. Published by Cicerone Press. Third Edition reprinted in 1986. A
well researched book covering all phases of rope techniques for mountaineering.
Twelve chapters cover everything form rope types to crevice rescue. Bill March has
been an active mountaineer for over 20 years. This man knows his stuff. Many
illustrations. Paperback, 119 pages. Weight 8oz.(229g) Printed in
Catalog #MRT Modern Rope Techniques in Mountaineering
Mountaineering the Freedom of the Hills
MOUNTAINEERING THE FREEDOM OF
THE HILLS, Fourth edition. Edited by Ed Peters. Published by The Mountaineers.
A fully updated and revised edition of the most complete, authoritative book on
all phases of mountaineering. Includes chapters on equipment, safety, techniques
and how to understand the mountain environment. Very thorough and well written.
A long recognized authority on the do’s and don’ts of mountaineering. Hardback,
560 pages. Weight 2 lbs.(.9kg). Printed in
Catalog #MFOH Mountaineering the Freedom of the Hills
On Rope: The Book on North American SRT
ON ROPE: THE BOOK ON NORTH
AMERICAN SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUE, by Allen Padgett and Bruce Smith. Published by
the National Speleological Society. This book is destined to become the source
book for rescuers, climbers and cavers. A highly detailed book on all current
practices in single rope techniques. Fifteen chapters include sections on
ropes, knots, rigging, rappelling, equipment, domes and walls just to name a
few. If you are involved in any phase of rope work be it sport climbing, caving
or rescue, then this book should be in your library. Over 350 pages with more
than 500 illustrations. Weight 2.75 lbs.(1.2kg). Printed in
Catalog #OR On Rope: The Book on North American SRT
Alpine Caving
ALPINE CAVING, by Georges Marbach and Bernard Tourte. English Edition, Spelo Projects 2002 Translated and adapted by Melanie Alspaugh. This is the definitive source for vertical and horizontal caving techniques among cavers worldwide. 320 pages, 395 figures, 44 b/w photos, color covers
Catalog #AOC Adventure of Caving
Vertical Caving
VERTICAL CAVING, by Mike Meredith. Published by Westmoreland
Gazette. An intriguing book on the French or frog approach to vertical caving.
The French cavers are well known for their rebelay techniques and the use of
bolting equipment. This compact well illustrated book is a good source book for
methods which are not widely used in the
Catalog #VC Vertical Caving
Vertical
VERTICAL, by Alan Warild. Published by the Speleological
Research Council Ltd,
Catalog #V Vertical
The Art of Knotting and Splicing
THE ART OF KNOTTING AND SPLICING, by Cyrus L. Day revised by
Rax O. Beard, Jr. and Lee M. Hoffman, Jr. Hundreds of precise step‑by‑step
photos and clear instructions demonstrate thousands of useful knots and splices
in this practical “hands‑on” guide to knots and Marlingspike Seamanship.
1986. Paperback, 235 pages, 823 illustrations. Printed in the
Catalog #TAOKAS The Art of Knotting and Splicing
The Ashley Book of Knots
THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS, by Clifford W. Ashley. Published by
Doubleday. This is the definitive book on knots. Listed within it are
approximately 3,900 knots, from simple hitches to very complex plat sinnets.
Knots from adjustable bends to zigzag ring hitching. Precisely named and
classified, the knots can easily be found in its big index. This book tells
when they first appeared, something about their history, and what they are good
for. Above all the book tells how to tie the knots. Step-by-step instructions
along with over 7,000 illustrations make it easy to master even the most
complex knot. If you want to know everything there is to know about knots, this
book will give you what you want to know. Large format hardback, 620 pages.
Weight 5 lbs.(2.3kg). Printed in
Catalog #TABOK The Ashley Book of Knots
Complete Book of Knots
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF KNOTS, by Geoffrey Budworth. Easy-to-follow instructions on tying knots for climbing, sailing, fishing and other outdoor activities. Each entry contains a history of that knot’s development and information on its uses and special features. The illustrations are large and easy to follow. Paperback, 160 pages
Catalog #CBOK Complete Book of Knots
Knots for Climbers
KNOTS FOR CLIMBERS, by Craig Leubben. Provides up-to-date info on ropes and knots used in mountaineering in an inexpensive format. 75 illustrations, 40 pages.
Catalog #KFC Knots for Climbers
The Klutz Book of Knots
KLUTZ BOOK OF KNOTS, by John Cassidy. Published by Klutz
Press. An entertaining cute knot book. Contains detailed illustrated
instructions on how to tie and use twenty‑five knots. This book is more
than just a written guide. It’s also a tool, meant to be used as well as read.
Each of the numerous board pages has been die‑cut so that knots can be
practiced directly next to their illustrations. The book even includes two
lengths of cord for practicing your knot tying skills. In short it is a book
you can get wrapped up in. Fiberboard covers with spiral binding, 21 pages.
Weight 6.2oz.(177g). Printed in
Catalog #TKBK The Klutz Book of Knots
The Morrow Guide to Knots
THE MORROW GUIDE TO KNOTS, by Mario Bigon and Guido
Regazzoni. Published by Quill. Here is an entirely different kind of knot book.
Step-by-step instructions with color photographs teach the art of knot tying. A
compact, practical handbook of the seventy most useful knots to know.
Illustrated with 647 color photographs. The photos are over the instructor’s
shoulder showing the way you see the knot as you make it. When more than one
rope is used the ropes are color coded making it easy to understand. This book
is a reliable and essential reference tool for all sportsmen, rescuers, and
campers. Paperback, 255 pages. Weight 1.5 lbs.(.7kg). Printed in
Catalog #TMGTK The Morrow Guide to Knots
Ropes, Knots, Hitches, Splices & Things
ROPES, KNOTS, HITCHES, SPLICES & THINGS by
Catalog #RKHST Ropes Knots Hitches Splices and Things
The Splicing Book
THE SPLICING BOOK, by Wellington Puritan, Inc. Published by
Wellington, Puritan, Inc. New revised and updated second edition. Have you ever
needed to put an eye, inline or crown splice in a rope but lacked the ability?
This simple to use flip chart workbook takes you through the entire process
with concise easy‑to‑understand, step‑by-step color
photographs and instructions. Learn how to put the above splices in braid‑on‑braid,
hollow braid or three strand twisted ropes any time you need to. Sixty‑nine
color photos show you what to do and when to do it. Heavy fiberboard with
spiral binding, 36 pages. Weight 4oz.(114g). This book is also available as
part of a splicing training kit. The kit contains the book, two lengths of
braid‑on‑braid rope and the tools needed to make four eye splices.
We recommend this kit for beginners and for training sessions. Kit weight 5
lbs.(2.3kg). Made in
Catalog #TSB The Splicing Book
Catalog #S9912 Splice Training Kit
The Common Sense Medical Guide and Outdoor Reference
THE COMMON SENSE MEDICAL GUIDE AND OUTDOOR REFERENCE, by
Newell D. Breyfogle. Published by McGraw‑Hill. This guide divides into
two parts. The first deals with the common sense approach to handling medical
emergencies. It is presented in a simple manner to help the non‑medical
person in recognizing and treating emergencies. The second part provides
specific information on how to prepare for, how to anticipate, and how to
handle many outdoor and wilderness emergencies. The purpose of this guide is to
provide enough information for the reader to feel secure and confident in the
management of unexpected mishaps in the home, on the road, or on short trips
into the wilderness. Handy pocket or pack size with a waterproof washable
cover. Paperback, 413 pages. Weight 1.25 lbs.(.57kg). Printed in
Catalog #TCSMGOR The Common Sense Medical Guide and Outdoor Reference
Hypothermia Death by Exposure
HYPOTHERMIA DEATH BY EXPOSURE by Wm. W. Forgey. Published by
ICS Books, Inc. Hypothermia can be prevented, and it can be treated, but only
if you know how. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body’s core temperature to
the point that illness and death can result. It is the greatest potential
danger for anyone traveling in the outdoors. This book includes the official
State of
Catalog #HDBE Hypothermia Death by Exposure
Hypothermia, Frostbite and
Other Cold Injuries
HYPOTHERMIA, FROSTBITE AND OTHER
COLD INJURIES, by Wilkerson, Bangs and
Catalog #HFB&OCI Hypothermia, Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries
Medicine for Mountaineering
MEDICINE
FOR MOUNTAINEERING, edited by James A. Wilkerson, M.D. Published by The
Mountaineers. New, updated and expanded third edition. First aid books tell
you “what to do until the doctor comes”‑not much help if someone falls
victim to an accident or illness out in the wilderness, on a boat or mid‑ocean,
or high up on some foreign mountain, places where the doctor isn’t going to
come. This book starts where first aid manuals stop. It’s a handbook of
medicine compiled by climber‑physicians experienced in wilderness
medicine. Subjects covered include: diagnosis, psychology of accidents,
prevention measures; traumatic injuries‑fractures, burns, soft tissue
injuries; environmental injuries‑heat, cold, altitude; disease, pain,
infections, allergies; medications, medical kits, legal considerations. Tough
vinyl cover, 438 pages. Weight 1.75 lbs.(.8kg). Printed in
Catalog #MFM Medicine for Mountaineering
Mountaineering First Aid
MOUNTAINEERING FIRST AID, by
Lentz, MacDonald and Carline. Published by The Mountaineers. Newly revised
third edition of this old standby. Compact, concise handbook for dealing with
remote area accidents and medical emergencies, and help in preventing them. An
excellent text for outdoor safety or first aid class. Paperback, 112 pages.
Weight 5.6oz.(160g). Printed in
Catalog #MFA Mountaineering First Aid
Wilderness Medicine
WILDERNESS MEDICINE, by Wm.
Fogery, M.D. Published by ICS Books, Inc. Many laymen fear traveling deep in
the wilds because in the event of a serious illness or accident, one might
become helpless or even die through lack of medical treatment. This book is
intended to allay this fear. It is an excellent basic medical guide for the layman
in the wilderness. This book tells what to do for commonly encountered medical
problems in the wilds such as: burns, diarrhea, cuts, imbedded fishhooks,
insect bites and stings. It also has an excellent guide for first aid equipment
and medications for use in the back country. Paperback, 125 pages. Weight
6.7oz.(191g). Printed in
Catalog #WM Wilderness Medicine
Alpine
Operations
ALPINE OPERATIONS, by Mark V. Lonsdale. A detailed overview of the equipment and training required to operate effectively in the high mountains and in cold weather environments. Topics include: wilderness living, basic mountaineering, avalanche awareness, crevasse rescue, high altitude climbing, helicopter deployment, alpine and rope rescue, tactical rappelling, alpine law enforcement and military operations. Paperback, 390 pages.
Catalog #AO Alpine Operations
Confined
Space/ Structural Rescue
CONFINED SPACE/STRUCTURAL RESCUE, by Michael Roop, Thomas Vines, and Richard Wright. In full-color with over 400 illustrations, this book provides the latest on confined space and rope rescue in urban and industrial environments. Special emphasis on compliance issues. 29oz (822g).
Catalog #CSSR Confined Space/ Structural Rescue
Confined
Space Rescue
CONFINED SPACE RESCUE by George J. Browne & Gus S. Crist. This complete text details the hazards of confined spaces, describes ways to control those hazards, then prescribes a formula for conducting confined space rescue operations. 204 pages black and white.
Catalog #CSR Confined Space Rescue
Engineering
Practical Rope Rescue Systems
ENGINEERING PRACTICAL ROPE RESCUE SYSTEMS. By Michael G. Brown. This practical look at rope rescue looks at team integrity and development issues as well as team efficiency concepts. Interesting, current, and sometimes controversial topics within rope rescue community are featured throughout. 322 pages black and white
Catalog #EPRRS Engineering Practical Rope Rescue Systesms
First
Due Trench Rescue
FIRST DUE TRENCH RESCUE. By James B. Gargan. Second Edition is a must read for anyone responding to trench rescues. Topics include: preparation, initial response, assessment, hazard control, support operations, gaining access, emergency care, disentanglement, removal and transfer, and termination of the response. A real-life trench rescue scenario builds through each chapter. Procedures illustrated by step-by-step drawings. Paperback, 258 pages.
Catalog #FDTR First Due Trench Rescue
High Angle Rescue Techniques: A Student Guide for Rescue Classes
HIGH ANGLE RESCUE TECHNIQUES, by
Tom Vines and PMI’s own Steve Hudson. Published by the National Association For
Search & Rescue. A textbook for teaching basic rappelling and technical
rescue techniques. This book is designed to take a basic rope rescuer through a
course of study on a step by step basis. Highly recommended. Heavily
illustrated. Paperback, 250 pages. Weight 1 lb.(.5kg). Printed in
Catalog #HART1 High Angle Rescue Techniques (1st Edition)
Catalog #HART2 High Angle Rescue Techniques (2nd Edition)
Catalog #HART3 High Angle Rescue Techniques (3rd Edition)
Managing
the Lost Person Incident
MANAGING THE LOST PERSON INCIDENT, Developed for the NASAR and National Park Service MLPI course. Unbound, three-hold punched.
1.8 lbs (809g)
Catalog #MTLPI Managing the Lost Person Incident
Mountain
Search and Rescue Techniques
MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE
TECHNIQUES, by W.G. May. Published by Rocky Mountain Rescue Group. A somewhat
dated book which gives good coverage to the many skills required for a member
of a mountain rescue team. Well illustrated. Paperback, 301 pages. Weight 1
lb.(.5kg). Printed in
Catalog #
Search is an Emergency
SEARCH IS AN EMERGENCY, by Rick Lavalla, Skip Stoffel and
Bill Wade. Published by The Emergency Response Institute. A field coordinator’s
handbook for managing the search function. A go anywhere pocket sized booklet
that provides information on all facets of search techniques and management.
Thirty‑three sections cover everything from leadership through
demobilization. Everyone involved with search and rescue should always have a
copy of this booklet nearby. Paperback, 92 pages. Weight 2.4oz.(68g). Printed
in
Catalog #SIAE Search is an Emergency
Rescue Technician: Operational Readiness for Rescue Providers
RESCUE TECHNICIAN by
Catalog #RTOR Rescue Technician: Operational Readiness for Rescue Providers
Rope
Rescue Nomenclature
ROPE RESCUE NOMENCLATURE, by
Reed Thorne. Published by The Thorne Group Inc. A well researched guide to
terminology for equipment and techniques commonly employed in rope rescue. From
A‑frame to Z‑rig this book covers it all. Highly recommended for
everyone involved with high angle rescue. Heavily illustrated. Spiral bound
paperback. 42 pages. Weight 9oz.(257g). Printed in
Catalog #RRN Rope Rescue Nomenclature
Search
& Rescue Operations Field Guide
SEARCH AND RESCUE OPS FIELD GUIDE, Pocket-sized guide good for a wide-range of topics. Only 4oz (11g)
Catalog #SAROFG Seach and Rescue Operations Field Guide
Search
& Rescue Fundamentals
SEARCH AND RESCUE FUNDAMENTALS By Donald Cooper, Robert Stoffel, and Patrick LaValla. Essential knowledge for every wilderness search and rescue mission is covered in this text, with numerous illustrations, charts, and sample forms. Paperback, 396 pages. 2.3 lbs (1.04kg).
Catalog #SARF Search and Rescue Fundamentals
Surviving
the Unexpected Wilderness Emergency
SURVIVING THE UNEXPECTED
WILDERNESS EMERGENCY, by Gene Fear. Published by The Survival Education
Association. This book tells you what to do when lost or injured in the
outdoors. Your survival is your problem! The rescuers’ problem is to carry you
back to civilization, if you survive until found. A comprehensive guide to
wilderness survival. Chapters include: anticipating a problem, psychological
stress, general survival, survival in heat and cold, navigation and much more.
A must for anyone who travels or works in the outdoors. Paperback, 191 pages.
Weight 10oz.(286g). Printed in
Catalog #SUWE Surviving the Unexpected Wilderness Emergency
Technical
Rescue Field Operations Guide
TECHNICAL RESCUE FIELD OPERATIONS GUIDE, by Tom Pendley. A pocket sized guide containing over 150 high quality illustrations, command checklist and easy to follow step-by-step procedures for rope, confined space, Swiftwater, trench, structural collapse and helicopter rescue. Paperback, spiral bound. 150 pages, Weight 7.1 oz (200g).
Catalog # TRFOG Technical Rescue Field Operations Guide
Technical
Rescue Riggers Guide
TECHNICAL RESCUE RIGGERS GUIDE,
by Rick Lipke. A pocket sized quick
reference to rigging, from Anchors to Z-rigs.
Clear presentation with numerous technical drawings and diagrams. 121 pages, spiralbound. Made in
Catalog # TRRG Technical Rescue Riggers Guide
Urban
Search and Rescue Structures Specialist: Field Operations Guide
URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE
STRUCTURES SPECIALIST FIELD OPS GUIDE, by the
Catalog # USARSSFOG Urban Search & Rescue Structures Specialist Field Operations Guide
Wilderness
Search and Rescue
WILDERNESS SEARCH AND RESCUE, by
Tim J. Setnicka. Published by the Appalachian Mountain Club. This book, first
published in 1980, has become the standard by which all other similar books are
judged. No serious rescuer or mountaineer should be without this book. The
first chapters deal with managing the search response, and later chapters deal
with the wide range of skills and knowledge involved with technical rescue
operations. It is very well written and illustrated, and covers numerous rescue
techniques. This book should be a part of your library. Hardback, 636 pages.
Weight 2.5 lbs.(1.2kg). Printed in
Catalog #WS&R Wilderness Search and Rescue
|
CMC Rescue
Published Books |
|
|
Catalog # |
Book Name |
|
CMCRRM |
Rope
Rescue Manual, 3rd Edition **A
reader favorite!** |
|
CMCRM |
Rappel
Manual |
|
CMCRRMFG |
Rope
Rescue Manual Field Guide |
|
CMCCSER |
Confined
Space Entry and Rescue |
Ice
Rescue
ICE RESCUE, by Steve Linton and
Damon Rust. Published by Concept Systems, Inc. Ice Rescue is designed as a
textbook, a study guide, and a reference to keep skills up to date. Chapter one
is a thorough discussion of ice and its characteristics. Chapter two discusses
the cold’s effect on victims and rescues. The final chapter deals with ice
rescue techniques. Paperback, 23 pages. Weight 2.5oz.(70g). Printed in
Catalog #IR Ice Rescue
River
Rescue
RIVER RESCUE, by Les Bechdel and
Slim Ray. Published by The Appalachian Mountain Club. An indispensable aid for
anyone who spends time either working or playing on our nation’s waterways.
Instructors, recreational paddlers, professional outfitters and rescue
personnel will find this book to be essential. With clear, concise instructions
and illustrations, the authors cover every aspect of whitewater rescue from
organization through evacuation, as well as trip planning, reading the river,
and self rescue. This publication is a comprehensive manual on how to avoid accidents
on the river and what to do when they happen. Paperback, 227 pages. Weight 1
lb.(.5kg). Printed in
Catalog #
River Rescue
RIVER RESCUE, by Ohio Department
of Natural Resources. Published by
Catalog #
Catalog #
Swiftwater Rescue
SWIFTWATER RESCUE, by Slim Ray. Topics include rescuer safety, river hydrology, equipment, rigging, incident command, and Swiftwater training. Shore-based, boat based, and in-water rescue are covered. Available in full 360 page edition or 78 page field guide.
Catalog #SWR Swiftwater Rescue
Catalog #SWRFG Swiftwater Rescue Field Guide
Water
Wise
WATER WISE, by David S. Smith
and Sara J. Smith. Published in 1984 by Smith Aquatic Safety Services. An
excellent reference for anyone who has the potential for water related
emergencies. Eight chapters from why drownings occur to a hypothermia resource
list, including a chapter on alcohol and aquatics. Highly recommended for your
water rescue library. Spiral bound paperback, 188 pages. Weight 1 lb.(.5kg)
Printed in the
Catalog #WW Water Wise