Free and Low-Cost Medical Resources for Self-Reliance and Preparedness

Dear Shadow Tribe,

Here are some resources that I have found in my own search for health and medical knowledge. It is divided into two sections. The first section is free downloads of medical information in .pdf format. The second section is low-cost information available to the general public. This updates earlier lists I've published with updated links and new editions. 

Free Medical Information 

(available for download, just click the links)

Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook - Hesperian's classic manual, Where There Is No Doctor, is arguably the most widely-used health care manual in the world. The manual provides practical, easily understood information on how to diagnose, treat, and prevent common diseases. Special attention is focused on nutrition, infection and disease prevention, and diagnostic techniques as primary ways to prevent and treat health problems.

Where There Is No Dentist - The companion to Where There Is No Doctor features information on maintaining tooth and gum health, and treating dental problems, including filling cavities and extracting teeth, when there is no professional dentist available. 

Basic Physical Health with Limited Resources - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) have taught/required preparedness and self-reliance of their members for generations, and have accumulated much practical knowledge on the subject. In addition to the well-known LDS Preparedness Manual, they have also published this guide to Basic Physical Health with Limited Resources. This book gives information covering Disease Prevention, Cleanliness and Sanitation, Family Food Production, and Basic Family Medical Care, even when resources are limited because of poverty, war, or natural disasters. 

US Military Medical and First Aid Manuals - There are more than 20 US Military Medical and First Aid Manuals available for FREE download (and no email required) in .pdf format on the Federation of American Scientists website. Just click the link to go to the webpage for those manuals, and download the ones you want or might need. Or just download all of them, since they are free.

Where There Is No Vet - This book is more than first aid for pets and livestock. It covers a wide range of topics to help keep your animals healthy. Both traditional remedies and modern medicine are covered, and special emphasis is given to preventing disease and keeping your animals healthy. Includes advice on the care, feeding, and handling of animals.

Low-Cost Medical Information

Please take a basic first aid and CPR course before an emergency hits! These basic courses are typically free or low-cost. Places you may be able to find a basic first aid course include your local YMCA, fire department, rescue squad, or community college. You also may be able to organize a course through your church, scouting organization, or a local community/civic club. 

[More advanced first aid courses, including trauma aid, can be obtained through Refuge Medical & Refuge Training (Affiliate link).]

I have all of the following books on my Survivalist Bookshelf. There are no blind recommendations. These are the books I own. 

ACEP First Aid Manual, 6th Edition - Everyone, prepper or not, should learn first aid. This first aid manual of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the new 2026 update. 

The Survival Medicine Handbook, 4th Edition - In my opinion, this is THE essential guide for when medical help is NOT on the way (which happens also to be its subtitle). Written by Dr. Joseph Alton, MD, and Amy Alton, APRN, this massive handbook (close to 700 pages) is a detailed guide for those who want to be medically prepared for any disaster or austere setting where doctors, nurses, or paramedics are not available. 

Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself, by Dr. William Li (MD) - Shows the evidence behind over 200 health-boosting foods that can starve cancer and beat dozens of avoidable diseases. 

Herbal Medic: A Green Beret's Guide to Emergency Medical Preparedness and Natural First Aid - With a focus on herbal medicine and first-aid essentials, former Green Beret medic and clinical herbalist Sam Coffman presents this comprehensive home reference on medical emergency preparedness for times when professional medical care is unavailable.

Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide, 4th Edition - A really good pocket-sized guide. Perfect for your bug-out bag, or to toss in a suitcase when you are traveling. 

Legal Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical professional. I am NOT diagnosing or treating any medical condition. This article only points to health and medical reference materials that are available to the general public.

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Refuge Medical & Refuge Training (affiliate link) - American made First Aid Kits that save the day + Training to back it up. Auto-discount at checkout with my affiliate link.