Compact enough to carry on outdoor adventures (6x9"), this detailed guide gives step-by-step instructions for dealing with emergencies in the wilderness, covering everything from assessing the situation to surviving on insects (cook them first). Gerke, a member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, covers both primitive and high-tech skills, such as using cell phone batteries to start a fire, building animal traps, signaling with satellite personal trackers or smoke, and avoiding dangerous animals and environments. The book includes color photos of edible plants, b&w photos of poisonous plants, and b&w illustrations of handmade traps and tools. A final chapter gives instructions for assembling a survival kit to bring on every outdoor experience. The author is founder of a company devoted to teaching wilderness survival and rescue. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)