I was an army medic but that was during the first gulf war. I still need a first aid book because I don't have a perfect memory.
Well I am a Physician Assistant, and I treat folks in an urgent care every week, and I still carry a first-aid book in my kit. I even used it while in clinic one day. I was having a really hard time putting a dislocated shoulder back in place, none of my usual techniques were working. I went to my Jeep kit, pulled out my book, and tried another method that worked like a charm. The Doc I work with looked at me like "Were the fark did you come up with THAT!"
Some of the books already mentioned sound like good ones, but the one I carry is: A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine, Eric A. Weiss, MD 3rd Edition
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?catname=Manuals%20/%20DVDs&prodname=A%20Comprehensive%20Guide%20to%20Wilderness%20&%20Travel%20Medicine&product=63I like that it is small, concise, and provides some higher level care options along with travel medicine dosages. I wish it was spiral bound and water proof.
Regarding the 1988 SF medical handbook, you should know that the old edition is significantly outdated and has some hazardous information. It is now called the SOF medical handbook. Here is a 2001 version for free:
http://www.nh-tems.com/documents/Manuals/SOF_Medical_Handbook.pdfThey continue to update this manual more frequently now, very good info for trained medical professionals.
If you want the most current (2008) water-resistant one go here:
http://bookstore.gpo.gov/actions/GetPublication.do?stocknumber=008-070-00810-6 I don't have the new one. It is too big for me to pack around in a kit.
The Ranger Medic Handbook is another good one (I have an electronic version), and it is an actual "handbook" not a large "manual". Very nice from a military medic standpoint.
http://www.narescue.com/Ranger-Medic-Handbook-P183C144.aspxUnderstand that about 1/4 of the material in military medical manuals contain operational doctrine, not very useful in civilian life or SHTF senarios, unless you have a buddy with a CH47 coming to extract your mass casualties.
Finally, I will second the link to Survival and Austere Medicine:
http://www.aussurvivalist.com/downloads/AM%20Final%202.pdfI have this printed on my shelf. I will say I don't agree with everything in it (from a medical standpoint), but it is very very good.