SURVIVAL
be informed... like your life depended on it
Surviving in the bush requires preparation, knowledge, and the right mindset. Here are some tips to increase your chances of survival:
# Preparation
1. *Plan ahead*: Research the terrain, climate, and potential hazards.
2. *Pack essentials*: Bring a first-aid kit, water, non-perishable food, a map, compass, and a means of starting a fire.
3. *Tell someone*: Inform a trusted friend or family member of your itinerary.
# Finding Shelter
1. *Look for natural shelters*: Caves, rock overhangs, or hollowed-out logs.
2. *Create a lean-to*: Use branches, leaves, and other materials to construct a simple shelter.
3. *Prioritize protection from wind and rain*.
# Finding Water
1. *Look for streams, rivers, or ponds*: Be cautious of waterborne pathogens.
2. *Collect dew or rainwater*: Use leaves or plastic bags to collect and channel water.
3. *Purify water*: Boil, use water purification tablets, or create a solar still.
# Starting a Fire
1. *Use matches, lighters, or firestarters*: If you have them.
2. *Create a bow drill*: Use a piece of string, a stick, and a piece of wood to generate friction.
3. *Use flint and steel*: Create sparks to ignite tinder.
# Finding Food
1. *Ration your supplies*: Make your food last as long as possible.
2. *Forage for edible plants*: Be cautious of poisonous plants.
3. *Hunt or fish*: If you have the necessary skills and equipment.
# Staying Safe
1. *Be aware of your surroundings*: Watch for wildlife, steep slopes, and inclement weather.
2. *Use protective gear*: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect against insects and scratches.
3. *Stay hydrated*: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
# Signaling for Help
1. *Use a whistle*: Three short blasts is the international distress signal.
2. *Create a smoke signal*: During the day, create a fire and add green leaves or wet wood to produce smoke.
3. *Use mirrors or shiny objects*: Reflect sunlight towards any potential rescuers.
# Mental Preparation
1. *Stay calm*: Panic can cloud your judgment and increase the risk of poor decision-making.
2. *Focus on survival*: Prioritize your basic needs: shelter, water, food, and safety.
3. *Stay positive*: Remind yourself that rescue teams are trained to locate missing persons, and that you can survive until help arrives.
Remember, prevention is the best survival strategy. Always plan ahead, research your destination, and prepare for the unexpected.
Lost in the wild
If you become lost in the wild, stay calm and follow these steps to increase your chances of survival and rescue:
# I. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
1. *Stop moving*: Avoid wandering further and conserve energy.
2. *Assess your surroundings*: Take note of your environment, including landmarks, water sources, and potential shelters.
3. *Check for injuries*: Treat any injuries or wounds to prevent further complications.
# II. Find or Create a Safe Shelter
1. *Look for natural shelters*: Caves, rock overhangs, or hollowed-out logs can provide protection from the elements.
2. *Create a lean-to*: Use branches, leaves, and other materials to construct a simple shelter.
3. *Prioritize protection from wind and rain*: A good shelter can help regulate body temperature and prevent hypothermia.
# III. Locate a Water Source
1. *Look for streams, rivers, or ponds*: Be cautious of waterborne pathogens and potential hazards like fast-moving water or steep banks.
2. *Collect dew or rainwater*: Use leaves or plastic bags to collect and channel water.
3. *Purify water*: Boil, use water purification tablets, or create a solar still to make water safe to drink.
# IV. Start a Fire
1. *Use matches, lighters, or firestarters*: If you have them, use these tools to start a fire.
2. *Create a bow drill*: Use a piece of string, a stick, and a piece of wood to generate friction and start a fire.
3. *Use flint and steel*: Create sparks to ignite tinder.
# V. Signal for Help
1. *Use a whistle*: Three short blasts is the international distress signal.
2. *Create a smoke signal*: During the day, create a fire and add green leaves or wet wood to produce smoke.
3. *Use mirrors or shiny objects*: Reflect sunlight towards any potential rescuers.
# VI. Stay Visible and Wait for Rescue
1. *Stay near your shelter*: Avoid wandering off and stay close to your shelter.
2. *Use brightly colored clothing or objects*: Make yourself visible to rescuers by wearing brightly colored clothing or using colorful objects.
3. *Stay positive and wait for rescue*: Help will arrive eventually, so stay positive and focused on survival.
Remember, prevention is the best survival strategy. Always plan ahead, research your destination, and prepare for the unexpected.
Vision
When injured in the wild, prioritize your safety and take the following steps to minimize harm and increase chances of recovery:
# I. Assess the Injury
1. *Stop and assess*: Take a moment to evaluate the severity of your injury.
2. *Check for bleeding*: Apply pressure to any wounds to control bleeding.
3. *Check for broken bones*: Be cautious of potential fractures or dislocations.
# II. Provide Basic First Aid
1. *Clean and dress wounds*: Use clean water and dressings to prevent infection.
2. *Apply tourniquets or hemostatic agents*: If bleeding is severe, use a tourniquet or hemostatic agent to control it.
3. *Immobilize broken bones*: Use splints or slings to stabilize fractures or dislocations.
4. *Treat for shock*: If you're experiencing shock, elevate your legs, stay warm, and stay calm.
# III. Find or Create a Safe Shelter
1. *Look for natural shelters*: Caves, rock overhangs, or hollowed-out logs can provide protection from the elements.
2. *Create a lean-to*: Use branches, leaves, and other materials to construct a simple shelter.
3. *Prioritize protection from wind and rain*: A good shelter can help regulate body temperature and prevent hypothermia.
# IV. Signal for Help
1. *Use a whistle*: Three short blasts is the international distress signal.
2. *Create a smoke signal*: During the day, create a fire and add green leaves or wet wood to produce smoke.
3. *Use mirrors or shiny objects*: Reflect sunlight towards any potential rescuers.
# V. Stay Safe and Wait for Rescue
1. *Stay near your shelter*: Avoid wandering off and stay close to your shelter.
2. *Stay visible*: Use brightly colored clothing or objects to make yourself visible to rescuers.
3. *Stay positive and wait for rescue*: Help will arrive eventually, so stay positive and focused on survival.
# VI. Additional Tips
1. *Stay hydrated*: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and aid in recovery.
2. *Avoid moving*: If you have a severe injury, avoid moving and wait for rescue.
3. *Use pain management techniques*: Use techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or splinting to manage pain.
Remember, prevention is the best survival strategy. Always plan ahead, research your destination, and prepare for the unexpected.
