Whether you're camping or bushwalking, the chances are that someday you may find yourself in an emergency situation. You can stay alive by following these basic principles of wilderness survival.
To remain positive and calm is the first. That is a major step in the right directions when it comes survival.
Fundamental Principles
No matter if you are an experienced adventurer, or someone who simply enjoys camping and hiking, it is important to understand the basics of wilderness survival. These simple steps could save your life in emergency situations.
A good mental attitude and commitment to a positive outcome are key factors in staying alive. A positive mindset and refusing to quit are key factors in your survival chances.
Shelter
Shelter is one of the fundamental things humans need to survive. Shelter can be made from leaves, branches and other natural materials or can be constructed using man-made structures like a cave, cabin, or other types of wood.
If you are in an emergency situation, the first thing you need to do is seek shelter. Shelter can be found anywhere, from trees to abandoned buildings to subway stations.
Water
Water is an integral part of Earth's life. It is present in all three phases (solid, liquid, gas) and ties together the major components of our environment -- air, clouds, lakes, oceans, vegetation, and snowpack.
Water is also a powerful solvent. It can dissolve many kinds of substances. It assists cells in transporting and using oxygen and other nutrients.
Food
Food is an essential part of survival. It should be stored in a way that it will remain safe for long periods. It is essential to ensure your body receives the nutrients it requires to remain healthy and strong.
There are many food options that can be stored to keep you alive during an emergency. These include cookies or crackers (energy bars), canned products, fresh and frozen meat, vegetables, and dehydrated and frozen foods.
Compass
It doesn't matter if you are in the woods, or on a boat; knowing how to use both a compass (and a map) is essential for survival. A compass uses Earth's magnetic fields, while a map shows the location of landmarks.
The compass points north because the needle aligns with the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field. The compass doesn't point at the geographical North Pole, which is the true North because the Earth’s magnetic field isn’t straight.
Fire
Fire is a chemical reaction which releases heat and light. This marks the interaction of a combustible matter with oxygen. This chemical reaction produces flames which can be used for cooking, heating water, and as a light source.
Fire is a dangerous and complex chemical process that plays an important part in nature. Fires can create habitat patches which allow plants and animals to thrive.
First Aid
For someone suffering an illness or accident, a basic knowledge of first-aid could make all the difference. It can help save a person's life until they reach paramedics or are admitted to the hospital.
First aid is about helping someone. Once stabilized, the first aid must commence administering first-aid by checking the breathing and airway.
Fear
Survival depends on how well a person can handle fear. You are more valuable to your brain than your body in emergency situations.
When we perceive a threat, our sympathetic nervous system (part of our autonomic nervous system) triggers a biochemical reaction that prepares us for fight or flight. This triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
FAQ
What's the difference between a folded knife and a fixed blade knife?
Folding knives are designed to fold compactly to fit inside a pocket or backpack. When not in use, the blade can be folded away.
Fixed-blade knives have a fixed blade that can be used for normal tasks. They have longer blades than those of folding knives.
Fixed-blade knives are stronger but more difficult to transport.
What's the time taken to find help once you are lost?
This is dependent on many factors.
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Wherever you are
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What terrain are you on?
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Whether you have cell phone reception
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Whether you have been seen by someone
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Whether you have been injured
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Whether you are dehydrated
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Water consumption is a matter of personal preference.
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You can tell if you've eaten in the last 24 hours.
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Whether you are wearing appropriate clothing
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No matter if you're carrying a compass or a map,
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How familiar are your local surroundings?
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How many years has it been since your loss?
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How long did it take you to search for help?
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How much time does it take for people to notice you missing
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How quickly they decide to search for you
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How many rescuers are you able to attract?
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How many rescues did you receive
How to Navigate Without a Compass, or with it?
While a compass won't show you where you are, it will help you locate your way home if you lose track of your direction.
There are three ways to navigate:
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By landmarks
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Magnetic North (using a compasse)
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By stars
Landmarks are objects that you can recognize when they appear. These can be trees, buildings, rivers, and so on. Because they give you a visual clue about where you are, landmarks are very useful.
Magnetic North simply means the direction where the Earth’s magnetic field points. If you look at the sky, the sun appears like it's moving across the sky. However, the earth's magnet field causes the sun to move about the earth. So, while the sun seems to move across the sky, it really moves around the horizon. The sun is directly overhead at noon. The sun is directly beneath you at midnight. Because the earth's magnetic field changes constantly, the exact direction of its magnetic North pole is always changing. This means you might be off the course by quite a bit during a single day.
Another method of navigation is to use stars. Stars appear as if they rise and fall over the horizon. These are fixed points in space that you can use to determine your location relative to other locations.
Statistics
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
- In November of 1755, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum intensity of VIII occurred about 50 miles northeast of Boston, Massachusetts. (usgs.gov)
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
- The Dyrt PRO gives 40% campground discounts across the country (thedyrt.com)
External Links
How To
How to Purify Water for Emergencies
In the event of natural disasters, purification of drinking water is an essential activity. Filtration, disinfection and storage are the steps involved in purifying drinking waters. Clean water has been a lifesaver during emergency situations. It also helps people recover faster after disasters.
Purified water should always remain out of direct sunlight. Purified water should be stored in a container that does not contain oxygen. Plastic bags or bottles can be used if you don’t have enough containers. Keep water at 4 degrees Celsius (40 F) or below. Avoid freezing the water to prevent ice crystals from forming.
These steps are important when purifying water:
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Boil water till it boils. You can strain the boiling water by placing it through a strainer to remove any impurities.
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One teaspoon of iodine should be added to each 2 gallons. Mix well before adding the Iodine.
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Keep the water in an airtight container. Keep the water in the container for no more than 3 days.
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Label the container with the date and type of water.
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You must ensure that your water supply remains safe.