Survival Basics « Readiness Survival

Survival Basics

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

We all watch the ‘survival shows’ that are on the TV these days and many people may have said to themselves “there’s no way I could do that” or some may have even said…”sure that’s easy”. Here’s a breakdown for the ‘naysayers’ out there and bare bare bones basic skills needed to stay alive and been found:

Learn to make a fire.

Always have at least THREE methods of starting a fire with you, one can be used immediately like waterproof matches or a butane lighter. You can add flint and steel and I would suggest picking up a Magnesium Fire Starter/Bar as well, you shave the magnesium off so you will always have some ‘dry’ fire starting material. These can be picked up at a local camping or discount store.

As your skills get advanced you can start making your own char-cloth or start simple by making and carrying vaseline-soaked cotton balls to be used for emergency tinder.

Fire will not only keep you warm, purify your water, cook your food, help keep critters away or signal for help….but there’s something soothing about a campfire that will help calm you and focus you on your situation.

Shelter.

Learning to build a simple lean-to or debris shelter will keep you alive. Like all tasks on this ‘list’ it takes practice and trial and error.

Food and Water.

This is the tough one. But remember the “Rule of 3′s”……you can live 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without protection, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food. Learn how to gather, collect and purify water. Water can be treated by simply boiling it for a minute to kill any parasites and harmful bacteria. Have some way to boil the water, cup , can or metal tube. In addition I would suggest carrying some method to chemically treat water for drinking, again you can pick up some of these items at a local outdoor or discount store.

Food is something of a stickler for some, many people are not hunters or fishermen, but these skills and simply carrying some extra food on a day hike and learning to ration food and water may keep you alive. One thing to keep in mind though is that with a reduced caloric or water intake your level of activity will diminish….so pace yourself.

Signalling.

This goes without saying, whole point of surviving is being rescued. Regardless if you add signal mirrors, whistles, emergency locator beacons or tramping out “SOS” in the snow learn these skills. By simply keeping your fire going, you are signalling using the smoke for rescuers. And again another “rule of 3″……3 of anything is an international distress signal, 3 gun shots, blow 3 times on a whistle, or 3 signal fires will aid in rescuers finding you.

First Aid.

Having the equipment and more importantly…the knowledge of treating basic injuries will also keep you alive. Be prepared to treat the common scrapes and bruises but be knowledgeable of preventing and treating the mechanical injuries that may occur on a day hike. Again, it’s all about being prepared….I would add 3 days worth of any prescription medication that you or a member of your party may need.

These again are just the bare bones of survival. Many others will add into this saying that learning to read the weather patterns is another aspect of survival, and it is as your skills and more importantly, your confidence will improve.

Practice, practice, practice!

Having faith in yourself and your skills will carry you much further than you know.

Hope this helps!