By Muleskinner.
Most people can’t define the four 3’s that are basic to survival. As a refresher these basic principles are: 3 minutes without air; 3 hours without shelter; 3 days without water; and 3 weeks without food.
This may sound simple enough, but did you also know that it is estimated that no more than 3% of Americans, male and female, would have the first inkling of how to supply themselves with shelter, drinkable water or food in a survival situation. It is also highly probable, that when faced with adverse conditions, many Americans would be unable to build a simple cooking fire to keep themselves or the group warm.
It may also surprise you to know that surviving-whatever threatens your well being-is 90% mental and 10% physical and that the first few hours into the episode will define if you are going to “make it” or not. Remember, also, that initially your fear is normal, good, and healthy, but fear can lead to panic and this can be your undoing.
There are admittedly dozens of disaster scenarios, from the collapse of society to a hiking accident, that could put one in a survival situation. Since no one can be prepared for every event what do you do?
First and foremost build a survival kit and carry it with you. It will do you no good at home when your miles away or can’t find help. This kit should generally include those basic items you feel you should never be without but contains, at very least, a first aid kit, equipment for building a fire, survival blanket(s), and a Survival Manual.
I have been asked why the Survival Manual and my answer is always the same. In every emergency situation your plan of action should be as follows:
1. Get away from danger
2. Check for injuries on yourself and anyone with you. If needed administer first
aid, which means stop the bleeding.
3. Throw up or get to shelter. Separating yourself from the elements and danger will enable you to relax and begin to think clearly. If it is cold then start a fire. A warm fire is soothing in a stressful situation. This requires having the means and practicing this basic, but extremely important skill.
4. Rest and relax until your shock, panic and fatigue have subsided. Leave extensive planning until later when you can think rationally.
5. Read your manual it will give you ideas and suggestions you might not have otherwise thought about or had overlooked. It is also a good refresher course. The instructions in a good survival handbook will greatly aid you in forming a coherent plan which leads to confidence.
Remember confidence and your will to survive are your greatest allies as well as being contagious. Confidence will help quell the panic in the group; it will give the group and yourself the means to overcome adversity. The very idea that you can endure with a modicum of comfort is the first and greatest step in “making it through,” but you have to have the knowledge in the form of solid, repeatable information. The best way to acquire that understanding, while under stress, is in a simple book called a Survival Manual.
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