FIVE BASIC SURVIVAL SKILLS

"Nature is indifferent to the survival of the human species, including Americans."
-Adlai E. Stevenson

To keep yourself alive in the wilderness, you have to give some in-depth thought to the possibility of it happening to you before the situation comes smacks you right in the face. Survival is 80 percent attitude, 10 percent equipment, and 10 percent skill and more importantly the knowledge to use that equipment. Survival is also a very personal thing. You are like no one else in the world and your attitude and your skills are what you need to depend on to survive.

Survival may be seasonal, and it is definitely geographical, so equip yourself for the five points of necessities no matter who you are, where you go or at what time of year you venture into the great outdoors. The basic survival abilities you need to master are how to create Fire, how to build a Shelter, how to Signal, how to ration, find and maintain a supply of Food and Water and a basic knowledge of First-Aid. Let's call them The Basic Big Five.

The 5 Basic Survival Skills for every outdoors person to know and practice.

There are 5 Basic Outdoor Survival Skills that everyone who ventures into the Outdoors should fully understand. This is a just brief outline; it is not a full explanation of all the requirements and items required in each category. “The” most important element for survival is between your ears it is your brain. DO NOT PANIC, stay calm, use your wits and take time before venturing into unknown areas to practice the 5 Basics, you may have to rely on them.

FIRE can purify water, cook food, signal rescuers, provide warmth, light and comfort, help keep predators at a distance, and can be a most welcome friend and companion. Each and every person who ventures into the Outdoors should have a minimum of two ways to start a fire with them, one on their person at all times and the other with their gear. A few small fires provide more heat than one large fire. Collect firewood you think you will need for the night and then collect the same amount again, experience shows you will need it. Conserve fuel by making a "star fire" where the ends of large logs meet in the fire only, push inward as more fuel is needed. Make a reflector from your SPACE® BLANKET on the back wall of a shelter to reflect heat of your survival fire to your back; sit between fire and back shelter wall.

SHELTER is the means by which you protect your body from excess exposure from the sun, cold, wind, rain or snow. Anything that takes away or adds to your overall body temperature can be your enemy. Clothing is the first line of shelter protection, have the right clothes for the right environment. Always have a hat. Try and keep the layer closest to your body dry. Layers of clothing trap air and are warmer than one thick garment. Do not expend energy making a shelter if nature provides one. Build a lean-to shelter in case you cannot find your campsite. You can always improve on it later if needed. Use a SPACE® BLANKET to prevent dampness, to insulate your shelter or to wrap yourself up in a sitting or in a squat position to concentrate your body core heat.

SIGNALING is having available the means and ability to alert any and all potential rescuers that you are in need of HELP. Fire, flashing light, bright color markers, flags, mirrors, whistles all will help you be found. Three fires in a triangular form are a recognized distress signal. Carefully bank your signal fires to prevent igniting surrounding area. Use regular signal mirrors only when you can see a plane, or people in the distance. Make smoky fire with organic material over the fire during the day to attract attention. Lay out ground to air signal in open field; make a large S.O.S. from rocks, logs or colored clothing, whatever will be seen against the background. Most search and rescue parties use aircraft as a primary method of sighting.

FOOD/WATER are vital to your survival. Ration your sweat not your water intake. Try to drink only in the cool of the evening. You can live up to three days without water. DO NOT eat plants you do not know. Never drink urine or seawater. Always assume that you will need extra food and water when you plan your trip. Pack energy bars and candy in your pockets, just in case. Boil stream or river water 10 minutes plus one minute for every 1000 feet above sea level. You can strain cloudy water through your handkerchief to remove large suspended particles. Try to drink only in the cool of the evening. Never wait until you are without water to collect it. Have some poly zip bags to collect and store water. Never eat any wild berries that you are not sure of what they are. You can catch rainwater in your SPACE® BLANKET by laying it out in a shallow trench.

FIRST AID is not just basic medical needs; it is the “attitude” that you employ in the way you act towards surviving. DO NOT PANIC, remain calm and do what you have to do to take care of YOU. STOP is an acronym for Sit, Think, Observe, and Plan. It is the most intelligent thing you can do when you realize you are lost or stranded. Another important element is to keep your brain functioning in a rational manner; this is the key to basic first aid for survival. Analyze your needs before every trip; create a medical checklist and carry a small personal survival kit with you at all times. Most outdoor medical situations require only dressing for small cuts, bruises and your own personal medication needs, make sure you know what you have with you and know how to use it. Prevent hypothermia by insulating yourself with a SPACE® BLANKET or layering clothing. Do not over pack, pack what you know you will need and what you will carry with you at all times. Concentrate on being found; pack a picture of your family in with your gear to remind you of the reasons to remain calm and to survive.