Topics covered in this snack-sized chapter:
Survival is defined as a natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment.
The following table expands on the meaning of each letter of the word SURVIVAL.
| S
| Size up the Situation
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| U
| Use all your senses, undue haste makes waste
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| R
| Remember where you are
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| V
| Vanquish Fear and Panic
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| I
| Improvise
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| V
| Value Living
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| A
| Act like the natives
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| L
| Live by your wits, but for now, learn basic skills
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- Every environment has a rhythm or pattern.
- Check wounds and give yourself first aid.
- Check to see what equipment you have and what condition it is in.
“U” Use All Your Senses, Undue Haste Makes Waste arrow_upward
Consider all aspects before making a decision.
Note sounds and smells.
Be sensitive to temperature changes.
Always be observant.
Always follow your companions.
Pay close attention to where you are and where you are going.
Do not rely on others to keep the track of the route.
If uncontrolled, they can destroy decision making power.
Previous survival and evasion training and self-confidence are helpful.
A tool designed for a specific purpose can have many different uses.
Learn to use natural objects for different needs.
Experience and knowledge gained through life will have a bearing on your will to live.
Stubbornness will give mental and physical strength to endure.
To get the feel of the area, watch how the people go about their daily routine
Animal life in the area can also give you clues on how to survive
“L” Live By Your Wits, but For Now, Learn Basic Skills arrow_upward
Practice basic skills geared to that environment
Practice basic survival skills during all training programs and exercises
Develop a survival pattern.
This must include food, water, shelter, fire, first aid, and signals placed in that order of importance.
Change your survival pattern to meet your immediate physical needs as the environment changes.
Survival skills are techniques that a person may use in a dangerous situation to save themselves or others.
Generally speaking, these techniques are meant to provide the basic necessities for human life.
Survival skills include the need to think straight, to signal for help, to navigate safely, to avoid unpleasant interactions with animals and plants and for first aid.
Acquiring survival skills is an ongoing process that can last an entire lifetime.
Proficiency and preparedness in basic skills will give you the edge and put you on your way toward becoming a talented survivor.
Although each situation has its particular requirements for successfully surviving.
Five basic survival skills include the following:
| Basic Skills
| Usefulness
|
| Making Fire
| Provides warmth, light, and comfort
Cooks food and purifies water
Dries clothing and even aids in the making of tools
Keeps pesky insects at bay
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| Shelter
| Protects your body from the elements
Protects from insects and other creatures
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| Signaling
| Allows contact with people who can rescue you
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| Food and Water
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Extra food and water will give you that extra measure of safety should something happen and you have to stay out longer than anticipated
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| First Aid
| Most injuries you are likely to encounter in the wilderness are relatively minor scrapes, cuts, bruises, and burns
Building a fire is often the beginning of first aid, because it creates a sense of well-being
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