You've managed to survive thus far by some luck. How well things go from here can be significantly influenced by how well prepared you are from the begining of your trip.
We will assume you are away from immediate help and that the climate and terrain are less than hospitable.
We are also going to assume you've got the minimal basic survival equipment like a quality folding knife, matches and you are dressed appropriately for the adventure. Hopefully you have the recomended basics for fire, shelter, water, food and first aid gear.
If you didn't bring the basic equipment, then you really are in a world of trouble.
SURVIVIAL DOESN’T MEAN…YOU WILL BE COMFORTABLE
SURVIVIAL MEANS THAT YOU…DON’T DIE!
Failure to admit you have a problem can lead to disaster, when we push past the point of exhaustion or are not really prepared.
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF!!
“ A man’s got to know his limitations”. (Dirty Harry)
The situation won't be hopeless, but why put yourself in that position?
Modified Rule of 3's
3 SECONDS…TO HAVE A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE
3 MINUTES… Without AIR
3 HOURS OR LESS…WITHOUT SHELTER (OUT OF THE WIND, RAIN, SNOW, SUN) STOP HEAT LOSS OR REDUCE HEAT INCREASE
3-4 DAYS OR LESS… WE NEED WATER. Don’t forget to Rest and sleep.
3 WEEKS…FOOD –some of us can last longer…have more reserves.
Anyways now is the time to call for help. Hope that cell phone still has a signal or battery life to call for help.
Not working so now what? Do I have any other means to call for help? Did you bring SPOT? Sat Phone?
It's too late now to wish you'd taken that wilderness first aid course or brought along more first aid supplies. There will be no ambulance arriving in minutes and the hospital isn't around the corner. In any but the most temperate of climates, your next priority will be shelter. But, before getting to that, you may do well to first S.T.O.P.
S.T.O.P.
"S" is for STOP. Take a deep breath, sit down if possible, calm yourself and recognize that whatever has happened to get you here is past and cannot be undone. You are now in a survival situation and that means get it together.
"T" for THINK. Your most important survival asset is your brain. Use it! Don't Panic! Move with deliberate care. Think first, so you have no regrets. Take no action, even a foot step, until you have thought it through. Unrecoverable mistakes and injuries, potentially deadly in a survival situation, occur when we act before we engage our brain. Then . . .
"O" is for OBSERVE. Take a look around you. Assess your situation and options. Take stock of your supplies, equipment, surroundings, your personal capabilities and, if there are any, the capabilities of your fellow survivors. Are you the best equipped and prepared to lead in this survival situation?
"P" is for PLAN. Prioritize your immediate needs and develop a plan to systematically deal with the emergency and have contingencies. Then, follow your plan. Adjust your plan only as necessary to deal with changing circumstances.
- MINIMUM PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST
The following equipment is commonly compiled to form what is referred to as a "24-hour ready pack".
Such a pack holds those items that would allow the holder to function in a safe,effective, and efficient manner during an emergency. Some essential items may be carried on a belt, in pockets, or strapped to the person. This equipment should be carried at all times in rural or wilderness areas and is considered the minimum amount. This equipment list may not be adequate for every situation.
Personal First Aid and Survival Kit
2 - Antiseptic cleansing pads
1 - Antiseptic ointment
6 - Band aids, various sizes
1 - Candle, long burning
2 - Cotton swabs, non sterile
1 - Duct tape, 5-10 ft.
1 -2- Leaf bag, large
8 - Matches in a waterproof container or fire starters
1 - Moleskin
1 - Plastic bag, zip lock, qt. size, for kit
2 - Quarters for phone call
1 - Razor blade, single edge safety type
1 - Roller Gauze Bandage
2 - Safety pins, large
1 - Splinter forceps, tweezers
1- Space type blanket or space type sleeping bag
1 - Towelette, clean
1 - Survival Whistle
Personal Equipment
4 - Bags, various sizes, zip locked
1 - Bandanna, handkerchief
1 - Cap or other headgear
1 - Clothes bag, waterproof
1 - Clothing, adequate for climate
1 - Clothing, extra set, suitable for climate
1 - Compass, orienteering and/or GPS
1 - Flashlight, lantern or headlamp
1 - Flashlight extra, extra batteries and bulb, chemical sticks
1 - Footwear, sturdy, adequate for climate
1 - Gloves, durable, even in summer
1 - Goggles, or eye protection, clear
1 - Insect repellent
1 - Knife, multi-purpose
1 - Lip balm, with sunscreen
1 - Metal cup or pot
1 - Mirror, small
1 - Nylon twine or small rope, 50 feet
1 - Pack, 1800 cubic inch (minimum)
1 - Pad and pencil
1 - Rainwear, durable
1 - Shelter Material, 8x10 plastic or coated nylon
1 - Scissors, multi-purpose
1 - Socks, extra pair
1 - Sunscreen lotion
1 - Tissue papers or baby wipes (recommended)
1 - Watch
2-4 - Water containers, at least liter size
1 - Wire, 5-10 ft., woven steel.
8- Wire ties, plastic, self locking
