I am en route to my next destination, but I decided that all members of the Circle should know basic survival skills in case you are forced into a situation in which you might need to use them.
Courtesy of http://www.wildernesscollege.com/basic-survival-skills.html
Many people who are forced into survival situations often get into
serious trouble because of direct exposure to the elements. Most people
in survival situations die of hypothermia, which can be easily avoided
with basic survival skills. Being able to build a shelter is of
paramount importance in a survival situation. It is extremely important
to prevent or minimize heat loss, or if in a desert environment, to
minimize water loss. Here are some things to think about when planning
to build a shelter:
Shelter Considerations:
- Location (away from hazards, near materials)
- Insulation (from ground, rain, wind, air)
- Heat Source (body heat or fire-heated)
- Personal or Group Shelter
There
are many types of shelters to consider including natural shelters such
as caves, hollow stumps and logs, as well as building shelters such as a
debris hut, lean-to, debris tipi, scout pit or snow shelter. Of the
shelters listed, the debris hut is often the most practical to construct
in almost any environment.
Learn how to construct a debris hut.
Number 3: Water
Since the human body is composed of up to 78%
water, it should be no surprise that water is higher on the list than
fire or food. Ideally, a person should drink about a gallon of water
per day. Many lost persons perish due to dehydration, and/or the
debilitating effects of water-born pathogens from untreated water. In
addition to water-borne pathogens, minerals and metals can be found in
waters downstream from industrial and agricultural operations. The best
sources for clean drinking water in a wilderness setting are springs,
head-water streams, and collecting morning dew.
Popular modern
methods for purifying/treating water include filtering pumps and
chemical treatments, such as iodine. These can be efficient and
effective solutions if you have access to these items in a survival
situation. An herbal treatment is another method in which water may be
purified from viruses and bacteria. Grapefruit seed extract is sold as a
water purifier, although there is some debate on whether or not it is
one hundred percent effective. The most widely used and proven method
for safely purifying water is boiling. Bringing water to a boil and
allowing it to continue to boil for 2-3 minutes will kill bacteria and
viruses.
By maintaining a level attitude, creating a shelter, and
obtaining clean water, a person can successfully survive for many
weeks.
Number 4: Fire
Even though it is not directly a
survival need, fire is one of the most useful basic survival skills. It
can help warm your body or your shelter, dry your clothes, boil your
water, and cook your food. Also, fire can provide psychological support
in a survival situation, creating a sense of security and safety.
Ideally,
when traveling in the wilderness, it is best to carry multiple
fire-starting tools, such as a lighter, matches, flint and steel, etc…
Even with these implements starting a fire can be challenging in
inclement weather. We highly recommend practicing fire starting in
different weather conditions within different habitats. Good fire-making
skills are invaluable. If you were to find yourself in a situation
without a modern fire-making implement, fire by friction is the most
effective primitive technique. Popular friction fire-making methods
include bow drill, hand drill, fire plow, and fire saw.
Learn how to build a fire using the bow and drill friction fire technique.
Number 5: Food
You might be surprised to see food so low on
the basic survival skills priorities list, though we can survive for
much longer without it as compared with shelter and water. Remember
“The Rule of Threes”: humans can survive without food for roughly 3
weeks (though I'm sure you would not want to go that long without
food!). Thankfully, most natural environments are filled with a variety
of items that can meet our nutritional needs. Wild plants often provide
the most readily available foods, though insects and small wild game
can also support our dietary needs in a survival situation.
Here are a few plants which are abundant throughout North America:
Cattail: known as the “supermarket of the swamp”, the roots, shoots, and pollen heads can be eaten
Conifers:
the inner bark, known as the cambium, is full of sugars, starches and
calories, and can be eaten on most evergreen, cone-bearing trees [except
for Yew, which is poisonous]
Grasses: the juices from the leaves can provide nutrition, and the root corm can be roasted and eaten
Oaks:
all acorns can be leached of their bitter tannic acids, and then eaten,
providing an excellent source of protein, fats, and calories
Be
sure that you properly identify any plant you plan on consuming (using
field guides and/or the guidance of an experienced expert). Many plants
can be difficult to identify and some edible plants have poisonous
look-a-likes. If you cannot identify the plant, do not eat it.
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