Survival skills encompass a range of techniques that are employed to ensure sustenance and survival in any environment, be it natural or built. The purpose of these skills is to secure essential prerequisites for human life, such as water, food, and shelter. Furthermore, survival skills also involve understanding and engaging with animals and plants to effectively maintain and uphold life in the long term.
Survival skills refer to fundamental concepts and capabilities developed by ancient people and handed down through generations for thousands of years. In present times, these skills are commonly associated with enduring emergency situations.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting necessitate basic wilderness survival skills, particularly for emergencies. Individuals who engage in survival skills as a form of outdoor recreation or hobby may identify themselves as survivalists. Survival skills are commonly employed by individuals living off-grid lifestyles, such as homesteaders. Bushcraft and primitive living often require the same skills and are typically self-implemented. Criminals, including fugitives, draft dodgers, poachers, serial killers, illegal immigrants, escaped prisoners, organized criminals, and terrorists, frequently utilize survival skills in order to evade capture by authorities by hiding in wilderness areas. Furthermore, park rangers and conservation officers are trained in survival skills to assist them in locating missing persons and in the event they are stranded during investigations of wilderness crimes. The United States Armed Forces has a training program named SERE, which instructs military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, intelligence personnel, and private military contractors in survival skills and techniques for evading capture and escaping from captivity if they find themselves needing to survive and hide in wilderness areas while avoiding capture by enemy combatants.
First aid
First aid, specifically wilderness first aid, can enable individuals to survive and carry out their activities despite injuries and illnesses that would otherwise be fatal or debilitate them. Included among the commonly encountered injuries are both those that are hazardous and can pose a threat to life.
- Bites from snakes, spiders, and other wild animals
- Bone fractures
- Burns
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Heart attack
- Hemorrhage
- Hypothermia and hyperthermia
- Infection from food, animal contact, or drinking non-potable water
- Poisoning from poisonous plants or fungi
- Sprains, particularly of the ankle
- Vomiting
- Wounds, which may become infected
In a step-by-step manner, the individual might need to utilize the items present in a first aid kit or, if they have the necessary expertise, utilize naturally found medicinal plants, restrict the movement of injured limbs, or assist in transferring incapacitated companions.
If you find yourself in the wilderness, emergency services may have a hard time reaching you in case of illness or injury. Knowing and being able to provide first aid could potentially be life-saving for you or someone dear to you.
To practice administering first aid for common threats in survival situations, such as controlling bleeding, treating burns, stabilizing limbs, and finding soothing plants for insect stings and abrasions, grab a friend, partner, or family member. Additionally, ensure to familiarize yourself with the basic CPR procedure.
Shelter
Survival situations can put people at a higher risk of danger due to being directly exposed to the elements. Death from hypothermia or hyperthermia, as well as animal attacks, is common in these situations. Shelters play a crucial role in increasing chances of survival, and they can vary from natural options like caves, rock outcrops, or fallen trees, to partially man-made options like debris huts, tree pit shelters, or snow caves, to completely man-made options like tarps, tents, or longhouses. It should be mentioned that these structures share certain common properties.
- Location (away from hazards, such as cliffs; and nearby materials, like food sources)
- Insulation (from the ground, rain, wind, air, or sun)
- Heat Source (either body heat or fire-heated)
- Personal or Group Shelter (having multiple individuals)
BUILDING A SHELTER
If you become lost in the wilderness, one of the initial tasks to accomplish is to search for shelter. However, finding a secure location to protect yourself from the elements can be challenging. Utilize your childhood fort-building abilities and improve your skills by constructing a temporary shelter in your backyard.
Based on terrain, environment, and season, there are various shelter options that can be built. Begin with a simple lean-to or tarp-tent, and gradually advance to lashing longer branches for a teepee. In regions with significant winter snowfall, utilize the cold weather for practicing the construction of a snow cave shelter.
Fire
Building a fire might seem simple, but it can actually be challenging, particularly in unfavorable weather conditions or during a survival scenario where resources are scarce. Nonetheless, a fire serves multiple purposes such as providing warmth, deterring predators, and facilitating cooking.
There are various creative methods available for generating fire without any equipment, but they necessitate practice and patience. Trying out a few fire-starting techniques in your backyard is an exceptional method of getting ready for an unexpected situation.
To practice locating or making dry tinder, you can carve a feather stick or search for amadou, a fungus found in the bark of coniferous trees. An alternative option is to dig in your backyard for quartz, which can be used to create a flint capable of producing a spark.
Water
Survival without water is possible for a human being for approximately three to five days on average. The fact that the human body comprises approximately 60% water explains why water takes precedence over food. In situations where survival is at stake, it is important to minimize unnecessary water loss through perspiration. The amount of perspiration and water requirement escalate during exercise. While the quantity of water consumed by individuals can vary significantly based on factors such as age and gender, an average person should aim to consume approximately 13 cups or 3 liters of water daily. Dehydration and/or the adverse effects of untreated water contaminated with water-borne pathogens are major causes of fatalities in survival scenarios.
In normal circumstances, an average individual will lose at least two to four liters of water daily. This amount increases in hot, dry, or cold climates. To prevent dehydration and maintain proper bodily functions, it is generally advised to consume around four to six liters of water or other fluids each day while in the wilderness. According to the U.S. Army survival manual, relying solely on thirst as a cue to drink water is not recommended as it may result in insufficient hydration. Instead, water should be consumed at regular intervals. Some groups suggest practicing “water discipline” by rationing water.
Dehydration occurs as a result of insufficient water, leading to symptoms such as lethargy, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and, ultimately, death. In a survival scenario where clear thinking is crucial, even a mild case of dehydration can diminish endurance and hinder concentration. Dark yellow or brown urine is an indicator used to diagnose dehydration. To prevent dehydration, high importance is commonly given to finding a source of drinking water and taking measures to ensure its safety.
Currently, the prevailing belief is that boiling or utilizing commercial filters are notably safer options compared to the use of chemicals, except for chlorine dioxide.
CREATING POTABLE WATER
One of the most crucial skills required in a survival scenario is finding clean drinking water. Regrettably, not all natural water sources are sanitary and they may contain parasites, viruses, and bacteria. However, you can acquire safe drinking water in the wilderness by employing a couple of straightforward methods that can be practiced conveniently at home.
One possible way to purify water when out in the wild is by boiling it. However, this method may result in the presence of sediment or other particles that can affect the taste. An alternative solution is to filter the water using a t-shirt or construct a filtration system using charcoal, sand, and small river rocks inside an inverted PET bottle.
If you are unable to locate a source of water, you have the option to construct a solar still for extracting water from the ground. The solar still is made by creating a hole that is around two feet wide and one foot deep. Then, position a container at the bottom and securely cover the hole with a tarp or plastic sheet, sealing the edges with dirt or sand. Additionally, place a small rock in the middle of the cover, causing moisture to condense on the underside and drip into the container.
Food
Culinary root tubers, fruit, edible mushrooms, edible nuts, edible beans, edible cereals or edible leaves, edible cacti, ants, and algae can be collected and, if necessary, cooked (primarily by boiling). Apart from leaves, these foods are relatively calorie-dense, providing some energy for the body. Plants are easily found in the jungle, forest, or desert as they do not move, making them accessible without much effort. Trapping, hunting, and fishing enable a survivalist to obtain high-calorie meat but require specific skills and equipment such as bows, snares, and nets.
The Boy Scouts of America particularly advises against searching for wild foods on the grounds, while emphasizing the importance of prioritizing survival until being rescued. This is because individuals who are in a wilderness survival situation are unlikely to have the necessary knowledge and skills to confidently make safe decisions about foraging.
FORAGING FOR FOOD
It is astonishing to realize the abundance of edible wild plants that can be found in your backyard farm or neighborhood. During a survival scenario, plants serve as a crucial source of nutrients, offering an energy source with minimal impact.
Identifying edible plants can be difficult because some poisonous species share similar characteristics with non-toxic ones. However, some easily recognizable plants are abundant throughout the country, offering both nutritional value and great taste. These include stinging nettle, dandelion, lamb’s quarters, and miner’s lettuce.
If you do not have experience in foraging for food, it would be wise to steer clear of fungi and mushrooms since numerous types can be fatal. Additionally, you can enhance your skills in identifying them by referring to a local botanical guidebook and examining them in your backyard.
When embarking on a hike or trip in an unfamiliar area, it is advised by search and rescue professionals to inform a trusted person about your intended destination and planned time of return. It is also important to notify them once you have come back. If you fail to return within the designated time frame, such as 12 hours after the scheduled return time, your contact should then contact the police for search and rescue assistance.
Survival situations can usually be resolved by discovering a path to safety or a more appropriate spot to wait for rescue. Various forms of navigation are available, such as:
- Celestial navigation, using the sun and the night sky to locate the cardinal directions and to maintain course of travel
- Using a map, compass or GPS receiver
- Dead reckoning
- Natural navigation, using the condition of surrounding natural objects (i.e. moss on a tree, snow on a hill, direction of running water, etc.)
Other Skills Worth Learning
TYING KNOTS
One frequently disregarded skill is knot-tying, which can enhance your chances of survival by enabling you to construct a shelter, set snares, and fashion tools. It requires time and practice to acquire the ability to tie secure knots, so take hold of a rope and refresh your knot-tying proficiency.
MAKING A WEAPON
If you are ever in the wilderness with no weapon, your options for protecting yourself from hungry predators are limited. However, creating a slingshot using common household materials like a forked stick, rubber tubing, and leather or canvas for the pad can be a simple and efficient solution.
After constructing your slingshot, proceed to place a number of targets in different locations throughout your yard. Practice the skills of aiming and shooting towards these targets. Take precautionary measures by wearing eye protection and making sure that no one comes into your direct line of vision while you release your ammunition.
FISHING AND TRAPPING
It is necessary to have the ability to set snares and engage in survival fishing when looking to catch small game and acquire protein sources without exerting too much energy. Different types of snares and fishing techniques should be learned and practiced to be prepared for various scenarios, as they vary depending on the target prey.
If you engage in the activity of setting snares in your backyard, it is essential that you disassemble them once you are finished to prevent any harm to local wildlife or pets in the neighborhood.
The Takeaway
Practicing your survival skills before being stuck in the wilderness is imperative. Engaging in a weekend project like learning fire building and shelter construction in your backyard ensures safety.
