Wilderness Survival
Everyone who regularly visits the backcountry should study fundamental survival techniques. Accidents sometimes occur that could place one alone in strange surroundings. To minimize the chances of surviving, one should always leave a trip tour with someone that can be trusted. Further, one should first familiarize himself or herself with the characteristics of the area that he/she will be visiting, and get familiar with any new gear that is required. This paper will address the steps that one can apply in order to survive in the wilderness.
It is advisable that one should never panic when lost in the wilderness. In most scenarios, one tends to start running, searching worriedly for the right path or a known landmark. Normally, this leads in disorientation and can make one even more lost. Davenport argues that one should sit down and instead take a deep breath for several minutes. When calm is restored, one should look around and get the bearings as one may spot a trail that would have been passed due to a worried search.
Usage of a compass and map or GPS unit is advisable in order to estimate where one is. These gadgets should always be included as necessities while touring in the wilderness. Further, one should make a decision whether to stay put or move. It is easier if one left a trip itinerary accompanied since the rescue personnel may respond swiftly after it has been established that an individual has gone missing. Remaining nearer to the original route is considered a good idea. However, it is advisable if one has wandered far to identify a getaway route, hiking out is the best option as it may guarantee landing into a safe environment before running out of food. Making best of one’s gear can increase chances of survival.
If the adventure is planned to go overnight or an extended one, it is important to have enough supply of food, water and warm clothes. Concentrating on shelter is more important since hypothermia can take place quickly due to moisture and low temperatures from rain and dew. Additionally, a fire can help one to stay warm and provide psychological benefits. Moreover, one should drink water more often to combat dehydration, which can raise the risk of hypothermia.
Conclusively, one should try to make a fire signal if the stay is on one place. It should be built using dry materials that can ignite leaves and branches. The fire should be placed on a bare ground away from dry leaves, grass or other materials that might lead to uncontainable blaze.
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