Ws 11 01 09

Wilderness SurvivalBSA StyleB117, University of Scouting, New Michigan Council, October 2009Steve LagrecaPhilmont Contingent Leader, New Michigan CouncilAssociate Advisor, Venturing Crew 1716Original material provided by Mike Doubleday (smakdd@knology.net), and Andris Ikstrums (ikstrums378@knology.net), Greater Alabama Council

Know how to prepare for wilderness survivalLearn something new about wilderness survivalFocus on information required for merit badgeExplain distinctions for venture crewsProvide practical examples and situationsSuggest ideas for wilderness survival trainingObjectivesFeel free to…Ask questionsEnhance discussionGive examplesDebate contentContributeHave fun!

centers on the Greek hero Odysseus (or Ulysses, as he was known in Roman myths) and his long journey home following the fall of Troy. It Wilderness survival is a timeless theme – capitalize on it. TelevisionNo food, no shelter, no fresh water — one man alone in the wild for seven days with only his wits and stamina to sustain him - SurvivormanIn each episode of Bear Grylls strands himself in popular wilderness destinations where tourists often find themselves lost or in danger.Adventures of seven castaways as they attempted to survive and ultimately escape from a previously uninhabited island where they were shipwrecked. IMoviesA middle aged man survives a plane crash and finds himself stranded on a tropical island where he must learn to survive alone.An Australian crocodile hunter who lives in the Australian outback and runs a safari business with his trusted friend and mentor Walter Reilly.Professor Challenger leads team of scientists and adventurers to a remote plateau deep within the Amazonian jungle to investigate reports that dinosaurs still live there. BooksSet in the Catskill Mountains near Delhi, New York, My Side of the Mountain tells the fictional account of how Sam Gribley survives in the wilderness of upstate New York. A castaway who spends 28 years on a remote tropical island near Venezuela, encountering Native Americans, captives, and mutineers before being rescued. Centers on the Greek hero Ulysses, and his long journey home following the fall of Troy.

Separated and LostWHAT WOULD YOU DO?You and your hunting partner Fred have become separated in the Big Hole Mountains southwest of Yellowstone during a late-season elk hunt. The truck is several miles away. Night is coming on fast and it’s beginning to snow. You’ve worked your way to a brush-covered ridge and can see the lights of Teton Valley way off in the distance. Fred is nowhere in sight. Yelling his name brings no response. A. Stop and make camp where you are.B. Since you can now see the lights of town, keep going.C. Retrace your route and try to find Fred.D. Hike back to the truck, drive to town, alert local search & rescue.

Wilderness survival is a part of Scout and Venturing.Wilderness Survival OutdoorBronze / RangerWilderness Survival Merit Badge 3349435966

Wilderness Survival OutdoorBronze / RangerWilderness Survival Merit Badge 1. Show that you know FIRST AIDfor, and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur in backcountry settings, including- hypothermia - blisters - heat reactions - insect stings - frostbite - tick bites - dehydration - snakebites2. From memory, list the seven priorities for SURVIVAL in a backcountry or wilderness location. Explain the importance of each one with your counselor. 3. Discuss ways to AVOID PANIC and MAINTAIN a high level of MORALE when lost, and explain why this is important. 4. Describe the steps you would take to SURVIVE in the following CONDITIONS: a. Cold and snowy b. Wet (forest) c. Hot and dry (desert) d. Windy (mountains or plains) e. Water (ocean, lake, or river) 5. Put together a PERSONAL SURVIVAL KIT and explain how each item in it could be useful .6. Using three different methods (other than matches), BUILD and LIGHT three FIRES. 7. Do the following: a. Show five different ways to attract attention when lost. b. Demonstrate how to use a signal mirror. c. Describe from memory five ground-to-air SIGNALS and tell what they mean. 8. Improvise a natural shelter. For the purpose of this demonstration, use techniques that have little negative impact on the environment. Spend a NIGHT IN your SHELTER. 9. Explain how to PROTECT YOURSELF from insects, reptiles, and bears. 10. Demonstrate three ways to TREAT WATER found in the outdoors to prepare it for drinking. 11. Show that you know the PROPER CLOTHING to wear in your area on an overnight in extremely hot weather and in extremely cold weather. 12. Explain why it usually NOT WISE to eat EDIBLE wild PLANTS or WILDLIFE in a wilderness survival situation. (Before you begin wilderness survival, you must have completed the cooking, land navigation, and first aid core requirements.) a. Write a RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN for an upcoming crew high adventure activity such as a whitewater canoeing or rock-climbing trip. The plan should include:- nutrition - insurance - in-service training- health - safety rules & regulations - environmental considerations - first aid - proper equipment - emergency & evacuation procedures - supervision - maps & compass - emergency contactsb. From memory, list the SURVIVAL PRIORITIES and explain your use of each in a survival situation.c. Learn about and then make a tabletop display or presentation for your crew, another crew, a Cub or Boy Scout group, or another youth group on the following subjects:1. Emergency SIGNALSused in the outdoors2. Search and rescue patterns3. Evacuation procedures and value of WHEN TO MOVEand when not to move in a wilderness emergencyd. Explain the following environmental exposure problems. Discuss what causes them, signs and symptoms, and treatment. FIRST AID1. Hypothermia 4. Heat exhaustion2. Frostbite 5. Heat cramps3. Sunburn 6. Heat stroke e. 1. Explain dehydration and the necessity of conserving fluids in a survival situation.2. Explain at least four methods of OBTAINING WATER in the outdoors and demonstrate at least two ways to PURIFY that water.f. 1. Demonstrate at least two different FIRE LAYS-one for cooking and one for warmth.2. Learn and discuss the use of fire starters, tinder, kindling, softwoods, and hardwoods in fire making.g. Explain and demonstrate how you can gain knowledge of WEATHER patterns using VHF band radio and other radios, winds, barometric pressure, air masses and their movements, clouds, and other indicators.h. 1. Explain the different ROPE materials and thicknesses that are best for wilderness use and how to care for them.2. Know the use of and demonstrate how to tie the following KNOTS and LASHINGS:a. Sheet bend f. Clove hitchb. Fisherman's knot g. Timber hitchc. Bowline h. Taut-line hitchd. Bowline on a bight i. Square lashinge. Two half hitches j. Shear lashingi. 1. Explain the usefulness and drawbacks of obtaining FOOD in the wilderness, including things to avoid.2. Prepare and eat at least one meal with food you have found in the outdoors.j. 1. Make a list of items you would include in a WILDERNESS SURVIVAL KIT and then make copies to hand out to visitors to your wilderness survival outpost camp.2. Using your list, make a wilderness survival kit. Explain the use of each item you have included.k. 1. Set up a wilderness survival outpost CAMP and spend at least TWO NIGHTS and two days in your site.2. Use and demonstrate several knots and lashings from requirement (h) in your wilderness survival campsite demonstration.3. Know how to plan a wilderness SHELTERfor three different environments and then build a shelter as part of your wilderness survival campsite demonstration. 4. Have your crew, another crew, a Cub or Boy Scout group, or another youth group visit you in your outpost for a presentation you make on wilderness survival (at least one hour).(Note: Remember to use the Leave No Trace principles you learned.)

Survival Priorities – In OrderMB-2OB-BThe survival imperative: positive mental attitudeS.T.O.P.First aidShelterFireSignalingWaterFood

Survival Priorities CLASSROOM SURVIVAL - POP QUIZ...The #1 resource you can’t control in ALL survival situations is?TIME

Risk ManagementAn injury that doesn't happen needs no treatment.MB-xOB-a

Potential causes of wilderness survival situations…MB-xOB-xLost hiking in the woods Sudden storm comes up and you won’t make your destinationSomeone is injured and requires immediate medical attentionA sick / injured person can not move and requires evacuationYour vehicle breaks down in a remote locationYour boatcapsizes, gets damaged or suffers engine failureAn unplanned swim causes immediate risk of hypothermiaExacerbating Circumstances:In dealing with an emergency, additional injuries occurAfter dealing with an emergency, darkness falls

Survival Priorities CLASSROOM SURVIVAL - POP QUIZ...Name the two primary reasons an emergency escalates into a wilderness survival situation:DENIAL and PANIC

Risk management reduces the potential for an emergency, and if one occurs, improving your odds for survival. Share plans with others who care - leave a copy at homeMaps, routes, timetables, check-insIdentify water sourcesKnow how to navigate and use a compassPrepare emergency items and take them alongAnalyze the route to identify dangerous pointsEvaluate skill/experience level of participantsIdentify special equipment requirementsTake extra required medicationsLeave a note in the parking lotBE PREPAREDNotify your contact when plans change with “W’s”:WHERE going, and by what route

WHAT are we taking with us.MB-xOB-AMore: BSA Fieldbook, Ch. 6

Risk is inherent in everything we do in the outdoors, but it is the actions we take to reduce the risk that are important:We drink from a stream, which has parasites and crud, but we filter and treat to reduce risk.We share the outdoors with animals, but we protect ourselves by hanging food and “smellables…Plan ahead when getting ready for a trip – to identify hazards and mitigate the risk. Do a map RECON.Perceived risk can energize us to be cautious: climbing, guns, bows/arrows, cold, etc.To eliminate risk is never to venture into the wilderness; instead heighten awareness at critical points.Guide to safe Scouting helps define the hazards and reduce risk.Put faith in your “Gut Feel” – Avoid denial when hazards or accidents happen!Risk management reduces the potential for an emergency, and if one occurs, improving your odds for survival. MB-xOB-AThree keys to effective risk management:Everyone in the group commits to having a safe experience.Everyone knows risks and follows guidelinesestablished to minimize risk.Everyone is involved in recognizing and dealing with risks that arise on an outing.

Plenty of WaterExtra FoodExtra Clothing Matches/Lighter and Fire StartersMap & CompassRain GearPocket KnifeFirst Aid KitFlashlight or Headlamp Sunscreen / insect repellantEveryone should always bring the 10 essentialsMB-xOB-xWhen do you bring them – ALWAYS!Who brings them– EVERYONE!

Survival Priorities CLASSROOM SURVIVAL - POP QUIZ...The single most important tool you must ALWAYS take with you is: YOUR BRAINDon’t leave home without it!Clear-minded thinking, determination, the will to live, creativity, positive mental attitude, skills, deliberate actions, experience make the difference between survival and disaster.

Emergency Wilderness / Personal Survival KitMB-5OB-J1Small paper/pencilSmall paper with your ID & medical needs50 feet – 1/8 inch nylon cordPlastic garbage bagSmall Zip-loc bagDuct tape (small roll)Signal mirror Snare wire – 24 gaugeEmergency blanketMetal cup, pot or coffee canWhistle 50 feet fishing line w/hooks & shotsExtra required medicationsSafety pins, large needle, cable tiesAluminum foil – 10 feet (cooking/signaling)Water purificationBandanaMosquito head-netLarge knife/hatchetSpoonESK:Is in addition to the outdoor essentials

Is personal preference and situation related

When do you bring a kit – ALWAYS!

Who brings a kit – EVERYONE!

Where is the kit – ATTACHED TO YOU!Special purpose gear depending on type and remoteness of adventureDesert - solar still equipment, tarpWinter - layers, gloves, balaclava, sleeping bagMarine - flares, life jackets, tools, waterClimbing - climbing equipment, rope, specialized footwear, helmetEach item should have multiple uses.It must be waterproof.Know how to use everything.Test everything.Add special purpose gear depending on type and remoteness of adventureMB-5OB-J1

CrashWHAT WOULD YOU DO?2 Jackets Canteen Matches Map & compass 2 Boxes of pop tarts First aid kit Plastic tarp Knife 50 feet nylon rope .22 caliber pistol 2 cans of beans Signal flares Walkie-talkie Comic books AM/FM radio You and a friend are in a small plane going to a July Fourth celebration near Denver, CO. Your plane has electrical problems. The radio stops working before you can get out a distress message. You manage to land safely. Below is a list of gear on the plane. Your task is to rank order them in terms of their importance. Place the number 1 by the most important item, the number 2 by the second most important, and so on, through 15, the least important.

7 Survival PrioritiesMB-2OB-BSTOP – don’t make the situation worse! Stop , think , observe , plan First aid – take care of serious problemsShelter – protection from heat, cold, rain,…Fire – warmth, security, signaling, …Signaling – mark X, signal in 3’s, change terrainDon't yell, it doesn't carry far and is tiringUse a whistle Smoke, flag/bandana, mirror, flashlight, …Draw / make an arrow or sign on the groundWater – you survive only a short time without itBoil – 5-10 minutes5 drops chlorine per quart (double if water is cloudy) - let set for 10-30 minutes 5 drops iodine per quart (double if water is cloudy) - let set for 30 minutes (don’t worry about) food – you can survive weeks without itAll healthy mammals, birds, insects are edible Anything seen eaten by rabbits, rodents, beavers, squirrels, raccoons. Not things eaten by birds No plants with soapy, bitter, acid, burning taste No plants with milky saps, or sickly looking; cook Imperative: Positive Mental Attitude:Decide to surviveAnticipate panicControl peripheral dangerBe deliberate Keep doing

Survival Priorities CLASSROOM SURVIVAL - POP QUIZ...True or False: Survival is a democratic process – everyone has a vote?FALSE!A survival situation is a life-threatening! Pick a leader: Clear thinking, determined, most experienced

The imperative: keep a positive mental attitudeMB-xOB-xFear/panic - natural reaction to being lost is fear and panic – acknowledge and control the feelings; relax. Think about your situation. Is it dangerous or life threatening? What's the possibility of getting out on your own (be honest)? Where is help located? How far is it? Are there barriers (rivers, ravines, cliffs)? How long before someone misses you and starts searching? Can you sustain yourself until help arrives? When in doubt, STAY PUT. Assess - determine what you need, improvise the best you can in a way that takes the least amount of time, energy, and resources. Keep busy (you'll be less miserable), make improvements (better shelter, backrest or chair, woven fiber sleeping bag, trap, tools). Live moment to moment - survive this moment, enjoy your success, then prepare for the next moment. Prioritize - what do you need the most first aid, shelter, fire, signal, water? Consider how long it might take to build a shelter or fire. Be curious, explore nearby. Observe your surroundings - look for high places where you could be seen; natural resources for protection from weather, shelter or fire; water. Don't ever give up. Develop survivor pride. Conserve energy, strength, fluids, and heat. Move as little as possible; avoid exercise, work, shivering and sweating.Use your head, not your feet. Your enemies are: cold, heat, thirst, hunger, tired, sick, hurt, boredom, and loneliness. Any one of these can make you think irrationally and make bad decisions. Your advantages are: knowledge, experience, improvising, adapting, staying calm, optimistic attitude, patience.

1. S. T. O. P.: stop, think, observe, and planStopHug a tree / relaxSeek safety (from weather, water, animals)Seek shelter (from cold, rain, heat)Seek visibility (so you can see and be seen). Drink some water and eat a snack. Stay put if you are lost! A stationary person is easier to find than a moving one. ThinkYou have a good mind; start using it!What went wrong?How can I help myself?Are there any immediate dangers?Can I help others find me?Don't make quick decisions.Don’t go anywhere, yet! Observe Am I hurt?What equipment do I have that may help me? What's the weather going to do? What natural resources are available? What other hazards are around me? How much time do I have? PlanAssess conditions, people, gear, location. Develop a new plan based on your observations. Analyze risks vs. benefits of changing the original plan. MB-2OB-B

Trauma Injuries – broken bones, sprainsImmobilize the injury, treat for shock, prepare to move the victimBleeding - weakness, shockApply pressure, elevate cut above your heart, cleanse wound and cover Dehydration - poor judgment, fatigueDrink fluids, stay in the shade Hypothermia - fatigue, shivering, uncoordinated, blue skin, poor thinkingStay out of wind and rain, stay dry, don't sit on the ground/rock sit on leaves, avoid sweating, eat and drink Heat Exhaustion – fatigue, nausea, head ache, impaired judgmentCool down, drink water, rest during heat – move during cool, shelter, breeze 2. First aid, treat the conditions you findMB-1OB-D

Look for natural cover - beneath the bottom branches of a tree or a rock overhang. Protect yourself from wind, rain, sun, dead limbs, and rock falls. Not in a low spot where water puddles. Not next to water where there's a chance of flooding. Away from fire hazards - you will have a fire nearby. Away from ants, animal dens, poisonous plants, and sharp rocks. Next to a clearing so more easily seen from the air; on north side in winter or rainy conditions for more sun; on south side in summer for protection from sun. Plenty of resources nearby - building materials (frame work, insulation, roofing), water, plants, and animals. Make use of what nature gives you - caves, logs, and rocks. 3. Shelter: a good shelter in a bad location = bad shelter. MB-8OB-K1

4. Fire: helps maintain a positive mental attitude, keeps you in one place, provides warmth, smoke for signaling, and heat for purifying water, cooking and making tools.MB-6OB-F1Choose a location that is dry and out of the wind. Dig a shallow pit or dish to protect it from the wind. Pit should be at least 6 feet to the east of the shelter. Clear an area at least 4 feet around the pit. Build a rock wall about 2 feet high in a "C" shape on east side of pit to reflect heat back toward shelter.Collect enough fuel to last the night. Keep fires small so you can keep them under control. Heat dry rocks in a fire for boiling water and cooking food. Bury large, hot rocks 6 inches under ground inside shelter to keep it warmer.

You have finished gutting a fine looking buck, but you realize that it is almost dark and you decide it will be too dangerous to drag the deer out in the dark. Using your time wisely, you collect a big pile of fire wood, which is damp from the rain. You have made a fire lay, when you realize that you only have one match, so it will have to count! Digging though your pockets, you find: CandleSome stringPocket lint3 Corn chipsA Dry paper napkinWhich do you light first?One matchWHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Three in a row is distress signal – three fires, three piles of rock, three circles in field, three X’s, …Make your fire smoke, build it larger and add green or wet leaves. Whistling carries further and takes less energy than shouting.Change terrain features – nature doesn’t have right angles or straight linesScratch out a message in sand, dirt, grass, etc.Signal mirrors reflect sunlight for milesMake contrasting colors, shapes, etc.Be creative, use as many ways as possible.#5 - SignalingMB-7OB-C1

6. WaterClean/Safe Sources Rain before it hits the ground - collect in a plastic sheet. Dew - collect with a cloth early in the morning Solar StillOther sources need to be treated with iodine, chlorine, a filter or boiled to kill bacteria:Water flows downhill, so look for it in low areas. Polluted water can cause severe diarrhea and nausea; both can be deadly in the wilderness. Don't take chances; there may be a dead animal or chemicals from farms upstream. Best sources are fast moving, clear streams with healthy plants and animals in and around. Ponds and lakes are more polluted; look for the stream that feeds it. Filter with cloth or sand. Boil for 5-10 minutesThe colder and cloudier the water is the more time and iodine or chlorine must be allowed to work. When using chlorine (bleach), make sure the only ingredient is hypochlorite and there are no other soaps or scents added. Add 5 drops per quart, shake well and let it sit for 10-30 minutes. If there isn't a faint odor of chlorine, repeat. If only polluted or salty water is available, boil it and catch the steam with a piece of plastic or aluminum foil or cloth. MB-10OB-C2

WARNING: Do not eat ANY plant or animal unless you are absolutely positive what it is. Go with an expert into the field and learn to identify edible as well as poisonous plants. Many poisonous plants look similar to edible plants. Learn how to prepare and cook them. It can take more energy to get food than you will gain from it. Seek only easily acquired food. Eat small amounts to avoid an upset stomach. Diarrhea or vomiting will leave you worse off. Grass - no grass is poisonous, but don't eat too much (especially mature stems) as it is hard to digest. Choose tender young shoots; cooking for several minutes will help. Brown or green grass seeds should be toasted. Do not eat purple or black seeds; they contain a poisonous fungus. Cattail - young shoots, roots; seed (tinder), leaves (insulation, weaving) Acorns - boil in several changes of water to remove bitter taste. Pine needles - finely chop needles and boil to make a tea. Dandelion, Sunflower, Grass Seeds Insects - remove stingers, legs, hard shells, and wings. Look for them in moist shady areas like in rotting logs and under bark and leaves. 7. (Don’t worry about) FoodMB-12OB-I1

In seconds from lack of thinking (panic)In minutes from lack of oxygenIn hours from lack of shelter In days from lack of waterIn weeks from lack of foodInjury/death can occur ...

Survival PrioritiesA Deeper Look

Survival Priorities – RecapMB-2CLASSROOM SURVIVAL - POP QUIZ...OB-BThe Survival Imperative: Positive Mental AttitudeSurvival priorities:S.T.O.P.First AidShelterFireSignalingWaterFood

Some stress is helpfulToo Much Stress Causes:Difficulty Making DecisionsForgetfulnessLow Energy LevelPropensity for MistakesThoughts of SuicideDifficulty Getting Along With OthersHiding From ResponsibilitiesStress Enhancers:Injury, Illness, or DeathUncertainty or Lack of ControlEnvironmentHunger/ThirstIsolationMB-xOB-xGoal to survival is toReduce stress enhancers

First AidA few winter, summer, and marine-specific issues that may arise in survival situations.

* Yosemite National Park experiences the highest call-volume for technical rescues of any National Park Service area. YOSAR averages 200 calls per year. For 2,328 rescues, YOSAR's statistics show:50% trauma emergencies, 24% medical, 15% searches for missing people, 11% assists of uninjured lost or stranded people. Most common trauma injuries: 49% were fractures / sprains. The top 3 medical injuries:Hypothermia/frostbite (14%), Fatigue/dizziness (12%), Dehydration/hunger (12%). First Aid Yosemite Search And Rescue perspective*

Body’s core temperature has dropped to 95F; body can not functionSymptoms: slurred speech, irritability, clumsiness, uncontrolled shivering, sleepiness. Shivering stops at 91 F (severe) cases, unconsciousnessTreatment: shelter, re-warm, warm/sweet liquids internally or externally (armpit/groin), get into 2 sleeping bags, share body heatHypothermia can occur in any season, and at higher altitudes.MB-1OB-D1

Body needs water for digestion, respiration, brain activity, and regulation of body temperaturePrevention: conserve energy, avoid sweating, pace yourself:Rationing water will not help. Dehydration is an exacerbating condition in 80% of all illness in extreme hot and extreme cold weatherSymptoms: dark yellow urine, fatigue, headache, body aches, confusionAll Seasons - DehydrationMB-1OB-E1

Frozen flesh, extremities are most at riskSymptoms: first painful, then numb, grayish/white skin, blisters may appearTreatment: warm affected area and keep warm, exercise injured areas to keep blood flow. Prevent re-freezing injured areaIt is possible to walk on frozen feet, but you will not be able to travel once they are warmedWinter - frostbiteMB-1OB-D2

Prevention: Never fall asleep in enclosed area with fire or stove/lamp burningSymptoms: headache, drowsiness, nausea, cherry/red coloring of lips, mouth, eyelidsTreatment: get into fresh air, proper ventilation of enclosed areasCarbon monoxide is primarily a winter emergencyMB-xOB-x

C keep clothing CleanO avoid OverheatingL wear clothes Loose and in LayersD keep clothing DryThink C.O.L.D. to stay warm.MB-xOB-x

Cover extremitiesLose 40% of body heat from unprotected headMore from neck, wrist, anklesGone with the windWind draws heat away from bodyProtective layers/windbreakersInsulate from the groundUse natural insulation to keep ground from absorbing body heat Winter - preventive measuresMB-xOB-x

Continual sweating in hot weather causes loss of water and electrolytesSymptoms: Often non-specific; headache, fatigue, weakness, nausea, dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps, pale/clammy skin, temperature normal to moderately raised up to 105FTreatment: lie in cool shady place on back with feet raised, loosen tight clothes, cool with wet cloths, drink water and salty fluids (soup/bouillon) or salty snacksSummer - heat exhaustionMB-1OB-D4

Body’s cooling system stops functioning, body temperature rises to unsafe levels (105+ degrees)Symptoms: red/hot skin, rapid pulse, noisy breathing, confusion, vomiting. May be sweating or dry.Treatment: Take immediate action – Death in 30 minutesRemove from source of heat - shady placeRemove excess clothesSprinkle with water, apply wet cloths Consider placing in stream/cool waterEvacuate to definitive medical care - HospitalContinue to monitor temperature – watch for relapses during EVACSummer - heat stroke is a life threatening emergency!MB-1OB-D6

Animal hazards CLASSROOM SURVIVAL - POP QUIZ...The deadliest animal in North America is? Grizzly (brown) bear Black bear Cougar Mosquito Coyote Brown recluse spider Rattle snake Wasps/hornetsTHE ONE IN THE MIRROR

SheltersMB-8OB-K3Protection from the elementsHeatColdRainWindSunAnimals/insects (limited)Natural sheltersCavesFallen treesHeavy-limbed evergreensRock outcroppingsOther sheltersLean-toPonchos/emergency blanketsSnow shelters - caves, igloosGarbage bagThings to considerCheck natural shelters for signs of animals, snakes.

Don’t place food in shelters

Don’t build a fire in your shelter, unless it’s very well ventilated

Be sure to put signals or signs out as shelters are difficult to seeGimme shelter*MB-8OB-K3* Rolling Stones

Fire StartingMatches / butane lighterFlint & steelMetal match or “fire striker” and magnesium barMagnifying glass / fresnel lensBottom of a coke canIce lensCamera lens, binoculars, etc.9 volt battery spark…and “0000” steel woolFire plowBow and drillHand drillFire drillFire bow Fire pistonGlycerin and potassium permanganate (old-fashioned 1st aid kit items)Brake fluid and bleachAn ember from last night’s fire!Borrow a light from a smokerMB-6OB-F2How many ways have you started a fire?This is a great activity to practice on any trip!

This lens is too small!Fire StartingMB-6OB-F2

Tinder - dry material that ignites easilyCotton char cloth wax paperDryer lint dried grassesCat tail fuzz cotton ball w/VaselineTinder fungus from birch treesInner bark shredded from birch or cedarInsect repellent is flammable Kindling - material that can be added to burning tinder Small sticksPine conesPine tree nodulesFuel - burns slowly and steadily once ignitedFire starting requires tinder, kindling and fuelMB-6OB-F2

Collect 3x morewood than you need.You will need it!!!!Build a dry foundation for wet ground or deep snow. Place tinder on a dry surface, a split log!Don’t build fire in dry creek bed or rain run-off point.Consider wind direction. Consider visibility of fire/smoke - attract searchers.Create a fire ring (especially in windy/dry conditions.)Enclosed ring or a trench uses less wood!Don’t burn down the forest.Fire building considerationsMB-6OB-F1

“Three equal spaced” means: “need help” Whistle blasts, gun shots, banging potsFire and/or smokeFire at nightSmoke during the day MirrorOther signals:Ground to air signalsFlags: “use that orange tube tent!”Markers: logs, drawings Straight lines90 degree anglesSignaling, rule of “3”MB-7AOB-C1

Becomes essential within one day during survival 15% or more loss of body weight from fluids can be fatalMinor loss reduces energy, thinking skills, attitudeNeed 3-4 quarts per day per person:Cannot “condition” body to use less waterMore in hot or humid conditionsMore during heavy activity (backpacking)More in extreme cold conditionsEating increases water requirementsDo not eat in the desert/open sea unless you have adequate waterProtein and fatty foods require more water to digestWater ProcurementMBOB-E2

Water ProcurementWhere to obtainLakes, streams Trickles from cliffs / overhangsSolar stillsCondensation/dewPuddlesSap from maple or edible succulent plantsWhere NOT to obtainDon’t eat snow - burns energy, loses body heatDon’t drink urine Body needs fluids to rid itself of waste;Urine is high waste, salt Don’t suck plants that are not edibleCactus pulp - be careful of sickness/vomitingDon’t drink sea waterMBOB-E2

Water TreatmentBoilingRequires fire/fuel (5-10 minute boil)Iodine tabs/Polar Pure Temperature dependent, 30+ min Does not kill all pathogensLimited shelf life / tastes badDo not use if:allergic to shellfishtake Lithiumthyroid problemsPregnantsmall childrenwomen over 50liver or kidney diseaseBleach5 drops per quart and shake 10-30 min waitLimited shelf lifePumps/filtersCan clog/break – bring spare partsTripod “filters”Remove sediment and improve flavor, DO NOT remove dangerous bacteria / toxins!Better to drink impure water than to dehydrateMB-10OB-E2

(Don’t worry about) FoodEat primarily to maintain a positive attitude.

Smaller animals are easier to kill and prepareOvercome personal bias against foodsEating bugs, wild animals like raccoons, skunks, road killAnimals can attack and inflict injury Reptiles are generally edibleDon’t eat box turtles, due to their diet of mushrooms Amphibians are generally edibleDon’t eat frogs with bright colors or a visible X on backDon’t eat or handle toadsCook freshwater fish to kill parasitesMost flying, crawling, walking or swimming animals can be eatenMBOB-I1

Milky or discolored sap. Beans, bulbs, or seeds inside pods. Bitter or soapy taste. Spines, fine hairs, or thorns. Dill, carrot, parsnip, or parsley-like foliage. "Almond" scent in woody parts and leaves. Grain heads with pink, purplish, or black spurs. Three-leaved growth pattern. Red fruitMany commercial fruits and vegetables violate the general rules for identifying poisonous wild plants!Stay away from unknown plantsMB-12OB-I1

No room to experimentNegligible nutritional value:You need 54 grams of protein per day1 cup of raw mushrooms = 2 gramsCan affect central nervous systemSymptoms may show up several days later:Too late to reverse effectsFor most mushrooms, there are no antidotesDo not eat mushrooms. Eating the smallest piece can result in DEATH!MB-12OB-I1

Cook it!Cook meat and plants:Kills bacteriaKills parasites, diseasesBoiling removes some toxins from plantsEasier to digestHot food improves morale.MB-xOB-x

Cold front storms come on rapidly but pass quicker than warm Violent weather is typically localized – keep your eyes to skyMonitor temperature, humidity, and barometric pressureHigh humidity with falling temperature = dew point = rain, fogRising barometer – stable weather comingFalling barometer – variable weather comingFalling barometer with rising humidity – violent stormWeather ForecastingMBOB-G

Lightning can strike from a cloud several miles away.Lightning storms can approach with extreme speed. If metal objects begin to make a buzzing sound or your hair stands on end, immediately descend.Stay away from isolated trees.Squat down with your feet close together.Avoid overhangs, caves, ridges, and summits.Spread out if with others.Have a lightning plan, and make sure everyone understands itMB-xOB-x

Compass/GPSRemember sun rises in east, sets in westShadow stick method Watch method Align hour with shadow from sunHalfway to 12 is south North starMoonSide lit is east before midnight; west after midnightMoss thicker on north side of treesSnow melts more on the south sideNavigationMBOBXX

Ws 11 01 09

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