TAKE A BREAK

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A WILDERNESS SURVIVAL SITUATION?

While there can be many wilderness survival scenarios and each scenario may present different challenges, the one I would like to discuss for this blog is that of being lost or disoriented.  This may sound odd and some people may disagree with me but the first thing to do is-

TAKE A BREAK.

That’s right!  Take a break.  Take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to just relax.  Sit in a comfortable spot and sing a song, recite a poem, watch birds, or have a snack – whatever relaxes you.  If you take just a short break this will likely diminish going into panic and just running and getting yourself lost even more.  Being relaxed will also likely help you to think more clearly when break time is over. 

Once break time is over, then you can take time to STOP.

S - STAY where you are if  possible as this will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

T- THINK calmly about your situation and options.  Evaluate and remain positive.

O- OBSERVE the weather, your surroundings, your equipment/supplies and capabilities.

P- PRIORITIZE immediate needs(shelter, medical, fire, water, signal and food) – develop a plan of action, follow your plan, remain positive. 

I’ll discuss more on these subjects in future months.  I’ll also present some fun wilderness survival items.

Remember to TAKE A BREAK and STOP.  Until next month—

Happy Adventures,

Magpie