E SEITIIL SIIUS FIR 1111111 ADIEmRE
LONDON, NEW YORK, MUNICH, MELBOURNE. DELHI Senill' Elltors NICky Mt.llrO, Rchard Gilbert
8
Introduction
Senill' Art Ecltors Michael Duffy, Gillan An:lrews Editors Boo Bridle, Ch-is Hawkes. Philip Ma-gan, Gill Pitts. Clare Weber US Ecltor ChuCk WillS Oesi!J!ers Sarah·Anne Arrold, Katie Eke, Br1an Flynn Phil Gamble, Sharm Spencer
1
BEFORE YOU GO
Lead Illustrator Mike Garland Assisting Illustrators Darren Awuat\ Phil Gamble, Peter Lddlard, Mark Wal<er
16
Introduction: Prepare yourself
18
Getting into shape
Pnlduclioo Editor Tony Phpps
20
Mental preparation
22
Planning your journey
Pnlductioo Controller Norma Wer
Mana!jng Editor Stephanie Farrow Ma naging Art Ecltor Lee Gr tfiths Art Director Bryn Walls
Pubtisher Jonathan Metcalf
First Arnercan Edtton, � Published 1n the United States by DK Publ1sh1rg, 375 Hudson Street New Ya-k. New York 10014
24
Emergency plan of action
26
Introduction: Know your environment
28
Temperate environments
30
Tropical environments
32
Mountain environments
0010 1112 1 0 9 8 76 5 43 21
34
Desert environments
SD308-APrll. 09
36
Cold environments
38
Marine environments
40
Introduction: Get the right gear
42
Choosing your kit
44
Choosing a backpack
46
Dressing for the outdoors
Co11Jiright ® 2000 Dorllrg Kindersley lmlted All r 1grts reserwd Without 1imtt1ng the rights under C011Jirlght reserwd above, ro part of this publ1cat1011 may be reproduced, sta-ed n or l!'llroduced nto a retrieval system, or transmitted, 111 a� fa-m, a- by a� means (electroruc, mechanical, prot.oco(:l)'l11g, recordll'liJ. a- otherwise), without the pror written permiSSion of both the copyr1ght owner and the above publisher of this bOOk, Published 111 Great Brttal'l by Dorllng Kindersley Umtted. A catabg record fa- thiS book IS available from the Library of Congress lSBN
978.07566-4279·2
DK books are available at spec1al diSCourlts when purchased 111 bul< fa sales promotions. premiums, fund·raiSIIlg, a- educational use. For details. contact DK Publishing Spec1al Markets. 375 Hudsrn Street. New York, New York 10014 a-
[email protected]. Pr ll'lted and bound 111 Hong Kong by Hurg Hng DIScover more at www.dk.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE Some of the techniques desribed in this book should be used only in dire emergencies, when the survival of individuals depends upon them. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any injuries, damage, loss or prosecutions resulting from the use or misuse of the information in this book. Do not practice these techniques on private land without the owner's permission, and obey all laws relating to the protection of land. property, plants, and animals.
50
Extreme survival-in the wilderness
52
Sleeping systems
56
Eating on the trail
58
Camping stoves
60
Your survival kit
2 64
ON THE TRAIL
3
CAMP CRAFT
Introduction: Find your way
112
66
Maps and map-reading
114
Organizing your site
68
Get your bearings
116
Staying clean
Introduction: Camp essentials
72
Route finding
118
Making fire
74
Navigating without a compass
120
T he elements of fire
76
Natural navigation
122
Char cloth and fire can
78
How weather works
124
Types of fire
80
Weather phenomena
126
Making sparks and flames
82
Understanding local weather
128
Extreme survival-in the desert
84
Introduction: Make a move
130
Fire by friction
86
Traveling on foot
134
Introduction: Manual skills
88
Crossing rivers
136
Man-made cordage
90
Scrambling and climbing
138
Natural cordage
92
Extreme survival-in the mountains
142
Tying knots
94
Moving over snow
146
Using cutting tools
98
Using pack animals
100
Four-wheel driving
104
Kayaking and canoeing
106
Building a raft
108
Swimming
Introduction: Taking shelter
5
184
Introduction: Find and treat water
156
Hollows and caves
186
T he importance of water
158
Use-anywhere shelters
188
Finding water: Temperate climates
4 154
TAKING SHELTER
WATER AND FOOD
162
Forest shelters
192
Finding water: Hot climates
166
Tropical shelters
194
Finding water: Cold climates
172
Extreme survival-in the jungle
196
Finding water: At sea
174
Desert shelters
198
Carrying and storing water
176
Shoreline shelters
200 Treating water
178
Snow shelters
202
Introduction: Find and prepare food
204
Wild cooking
206
Edible plants
208 Catching fish 212
Preparing fish
214
Extreme survival-adrift at sea
216
Trapping animals
220
Preparing small mammals
222
Preparing large mammals
224
Preparing other animals
226
Catching birds
228
Preparing birds
6 232
Introduction: In an emergency
Wild food
234
Assessing your situation
280 Temperate plants
IN AN EMERGENCY
APPENDIX
236
Attracting rescuers
282
242
Wild animals
284 Tropical plants
244
Extreme survival-in cold conditions
286 Plants in cold climates
246
Environmental hazards
288 Coastal plants
250
Surviving at sea
1 258
FIRST AID Introduction: First aid
260 First aid essentials 262
Flesh wounds
266
Bites and stings
268
Poisonous plants and intestinal parasites
290
Desert plants
Mammals
292
Birds
294
Amphibians and reptiles
296
Fish
298
Invertebrates
Natural Dangers
300
Wild animals
302
Insects and arachnids
304
Poisonous plants
Resources
270
Bones, joints, and muscles
272
Treating exposure
306
274
Treating shock
308 Glossary
275
Breathing difficulties
312
Index
276
Unconsciousness
319
About the author
278
Moving a casualty
319
Acknowledgements
HAVING TAUGHT SU RVIVAL SI denotes "more than". AGE RATING MEN
I
20-29
30-39
40-49
Lower bock:
Good
91
strengthening your lower back muscles improves core strength, and your ability to carry heavy loads
,_
__
WOMEN Good
100
MEN Good
107
WOMEN
> 116
Coifmuscles: lower-leg strength helps on rocky terrain
Legs: improved leg strength is a huge benefit when you're on the trail
Balance: sure-footed ness and confidence are useful qualities on rocky
GETTING INTO S H A P E
FIT FOR THE CHALLENGE
GO FOR A CHECK-UP
Survival fitness is not about trying to run the 100 meters in 10 seconds; it's about stamina and endurance, and about knowing your physical limitations and being able to work with them. It is also about understanding that you may have to push yourself beyond your limits and that having a positive mental attitude is paramount to survival-the mind will often give up long before the body has reached its limit. Bear in mind that every task in a survival situation will sap your energy.
It's a sad fact that the majority of us don't have regular medical check-ups. Many people work on the principle that you only need to see a doctor or dentist if something is wrong. However, you should always make sure that you start any adventure or wilderness trek in top condition. Therefore, before you set out, pay a visit to your doctor and dentist and make sure that your body and teeth are in good condition.
fEXERCISING REGULARLY
VISIT THE DENTIST
Any effective training schedule must include at least three 45-minute sessions per week, with exercises that raise the heartbeat to more than 120 beats per minute.
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STARTING A FITNESS PROGRAM To spend t1me in the wilderness with a pack on your back requires a combination of strength and aerobic f1tness. Trai ning in the gym before you set off will strengthen your heart, lungs, and leg m uscles, and will mcrease your stamina levels when you are out on the trail.
• Seek expert instruction and guidance wherever possible. • Start gradually and then build u p your routine progressively. • Never try to work through injuries-rest and seek medical adv1ce. • Devise a relevant fitness program; there are
many websites and organizations that provide
you with detailed fitness programs for various levels of specific act1v1ties, from trammg for a trek through the j u n g l e to mountain-biking along the Appalachian Trail.
• D u p licating 1 n tra i n i n g what you'd like to be
able to achieve on the trail will allow you to
build up reference points about how your body works, and how it copes 1n different situations. The more you know about how you perform, the better equipped you'll be on the trail.
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• Let the doctor know of any ailments that have been a concern • Tell the doctor where you are going and enquire about relevant
to you during the course of the previous year.
1noculat1ons or medication that you should be taking with you.
• Have any problems with your teeth dealt with before you go. Any minor
dental problem will almost certainly turn mto full-b lown toothache when you least want 1t to.
USEFUL EXERCISES If you already get regular exercise, you'll find yourself far more comfortable in a survival situation than your more sedentary counterparts. Any pre-expedition training regime should include plenty of stretching, aerobic exercise, and weight-training.
STRETCHING YOUR UPPER BODY AND BACK Regularly stretching your arms, neck, chest, and shoulders will help your body to maintain a strong core. This will be of great use when it comes to activities such as rock c l i m b i n g or using trekking poles. Undergoing a regular back-stretching routine will loosen the back muscles, making them more flexible and less susceptible to injury, and will i n crease both the back's range of motion and its endurance.
STRETCHING YOUR LEGS Because your leg muscles bear the brunt of the work, leg stiffness is a common complaint at the end of a long day on the trail. Stretching your legs will i m p rove your flexibil ity, Increase blood circulation, and relax your muscles. Concentrate on your calves, quads, and hamstrings.
AEROBIC EXERCISES Also called cardiovascular fitness, aerobic fitness refers to the abil ity of your heart, blood vessels, and lungs to supply oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body dunng sustained physical activity. Regular aerobic exercise-such as swimming, jogging, or cycling-will reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease or high blood pressure, will help you to manage your we1ght and increase your stamina levels, and will make your heart stronger and more efficient, thus i m p roving blood flow around your body.
f"WARMING UP AND COOLING DOWN " Time spent warming up and cooling down after exercise will help to improve your endurance levels and will also accelerate the recovery process. Get into the habit of starting and ending your session with a five-minute jog.
VISIT THE DOCTOR
WEIGHT-TRAINING Increased muscle strength w i l l enhance your a b i l i ty to perform everyday tasks such as lifting, carrying, and walking. A regular weig ht-tra i n i n g program w i l l 1 m prove your posture, b u i l d m u s c l e density around the joints and bones, i m p rove your sense of balance, help your stress management a b i l ities, a1d sleep, and reduce the chances of you sustaining an i n j u ry. I n addition, research has shown that a
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regular resistance-tra i n i n g program can 1m prove your metabolic rate by up to 15 percent, which will help you shed any unwanted weight at a faster rate.
19
20
BEFORE YOU GO _ P R E P A R E YOURSELF
MENTAL PREPARATION
INDIVIDUAL REACTIO N S TO DISA STER
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER you're backpacking through
People react to survival situations in different ways, although you can expect to find some common emotional reactions in victims who are experiencing, or have survived, a disaster situation. You may experience one or more of them during or after any survival experience or trauma.
a remote area, or on a day hike in fam iliar territory, a situation may arise that changes your circumstances for the worse. Very qu ickly you move into the unknown, which causes tremendous psychological and emotional stress, known as "psychogenic shock." U nderstand ing this will help you to deal with it better and reduce its impact.
YOU R RESPONSE TO DISA STER SITUATIONS Your psychological response to a survival situation is crucial. Statistics show that 95 percent of people who die with psychological trauma die within the first three days. Losing the will to survive-or suffering psychological disorders that prevent you from coping with the physical conditions-is your main concern. If you break down psychologically, your chances of overcoming a situation will be compromised.
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROG RESSION It's useful to examine how people are likely to react in a survival situation. Using this knowledge, it's possible to prepare mentally for such eventualities and, in so doing, lessen the impact if the worst should happen to you when out on the trail. Normal psychological reactions to disaster tend to occur in a set pattern of four stages: the pre impact period, the impact period, the recoil period, and the post-trauma period (see right). Contrary to popular belief, people don't normally panic, although it can be contagious if someone does. HUNGER
AGGRAVATING FAC TORS Reactions to disaster can result from a direct blow to the psychological system, such as extreme shock, but they can also be brought on, or aggravated by, other factors. As with all psychological problems, knowing what these aggravating factors are, and attempting to avoid them-or at least recognizing what they might lead to-will maximize your chances of preventing or overcoming the problem. The most common aggravating factors are: hunger, thirst, fatigue, seasickness, and hypothermia.
In itially. hunger is not a problem. but a long·term lack of food will cause psychological changes to occur. Symptoms 1nclude: Apathy Irritability Depression Lack of concentration
COPING STRATEGIES
TRAINING
There are many things you can do to prepare yourself psychologically for a survival situation-such as learning about what you should expect if the worst were to happen-and to cope better if you find yourself in one. As with all survival skills, prior knowledge is power, and will help you to deal with a survival situation far more successfully. The main areas to think about are: training, motivation, attachment, hope, acceptance, and helping others. Developing coping strategies is an important technique for survival.
THIRST Thirst is a serious problem, especially for survivors at sea or in the desert, and its effects are more acute than hunger. Agitation is commonplace; other symptoms include: Irrational behavior (see box. nght) Delusions Visual hallucinations
• •
•
• •
• •
People who are properly prepared, who know their environment and how to use their equipment. and have an understanding of what to expect in a survival Situation, will be far more effective 1f they find themselves in one. Adequate training and practice using your equipment will help you to funct1on effective � at an automatic level. Pnor knowledge is key to your survival.
r
MOTIVATION Often knoon as "the will to survive:· motivation mvolves a refusal to accept death, and to hang on to the belief that you were not meant to die under these conditions. It involves overcoming the emotional and physical discomforts of extreme conditions. Linked to motivation IS the ability to establish goals, work out the steps to those goals, and to follow those steps through.
MENTAL PREPARATION
PANIC
HYPERACTIVITY
GUILT
Panic arises fro m the fear of what might happen rather than what has happened. It tends to occur when people are trapped, or ifthere is a time limit to their escape.
Hyperactive victims are easily distracted, and are full of chatter; ideas, and often unhelpful suggestions. Sufferers can reach this stage after a state of depression.
Some sufferers feel.,9uilty for surviving, and for not having d0ne enou-gh for others-and some irrationally blame themselves for brin@ing aboutthe incident.
DEPRESSION
ANGER
SUICIDE
Depressed people will sit among chaos and debris vacantly gazing and not replying to questions. They're unaware of thei·r situation and unable to help themselves, so risl< further injury.
.Aggression, anger, and hostility are common reactiOns to trauma. They're often irrati onal and may even be directed at the rescuers or medical staff trying to help them.
Disaster victims have been known to commit suicide immediately after being rescuea, in some cases when they're already safe In the hospital. Victims should be closely monitored.
Pre-impact period
Impact Period
Recoil period
Post-trauma period
The "pre-impact' period is divided into tW1l stages
This is the life-threatening stage Statistically, individuals l:lehave in one of three ways
This follows on directly from the impact period; for example, victims may have escaped a sinkmg ship and are in the liferafts It can last for up to three days, but generally lasts for around three hour,; In most cases, it is characterized by a gradual return to normal reasoning abilities, aWlreness, and emotional expression
If the recoil period is not fully successful, indi\licluals may de.relop psychiatric disot1Jer,; The full impact of the incident becomes apparent and a range of emotionr-guilt depression, anxiet� aimlessness, and a feeling of bereavement-may develop. These are often referred to as PostTraumatic stress Disorders (PTSD)
•
•
Threat danger ex1sts but, though obvious to those who recognize it, those who will not accept it respond with deni31 and under-activity. Warning threat of danger is now apparent to all; response is now like� to be over-activity
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•
•
•
ATTACHMENT One of the strongest motivating forces for survival is the desire to be reunited with principal figures of attachment in your life These may include • Husbands • • • • •
Wives Partners Children Grandchildren Close friends
Up to 75 percent of people are stunned, bewildere d, and unable to react rationally
10-25 percent exhibit extreme behavior, such as screaming.
FATIGUE In many cases, physical exhaustion is present from the OJJtsetAt other times, it may result from sleep deprivation and the physical hardship endured overtime. Most survivors agree that fatigue overwhelms them, but when they want to sleep they can't-they have a n i nability to relax. Fatigue causes a deterioration in mental and physical performance, followed by a psychological and physical debility..
10-20 percent of people are calm and retain full awareness.
)
SEASICKNESS Seasickness often brings about an overwhelming desire to curl up and die, which in survival situations can easily become a reality It's important not to give in to this urge Fight seasick nels with the following m�thods •l(eep a fixed point such as the horizon in sight. Take small sips of water (not salt water) if you have sufficient supplies-but ration them i f you're in a li'fe or death situation.
•
HOPE To hope means to entertain ideas that a distressing situation will improve and get better In any survival situation it's important to cling onto hope, despite information or perceptions to the contrary Thinking positively will help to ward off psychological trauma. It's often easier to be optimistic in a group sitU1tion than it is if you're-on your own, as people can Support each other.
HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia (see p 273) produces both physical and psychological ef fects-the psychological cons.eq uences occur early in the condition, and cause: •
Loss of concentration
•
Loss of memory
•
Motor impairment
•
Faulty decision-making
•
Irratioml behavior
ACCEPTANCE An inability to accept on.e's situation or condition leads to frustration, anger, and irrational behavior,and it's important ta avoid these feelings in a survival situation. The ability to accept the situation doesn't equate to giving in to jt-far from it Those who have this ability, and lmow when to be active and when to be passive often have a better chance of long-term survival.
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"iRRATIONAL
"
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BEHAVIOR Irrational behavior can take many'fumJS . Examples include the earthquake victims whowere found collecting flowers instead of helping '!lie injured, and famous�, the band of the Titanei , who played while the sbip sank rather than trying to save -themselves.
HELPING OTHERS First, monitor your own condition and check that you're really up to the taslc Determine who is genuinely disturbed rather than showing ''normal" reactions. Psychological first aid is only required for those who are failing to recover Sim pie words of comfort and interest will mal<e the majority whoare numbed more responsive. Those who are disturbed should be monitored closely Avoid giving sedatives.
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BEFORE YOU GO _ P R E P A R E YOURSELF
PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY WHETHER YOUR TRIP involves a day out with your backpack, or a full expedition over weeks, crossing continents in four-wheel drive vehicles, you need to plan it very carefully. The plan for your day out won't be as detailed as it would be for the longer expedition, but it's equally important. It's a good idea to have a basic planning outline for your most regular trips, to which you can add supplementary information as your trips become more involved.
MINIMIZING THE "IF ONLY" There's no way that you can plan for every eventual ity-there are just too many variables-but what you can do is look at the type of trip you intend to take, and ensure that if a situation arises you're not left wishing you'd done something differently. The time to minimize the chances of an "if only" situation is during the planning stage. Look at the potential problems and risks, plan to avoid them, and equip yourself with the knowledge and/or equipment to deal with them if they arise.
THE SIX P'S Remember the six p's: Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Research has shown that the longer and more complicated the trip is, the less likely there is to be a major "survival" situation. This type of trip is likely to be well organized, and potential problems will have been considered. This means that they can either be avoided, or that there will be mechanisms in place to deal with them. In many ways, simply having a good understanding of how to deal with a situation, and being able to interpret the basic principles of survival, can prevent a minor problem from escalating into a disaster. In a survival situation, it may be your knowledge, combined with your ability to improvise, that determines whether you become a survivor or a statistic.
the most i m portant thmgs-known as the "show-stoppers." These are generally the things that would actually stop the trip from
The social customs of a country are not the same all over the world Many cultural differences stem from ancient cu�ural or reigious pasts, and are taken extremely seriously. While ignoring or breaking some customs may lead only to embarrassment, breaking others can resu � in a penalty, punishment, or even inprisonment. Cultural differences may require females in your group to dress so that they don't show bare arms or legs, or they may dictate which hand you use to greet someone politely. Atways research a countrys customs thoroughly when planning your trip
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SHOW-STOPPERS
• • • •
• • • •
• •
•
• • •
ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES When planning for a trip always start with
fWARNING!
• • •
happenmg i n the first place 1 f not organized
You'll need enough to cover your needs plus extra for emergencies. It must be in the correct currency for the country you are visiting. Ensure your ATM card is set up for use in that particular country. Make sure you have a secure way of stonng your money. Your passport must be valid. If you need to renew it. do so well in advance. Some countries require your passport to be valid for a number of months after your visit. Keep your passport number in several places. such as inside your survival kit. Keep your passpcrt safe. and 1n a waterproof container. such as a Ziploc bag. Research the regulations regarding visas relevant to the countries you're trave ling to. Find out how to apply, how far in advance you should apply, whether or not you can apply in the country, and what other documents you need. As w1th your passport. always keep your visa safe, dry, and 1n good condition. Check the regulations for the country-many have stnct vaCCination policies. Ensure you have the vaccinations, and any boosters, within the correct timeframe. Some inoculations last only for six months, so for extended trips you might have to have more while away. This can usually be arranged through local hospitals or clinics. Make sure you have the correct tickets for your jOurney. Read the tickets and make sure they have the correct names, dates, and locations. Should you need to prove your movements, always keep your tickets 1n a safe place and never throw them away-often the return jOurney is included on the same t1cket.
i n advance. If you then work backward from the show-stoppers to 1tems that would simply
•
make the trip more comfortable, most other
•
things will fall mto place. The chart on the right lists the things that you defin itely cannot do without.
It's advisable to get insurance against your trip being cancelled. Ensure thatyour insurance will cover your medical expenses should the worst happen. You don't have to be climbing Everest-even a tw1sted or broken ankle when hill-walking could prove to be very expensive 1f you don't have adequate insurance.
PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY
YOUR TEAM If you'te embarking on a trip wtth a group, remember that team dynan ics will play an tmportant part in the success, a
otherwise. of your trip. Stressful situations-and particularly
�tvival situations-can btng out the best, or the worst. in people. When planning a long trip, it's always a good idea
to plcn several shorter trips beforehcnd, to use as rractice
sessions These will not only help you decide what equipment to take, and provide you with an opportunity to practice using
it, rut will also allow te.:m members to assess how
they wcrk together as a group. This can help you to organize
MIXED-GENDER GROUPS If the team has both male and female members,1t's tmportant
to factor thts 1nto the planmng stage You'll need to consader sleeptng and washing arrangements, who carnes what, who 1s responsible for what, and so on All thts should be planned 10 detail before you set off. It should also be noted that ta1
f.WARNING!
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Br "'" bears lllllabtt extensive w11.:lemess ar� 11 the notthem tl'ft'perate zone and are !...� most dangerous temperate
