First-Aid Part 3

To wrap up this three part blog series about first-aid we will cover a broad range of injuries and situations. You can never learn too much about first-aid.  Again, hope you never have to use these lessons, but know exactly what to do just in case. This week I will cover what do with severe bleeding and broken limbs. Along with burns, blisters, animal bits and poisoning. Even though this is my last week talking about first-aid, I will be happy to answer any further topics or questions covering first-aid.

1 Severe External Bleeding

         If you're uncomfortable around the sight of blood this is probably a situation you don’t want to get involved with (remember, know your limits). Also if the victim passes out due to the sight of blood, or absence of blood, treat for shock. When approaching a bleeding victim it’s important to contain the blood. This means weir gloves and try to keep as much blood as you can in the person you're trying to save. Know, lay the victim down slowly and elevate the gash or wound (at least above their heart). Quickly and carefully remove any foreign objects from the wound or surrounding skin. Apply pressure with a clean towel or gauze pads until bleeding stops. After the wound is stable, apply sterilized dressings. Then firmly tape the dressing against the wound. Make sure the tape is not too tight. This is only a temporary solution, and immediate help is required. Proper blood clean up is important to prevent infection diseases. Finally, have the victim drink plenty of water to justify the blood loss.

2 Broken Limbs

         Before you touch the victim with a broken limb, delegate someone to get help or call 911, then treat the wound. To treat a broken limb, first, dress any punctured wounds (Bones sticking out) with large pieces of cloth. Know put padding around the limbs and form a splint. A splint is any strong straight object (like magazines or poles). The splint is then directly tied to the broken limb to stabilize the wound and prevent further injuries. For a broken arm a sling might be needed to rest the wounded limb. You might also have to treat for severe bleeding as well.

3 Burns

         There are three levels of burns: first, second, and third degree burns. First degree burns include minor sunburns. treat by lightly rubbing Aloe Vera to remove sting. The skin will peel and feel better in about three to five days. Second degree burns include severe sunburns, or touching something extremely hot. Second degree burns produce blisters and puffy skin. To remove heat and inflammation apply Aloe Vera, or pore room temperature water. Don't pour ice water over any burns; this might cause the victim to go into shock. After a week or two the skin will start to feel and look normal. A third degree burns penetrates all three layers of skin, resulting in permanently dead skin. For example, burning your skin in a fire. The skin is permanently gone and can’t be treated. The only way to “fix” this injury is with a skin graft and reconstructive surgery. Burns can be life threatening. Be sure to where appropriate amounts of sunscreen when outdoors, and drink plenty of water to help burns heal faster.

4. Blisters

         Blisters are fluid filled sacks separating the top two layers of skin. They usually cause large amounts of discomfort, and are normally found on your feet. If you have a blister, never burst or pop it, especially if the blister was formed because of a severe burn. However, If a regular blister needs to be popped, pierce a blister with a sterilized needle. Then flush the liquid and bandage properly. To sterilize a needle, dip a needle in alcohol; then carefully burn the remaining alcohol off with fire. Now you can bandage the popped blister and continue on your day. If you decide to leave the blister alone, that's fine too, it will go away on it’s own. Blisters found on your foot can be covered with Moleskin (foot felt) to relieve pressure. To help a blister heal faster, try airing out the surrounding skin.

5 Poison

         Contact poisoning deals with the outside of your body (skin). Some poisons affect the skin producing welts, rashes, and irritation. Before treating the infected area, thoroughly flush and clean the irritated skin. Then use an alcohol based antiseptics to remove excess residue. Finally, remove contaminated clothing items, and dress the wound with disinfectant and gauze. Internal poisoning is usually harder to detect because symptoms are similar to stomach flu. When ruling internal poisoning its important to identify what the victim has ingested within the last 24 hours. If he/she is unconscious, and poisoning is suspected, lay them down on their side (recovery position). If a you or someone has consumed, or come into contact with, a hazardous poison call poison control immediately (USA Poison Control= 1 (800) 222-1222).

6 Animal bits

        Animals carry bacteria in their mouths, and these bacteria cause a wide range of infections, like tetanus and rabies. If an animal or insect bites you, Locate and identify the perpetrator. Remember specific colors, patterns, and behaviors, for this is extremely important. For example, knowing the type of snake that bit you will estimate how long you have to live, whether its poisonous, and what type of antivenom you need (As a helpful tip, sucking venom from a snake bite does not work, so don’t do it). Once the animal is identified, call for help first, then flush the wound. Pour cold water over the wound for at least five minute, as soon as possible after you have been bitte. Then cover the bite with a sterilized dressing. For a serious bit, follow the same steps. Once the bite is dressed apply pressure with a gauze pad to control severe bleeding. To slow the bleeding down raise your wound above your head or heart. When bitten by a snake don’t rinse the wound, unless you know the species well. Doctors can identify what antivenom to use by extracting existing venom from your skin or wounds. Instead, tightly wrap the wound and the area above and below the bite to localize the venom. If a bee or a wasp stung you, or a tick or leech attaches, carefully remove the stinger/insect with tweezers. Some people can have severe allergic reactions to the stings of bees and other insects. If they go into anaphylactic shock treat for shock, and get medical attention. When dealing with embedded ticks or leeches, Poke the insect with hot embers. This should cause the insect to safely detach on their own. Remember, when bitten, do not panic, stay calm, and act quickly.

        This concludes my three week first-aid blog series. I hope this helps and please pass this information around. Don’t forget these important life lessons, for you never know when they might come in handy. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for more next week and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment or suggestion below about what I should blog about next week.

First-Aid Part 2

         Hope for the best and expect the worst. In this three part blog series for first-aid, I will teach you the importance of acting quickly in critical situations. On this blog, I stress to be prepared, and first-aid is all about being prepared. Like I said, hope you never have to use it, but know exactly what to do just in case. Dealing with internal situations like: choking, shock, CPR, and heat stroke require fast action. Noticing important signs from outside the body will hopefully tell you what's happening inside the body.

1 Heat Stroke

         The easiest way to avoid shock and heat stroke is by drinking plenty of water and not overworking. Quick signs of heat stroke are: headache with a racing heartbeat and rapid breathing. The skin might start to discolor and become pale or flushed. People going into a heat stroke might start acting differently with an altered mental state of behavior. The victim might also experience hot or cold flashes with nausea or vomiting. However, the main sign of a heat stroke is a body temperature over 104 F or 40 C.A heatstroke is sever, and in extreme cases victims could pass out and hit their head. If some of these symptoms are present lay the victim in a cool area and lay a blanket over their body. Have them elevate their legs (at least above their heart) to ensure proper blood circulation. Finally, have them slowly consume room temperature water; warmer water absorbs faster into the body. Fanning might also help the victim cool down faster, but do not immerse them in cold water. If you do Heat stroke will turn into shock.

2 Shock

         If you have ever jumped into a cold lake you have experienced the early stages of shock. Shock can be caused by a rapid change in temperature, or wearing yourself out by overworking. Early symptoms of shock are: lightheartedness followed by confusion. An unsteady heart rate with decrease blood pressure. Shallow and rapid breathing causing cool, clammy skin or chills. In extreme cases, numbing in the left side of your body with cloudy vision, this could also be the warnings of a stroke (If a stroke were to happen call 911 and treat for shock). To treat for shock, lay the victim down on a coat or blanket, if accessible. Elevate their feet (again, at least above their heart). Loosen his/her clothing, and take their pulse. The victim might also hallucinate or act irrationally, so try to calmly talk them down and relax them. Then, when stable, cover the victim with a coat or blanket. Regularly check their're pulse, If he/she falls unconscious be prepared to use CPR if their heart stops.

3  CPR

         CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies or if the heart has stopped beating. Note: if you come across an unconscious person immediately call for help. An easy way to us CPR is by using the ABC’s of resuscitation. A- airway, B- breathing, C- circulation. First check the unconscious victim, place two fingers under his/her chin and a hand on the forehead. Tilt the head back to open the airway (A). Look in the mouth and look for any obstructions. To remove obstructions, use two fingers and scoop the debris out, don’t pinch or jab. Then listen and feel for the victims breathing (B). If they start/are breathing lay them on their side to allow them to recover and breath on their own. If they start breathing stop here. If he/she is not breathing, it is time to prepare for compression's. Prepare the victim by checking their circulation (C). Feel for a pulse at the side of their windpipe. No pulse, begin CPR immediately.
Quickly place the heel of your left hand over the sternum (middle of chest) followed by your right hand on top of your left hand, interlocking the fingers together. Make sure the fingers don't rest on the chest. Know, with your elbows locked, press down firmly, then release (this is one compression). Do 30 consecutive and equal compression's. Popping and clicking noises should be coming from the victim's chest, for a while. These noises are the ribs shifting and possibly fracturing, which is a good thing; because the point of compression's is to expand and contract the lungs. To do this, however, you might break some ribs, which is a small price to pay if you save someone's life. Check the victim's pulse after each set of 30 compression's, if their still not breathing do 30 more compression's and repeat. The only time you should stop applying CPR is either when 911 (help) comes, victim starts breathing, or you physically cannot do any more competitions.

4 Choking

       If you feel like you're choking, place your hand around your neck and stand up. This is called the universal sign of choking. If you see someone clearly giving this signal, then it’s time for action. To dislodge and object from someone's esophagus stand behind the victim, interlock your hands beneath their rib cage, and pull in then up sharply. The building pressure of air leaving the lungs should clear the throat. If a small child is choking bend the child over your knee, hit the child between the shoulder blades with the heel of the hand. Do not use the first method on babies or young children. If the obstruction is removed from the victim and they fall unconscious, follow the steps for CPR.

          These are four extremely important, and common health situations. To prevent you from getting into these situations drinking plenty of water, eat slowly and take small bits, don’t over work, and stay well rested and in shape. If you happen to come across one of these situations don’t hesitate, take action and be confident. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for part three and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment, suggestion, or question down below.

First-Aid Part 1

         In order for injured people to come through a survival situation alive, the correct first-aid must be given. However, before first-aid is applied you must first have the appropriate materials, and know how to asses the situation. In this three part blog series for first-aid, I will teach you the importance of a first-aid kit; along with how to treat for: shock, severe bleeding, broken limbs, animal bits, blisters, burns, and many more life saving tips and tricks. But first, lets start with the basics.

1 First-Aid Kit

         Your first-aid kit should contain specially selected items to ensure you can handle most medical emergencies, yet stay lite enough to carry and transport. Of course, anyone with an extreme medical problem or injury needs to be taken to a doctor, or hospital, as soon as possible. The point of a first-aid kit is to bring temporary relief. For example, materials to fix a broken leg won't be found in an average first-aid kit, but there should be items to sustain them until a permanent fix is found.

         A first-aid kit should always be accessible wherever you are. A first aid kit should be placed in your day pack, camp backpack, boats, and cars. The following items are the basic necessities that every first aid kit should have: adhesive bandages, gauze dressing and bandage, safety pins, painkillers, scissors, medical tape, large bandage or cloth, antiseptics, foot felt (moleskin), and it all should be in a tight, waterproof container. A helpful tip is to make your own first aid kit and dich premade kits. Many pre made kits are cheap and expire quickly. By making your own, this will insure you know what's in your kit and you know exactly how to use it.

2 Assisting Victims

         When approaching the scene of an accident, take time to stand back and assess the situation. Regardless of the accidents size or number of people involved. The important thing is to stay calm and act confident. Then assess the situation and severity; do they need immediate medical attention, and most importantly, what can you do to help? The best way to gather this information is to calmly talk to the victim. Information like: name, allergies, pain levels/locations, and movability are all important and good starting points. Make sure not to touch or move the victims until you have discovered what's wrong, unless there is a greater danger, for you could permanently paralyze them. When the problem is found and a reasonable solution is formed, with victim's consent, process and fix the problem. While you work, explain what you're doing to help your patient and yourself stay calm. Remember to work efficiency because, depending on severity, people could die.

         These are just a few beginner tactics to help you during your next emergency. Whether its a small cut, or a deep gash, the same rules apply. Knowing exactly what's in your first aid kit and how to asses your victims is crucial and vitally important. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for part two and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment, suggestion, or question down below.

Navigation

Getting water, making fire, and finding food are all necessary and vital skills to know. However, all are blatantly useless unless you know how to navigate around without getting lost. Being able to find your location and properly use a map and compass are skills and tools every survivalist, or routine camper, should know.

         1 Making a Compass

         A compass is an instrument containing of a magnetized pointer that shows the direction of north. In the wilderness a compass should always be on hand. A good compass should have: distance measurements, magnifying glass, readable bearings, and a pointer. Silva Compasses are a reliable and trusted band of compasses, and are equipped with everything a compass should have. Although, If you're caught without, loose or damaged your current compass you're not completely helpless. Making a compass is your next best bet.

         To make a compass you will need: an open container (like a bowl or shallow glass), water, needle (or any small iron containing metal like a razor blade), blade of grass or piece of cork (something to keep the needle afloat), and a silk cloth or magnet. First, fill a container with about an inch of sill water. Next stroke the top half of the needle in one direction, with a magnet or silk cloth, starting in the center and working outwards. This will slowly start to magnetize the needle. After a couple minutes of stroking, place the needle on a blade of grass or through a cork to make it float. Finally float the magnetized needle on the water. Within a few seconds the needle should slowly point north. If water, grass, or cork is not available suspending a magnetized razor blade or needle with string will also work. This will only work if the needle is properly balanced in low wind.

         A simpler way of finding north is by using a sundial. Place a vertical stick/post in the ground. In the morning, mark the tip of the post’s shadow. Next tie a string, the same length as the shadow, to a stick and draw a circle around the post. Make sure the sting is taught at all times. Know during the the day mark where the shadow touches the arc. This will give a rough estimate where each cardinal direction is located.

         The easiest way to find north during the night is by using the north star. To find the North Star you must first find the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper is a constellation consisting of seven stars in the shape of a ladle. Once the Big Dipper is found, draw an imaginary line between the two stars that form the front of the dipper. Continue this line four times the length of the two stars. This should put you in the ballpark of the North Star. When the North Star is found, draw another line connecting the star to the horizon. Were the line touches the horizon is where north is. Of course this will only work with clear views of the sky and horizon.

         Some cliché ways of finding north are using the moss on trees and rocks, and large termite and bird nests are all claimed to face north. I, personally, wouldn't rely on these for soled navigation, so use on your own risk.

         2 Maps

         Many types of maps exist, and each type of map serves a different purpose. Choosing the right map is important. A topographic grid map is the most popular choice. A topographical map shows surface features of land through different oblong circles and lines. It includes mountains, hills, creeks, and other bumps and lumps on a particular chunk of earth. The grid will allow you to find a position on the map exactly. The map should be big enough to read, but light enough to casually carry. It is also critical to maintain the maps condition. To measure distance on a map use the provided scale indicated on all maps. Using the distance measurements found on a compass will also help make measurements more accurate.

         3 Navigation Basics

         Fluently using your compass and map together is an important dance to learn. Unfortunately, because of new technology and GPS (Global Positioning Device) The art of using a compass is seldom used. It’s best to know the material yourself and ditch conventional technology, for you never know when technology will fail. Here is a simple four step process for properly using your map and compass together. First, identify your position and your objective on the map. Then Connect those two points creating a line on the map. Second, align the edge of your compass with that line. Third, rotate the bearings so the orienting lines (vertical lines inside the compass) run parallel with the map's grid lines (vertical lines on the map). This means the actual bearing have been captured at the front of the compass (everything is facing north according to the map). Fourth, take the compass and turn your body until the magnetic needle lines up with the orienting arrow on the compass (everything is facing north at this point). At this point, you will be facing the direction you should head to take you to your objective. When traveling it's important not to stare at your compass. To avoid collisions occasionally glanced down insuring your heading in the right direction, but keep your focus on the path in front of you.

         Knowing how to properly use a compass and map is vital information. While you're planning your trip, study maps and memorize surrounding towns and land formations. Make sure you're using updated maps to insure accuracy as well. If you get separated or lost knowing where civilization is by observing land formations could save you life. Also, the only way to master a skill is by practicing, so practice using a compass several times before starting your adventure. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for next week and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment or question down below.

Fishing

         Finding food in the natural and untamed outdoors is a daunting task, even for the experienced survivalist. Fishing is a relatively fast and easy method of finding large amounts food; opposed to finding, tracking, and hunting small to large game. Large lake, oceans, and rivers can hold a bountiful supply of fresh or saltwater fish. Fishing is a fierce game of trial and error, but having the right equipment may increase your odds. Knowing how to skin and fillet, along with properly cooking a fish, will insure a safe and filling meal.

         1. Fish

         When finding any kind of food you have to know where to look. Good thing is, fish can be found nearly anywhere there’s water with enough food, oxygen, and natural cover. Before we jump in it’s important to understand fish, like humans, are extremely diverse. Not all fish are the same or live in the same type of water.

         Freshwater fish live in rivers, streams, and lakes.The condition and size of these fish may vary depending on amount of water and food supply. Some common edible fish types include, but not limited to: Tench, Bream, Carp, Trout, and Rudd. Most fish found in freshwater can be safely eaten, however, some species are better tasting than others. Most of these fish are either small and round, consisting of many tiny bones, or long and flat, with rose of needle teeth. Predatory fish are considered a dangerous catch. Fish like Pickerel, Tandan, Bullhead, Perch, Pike, and Walleye house many potent defense weapons. Many of these fish have sharp barb like teeth, and poisonous sacs. Their skin may also produce toxic mucus which irritates human skin. Most ponds, reservoirs, and rivers across north america are freshwater.

         Saltwater fish are different type of fish altogether. As a general rule, the bigger saltwater fish all live in the deep sea far away from shore. While large schools of smaller fish live in tide pools and shallower water near shore. Saltwater fish can be found in dense vegetation and where sunlight can lick the sandy floor. This means fish can be found just about anywhere. Larger predator fish will sometimes come close enough to shore for an easy meal, so it’s always best to be on the look out for: Stingrays, Barracuda, Mackerel, Marle, Waboo, and of course sharks. However, there are a wide range of safer saltwater fish that are more feasible to catch, like: Salmon, Skate, Turbot, Tuna, Tarpon, Herring, and Bass. When fishing in larger bodies of water it’s also important to watch the tide. Larger fish can easily be found during high tide in the morning and late afternoon.

Over all, it’s important to stay focused, and know what fish are in your area. If you ever question if a fish is safe to eat or not throw it back. It’s better to be safe then dead.

         2. Equipment

        Unless planned, you probably don’t carry a fishing pole, tackle box, or bate on you at all times. Nevertheless, a homemade fishing pole will work just as good. A long flexible stick fixed with an improvised hook is a great place to start. Improve hooks can be made out of thorns, nails, needle, or even pop can tabs. With additions like feathers, flowers, or frayed rope could be used to entice prospective sea life. Finding bait is pretty self explanatory. Most any creepy crawly can be used as bait, but beans, carrots, corn, pasta, cheese, beard, and peanuts work great as well. If a fishing pole is not what you're looking for; a harpoon, javelin, or spear would also work, but this method takes hours of practice. When using a harpoon take water refraction into account and act quickly. To increase your odds in a survival situation try using more than one rod, but only use this method in lakes or creeks.

         3. Cooking

         There are only a few fish that cannot be eaten. The easiest and healthiest way to consume fish is raw, like sushi. Eating fish immediately after catching preserves natural oils and nutrients. The longer a dead fish sits the higher chance of spoilage and food poisoning. Gutting a fish quickly after a kill will help prevent unwanted bacterial growth. By making a shallow and long incision, with a sharp knife, starting below the tail gliding towards the gills, but be careful not to cut the stomach, intestines, or bladder. If any bile or feces touches the fish it’s no longer safe to eat. Most fish skin is safe to eat, when cooked, but fish scales must go, along with the head and other fins. Lastly, carefully remove any bones; some fish bones might be clear and hard to spot. If cooking fish is more your speed then try baking, smoking, or grilling your fish. Most fish turns white when it’s cooked. To prevent injury kill and dry your fish before cleaning. This way the fish won’t slip and slide, and will prevent you from cutting yourself. Using an extremely sharp knife will also help.

         Opposed to finding, tracking, and hunting small to large game, fishing is a relatively easy way to gather fresh meat. However, a strong amount of patients might be required. Knowing specific types of fish and having the proper equipment will make fishing easier, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. Regardless, properly cooking and consuming fish is extremely important to prevent food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include: diarrhea, fever, cramps, nausea and vomiting. Get help immediately if these symptoms last over 24 hours. Stay hydrated, rest, and eat low acidic or oily foods to calm vomiting and diarrhea. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for next week and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment or question down below.

Fire

When it comes to surviving on your wits one of the hardest tasks to accomplish is making fire. Without using lighters, matches, or any other fire making handicaps, to most people, fire is hard to make. Add the difficulties of: whether, low moral, and dimming light make fire building impossible. Regardless, fire is a necessary tool to keep moral high, provide light, and boil water. Carefully planning a fire will make construction and lighting easier. Diligently preparing will also help when putting out a fire as well.

1. Preparing a Fire

Making a fire is like making a cake; without one ingredient the fire flop. To make a fire you will need three basic items: tinder, kindling, and fuel. A fire also needs oxygen to burn. Finding adequate tinder is the first step: tinder can be any small, dry, flammable material like moss, bark, fungus, dead leaves, or dry grass. Prepare tinder by powdering, nicking, or buffing the chosen material. The goal is to increase the tinder's surface area, so a spark or flame will easily catch. Here are some other great fire starters I've used: lint from the dryers lint trap, Duct Tape, and any propellant containing of 40 percent or higher alcohol proof. Kindling consists of bone dry wood or leaves; the wood should be no bigger than a number two pencil. Kindling is used to increase flame size and stabilize the fire. Fuel wood consists of sticks larger than your finger gradually working up to thick logs. A good rule for collecting fuel wood is to collect what you think you need, then collect five times as much. This allows a decent sized fire while preventing premature extinguishing. When all fire materials are prepare it’s time to build the fire.

2. Building a Fire

Depending on wood quality/type and climate will determine what shape to build your fire. Different campfire shapes consist of: log cabin, tepee, lean to, star, and trench. In windy, wide open areas a trench could be dug to hold fire; this will prevent the flame from going out. Forming small fuel wood in a log cabin shape will also provide wind resistance to ignite tinder. A tepee is a fast and easy way to ignite large amounts of wood. starting with tinder, pile kindling and small fuel wood over lit tinder in a native american style tepee shape. Continue to add fuel wood until a fire is sustained. A lean to is a great way to start a fire with wet wood. Using one large piece of fuel wood, wet or dry, place dry tinder along one side of the fuel wood. Then lean dry kindling, or small fuel wood, over the tinder resting on the fuel wood. Over time, when lit, the fuel wood will dry and slowly burn. This is also a way to keep wood burning longer. Rather than having to collect large amounts of wood, try building a star fire. By placing four long logs over smoldering embers in an “X” shape. The embers will slowly eat up the longs sustaining the fire for longer, but be cautious not to trip over protruding logs.

Don’t forget to use common sense when building a campfire, and don’t build a fire: larger than you can handle, near dry vegetation, under overhanging rock or branches, and don’t burn anything on private land without special permission. If a fire ring is not available frame your fire with large rocks or a moat of moist dirt or sand. Know that the fire is build it’s time to ignite it.

3. Lighting a Fire

There are countless ways to light a fire, here are a few typical ways: waterproof matches, paraffin blocks, flint and steel, cotton wool, char cloth, or fire sticks. In severe survival situations magnifying glass, steel wool and batteries, and the popular hand/bow drill will work as a last resort. A magnifying glass is a convex lens - like a pair of glasses - hold a convex lens extremely still, focusing on one spot on the tinder until smoke appears . This method is time consuming and only works when the sun is out. Steel wool and batteries are a relatively easy way to start a fire. By placing steel wool on the positive and negative ends of a nine volt battery, the wool will quickly light on fire. One of the more difficult way of producing a fire is by using a bow drill. A bow drill works by twisting a hard wooden dowel quickly over a softer wood plank to create embers. With the assist of a bow, a hardwood/rock bearing block, and carving a notch in the plank will increase efficiency.

Regardless what method is used, when embers are formed and smoke starts rolling don’t smother the flame and don’t blow it out. Gently light the tinder and kindling, and instead of blowing heavily, try blowing like your fogging a window. These tips and tricks should help you safely and quickly light a fire.

From preparing, to building, and lighting a fire all steps are crucially important for a successful flame. Remember fire is a tool not a toy, and can cause serious harm. Make sure to completely burn all lit wood to coals, and carefully extinguish all embers before departing from the area. If you can physically touch the coals - after slowly pouring large amounts of water, sand, or dirt over the fire - then you can be confident the fire is completely out. Remember to be considerate in the outdoors, careful with fire, and be conservation minded. After all heat is gone bury the remaining coals by covering them with wet sod, and remove extra firewood from the premises. In Boy Scouts this is called leave no trace. This insurers the next group of people will have the same experience and allows the environment to stay natural. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for next week and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment or question down below.

Water

Humans need at least 3 liters of water a day. Every survival situation requires water. When lost in the wild finding water could mean the difference between life or death, but where can water be found. Even if water can be found, how do we know if it’s drinkable? Treating water can almost be as important as finding it.

1. Why We Need Water

Water is extremely important; humans are about 70 percent water, our body uses water to: cushion joints, nourish tissues, maintain body temperature, and to filter our blood. Staying hydrated insurers a constant bowel movement, and allows all organs to function properly. If water isn't consumed regularly or not at all the human body will fall into dehydration. Dehydration could lead to organ failure, hallucinations, constipation, lethargic movements, and even death. There is, however, an easy fix, drink water. On average a human can live without food for three weeks; while humans can only live three days without water, but they're stories of people lasting five or even ten days without water. There are exceptions to every rule. Humans can certainly live longer than three days without water, but by the third day, without water, our energy is less than half, organs will shut down, movement is low and lethargic. Try making a fire, or hiking to safety without a functioning cardiovascular system. The bottom line is hydration is critical, but it’s hard to stay hydrated without water. Finding a sustainable water source is important, and might be easier than you think.

2. Finding Water

Regardless of climate or weather, water can be found. To find water it helps to take in your surroundings. Most insects like: bees, ants, mosquitoes, and flies all live within a couple of miles from water. Groups of trees or a change in shrubbery/environment are a clear signal for water. Even if the water can’t be seen it might live beneath the ground. By following clear marked animal trials could lead straight to water, but be careful some trials could lead nowhere or even to animal dens. In region’s with many: hills, mountains, or valleys some form of water can be found near the base of these land masses.

Plants are another valuable source of water and nutrients. Prickly pear, and barrel cactus are like prickly, desert watermelon; by removing their shells freshwater can easily be assessed. In tropical areas water can be obtained by cutting dense veins in half and collecting the clear fluids. Tropical trees can store gallons of fresh water in their roots. By cutting tropical trees, approximately five inches above the ground, water should start to accumulate. Another source of tropical water can be found in the base of large ferns, banana leaf plants, or in pitcher plants. In colder climates ice, snow, and slush can also be consumed to stay hydrated.

This last way of staying hydrated is highly speculated by many survivalists and should not be attempted. Human urine consists of water and salts, much like the ocean. Drinking ocean water will only increase dehydration, and cause severe abdominal pains, this is the result of too much salt. I, personally, Don’t recommend drinking urine, for similar effects will occur over time to that of drinking ocean water. Regardless where water comes from it needs to be treated to maintain a healthy body.

3. Treating Water

Treating water is almost as important as finding it. Regardless of where water is found it should be sterilized. Boiling water is the easiest way to remove bacteria and waterborne pathogens. Any canister can be used to boil water: a plastic bottle, tin can, or even a paper bag can be used over a fire. My personal favorite water boiling technique is using hot rocks. By heating fist sized rocks in a fire, carefully removing them, and one by one adding the rocks to a canister of water. Continue adding rocks until the water boils. After the water cools remove the rocks and drink.

If a more practical method of cleaning water is what you're looking for then water filters are great. Classic hand pump water filters use chemicals like chlorine, iodine, or potassium permanganate to clean water. However, most hand pumps today use reusable ceramic filters. Regardless of the filter type, to prolong and improve filter performance try using hand pumps only in clear, moving water, and keep away from mud or still water.  

Even if you’re not lost in the woods, drinking plenty of water is still important. Humans are constantly losing water even when: walking, sleeping or sitting in the shade. To help prevent unnecessary water loss laying low, literally. Sit if you don’t need to stand, and lay down if you don’t need to sit. This will help to conserve water and stay hydrated longer. If an upset stomach forms after drinking questionable water try eating charcoal, or antacids to remove stomach pain. Humans all need water to survive, so it’s important to set up camp close to a sustainable water source, and remember to treat all water regardless how clean it looks. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for next week and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment or question down below.