NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION SEARCHER MODULE 4.

NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION

SEARCHER MODULE 4

SURVIVAL

SURVIVAL PREPARATIONS:

Tell someone where and when you are going and when you plan to return

If you change your plans or move from one place to another, LET SOMEONE KNOW

SURVIVAL

Cont’d

CHOOSE CLOTHING WHICH IS SUITABLE FOR THE SEASON AND PROJECTED WEATHER.

The clothing must be comfortable and protect you should the weather change

SURVIVAL

Cont’d

TAKE A COMPASS AND DETAILED MAP OF THE AREA WHERE YOU ARE GOING, AND MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO USE AND READ THEM BOTH

SURVIVAL

Cont’d

CARRY A PERSONAL SURVIVAL KIT and a BASIC FIRST-AID KIT

PRACTICE SOUND BASIC SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES

SURVIVAL

THE EIGHT BASIC RULES OF SURVIVAL

SURVIVAL

Tell someone where you are going, and when you plan to return

Never go into the bush by yourself

Take enough food for several extra days in case of an emergency

SURVIVAL

Cont’d

Take a compass and map of the area

Wear proper clothing and boots

Take proper equipment with you

SURVIVAL

Cont’d

Plan your work, or hiking trip,so that you return to camp before dark

Know how to build a fire, with emergency gear

Carry a personal survival kit at all times

SURVIVAL

LOST AND FOUND:

Being lost can be uncomfortable, frustrating embarrassing and scary

SURVIVAL

Cont’d

One of the biggest fears of getting lost is BUSH PANIC

and wildly go crashing the the bush in all directions,using up precious energy

survival

Cont’d

If you become lost :STAY CALM

andDO NOT PANIC

SURVIVAL

IF YOU BECOME LOST

STAY CALMAND

DO NOT PANIC

SURVIVAL

Cont’dIMPROVISE SHELTER, you can survive for 30 days without food, 3 days without water.

CONSERVE AS MUCH ENERGEY AS POSSIBLE

ORIENTATE YOURSELF WITH THE MAP AND COMPASS

START A FIRE( for signaling,heat,cooking and for a calming effect)

SURVIVAL

FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL:HUNGER

Not a serious threat to survivalYour body fat will supply enough energy for about 30 days or more if your health is normal

SURVIVAL

Cont’d

THRISTA person can survive several days without water if they are in normal healthTry not to think about it and keep your mind active and busy

SURVIVAL

Cont’d

COLD:A serious threat to survival

Cold affects and individual’s ability to function

SURVIVAL

Cold cont’d

Expose to cold, wetness and wind can result in hypothermia

Maintain body temperature by staying dry,building a fire and constructing shelter

SURVIVAL

FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVALLONELINESS and BOREDOMOccurs when nothing is happening and nobody comes to the rescueCan have a greater effect on survival than thirst, hunger, cold, or pain

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

Loneliness cont’dCan be overcome by:

Making decisions and acting on themAdapting to your situationImprovising solutionsTolerating solitude

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

Loneliness cont’d

Avoid PanicPositive thinkingPlanning ways to overcome problemsBeing patientKeeping your hands busy

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

FATIGUE:When tired, you don’t think clearly and become carelessOverexertion, lack of sleep and boredom cause fatigueRest as much as possible

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

PAIN:Attend to any injuries immediately

Keeping busy lessons the effects of pain

DO NOT GIVE IN TO PAIN

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

FEAR:

Fear is a normal reactionFear can be the greatest obstacle to survival10 types of fear

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

10 TYPES OF FEAR

Death UnknownAnimals Being aloneDarkness weaknessPunishment DiscomfortRidicule Personal guilt

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

The best way to deal with these fears:

Identify which fear you are feelingUnderstand why you are afraidUse common sense to deal with and overcome each fear

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

BUSH NAVIGATION:DO IT ONLY IF:EASY TRAVERSEPLENTY OF DAY LIGHTGOOD WEATHERYOU KNOW HOW TO USE A COMPASS

SURVIVALFACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL

Bush Nav…cont’d

AND YOU ARE 100% SURE OF THE DIRCTION TO TRAVEL!

SURVIVALASSISTING THE SEARCHERS

1.-If you are the slightest bit uncertain of the direction, stay put and do what you can to assist searchers

SurvivalAssisting the searchers

2.-DO NOT RETRACE YOUR STEPSThe searchers will be retracting your route,either by ground or air, looking for signals

SURVIVALAssisting the searchers

3.- If you are in thick bush, make your way to a

conspicuous spot such as a ridge, meadow, or lake4.-

Prepare your distress signals

SURVIVALEFFECTIVE DISTRESS SIGNALS

THREE of anything is the universally accepted code for persons in distress

SMOKE BY DAY--FIRE BY NIGHTOne of the most effective signalsBuild three fires about 30 meters apart in a triangular mannerLight them when you hear an aircraft

SURVIVALEFFECTIVE DISTRESS SIGNALS

SOUND SIGNALS:

Sound signals could include three shots from a firearm about 15 seconds apart

Three blasts from a whistle, or horn

SURVIVALEFFECTIVE DISTRESS SIGNALS

International Ground to Air SignalsUse any available material that may be visible to an aircraft and its spottersYou may trample it in the snow,stomp down grass in a meadow, set pieces of material or clothing in a visible spot, or cut brush and stand it on end.

EFFECTIVEDISTRESS SIGNALS

Hand-Held MirrorUpon spotting an aircraft, stand so the sun hits the surface of the mirrorStraighten your arm and form a “v” with two fingersCast the reflection of the mirror through the “v” aimed at the aircraft

PRIORITIESIN A SURVIVAL SITUATION

The main enemy to survival is PANIC

Remain calm and assess your resources, both in your pack and those provided by nature

Assess your plan to see if it conserves,adds to or uses up energy

PRIORITIESIN A SURVIVAL SITUATION

Priorities for a survival situation, in the appropriate order:1. Attend to injuries2. Construct a shelter3. Conserve and create warmth4. Find Water5. Rest and conserve energy6. Find food

PRIORITIESIN A SURVIVAL SITUATION

BUILDING A SHELTER:A shelter will keep you warm,dry, and will aid in keeping up your moral

Shelters can be built with materials provided by nature- tree boughs and stumps-or from materials from your pack

PRIORITIES IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION

Shelter…cont’dDo not use too much energy building your shelterSituate your shelter near water,if possibleBuild your shelter on high ground

( drainage and visibility)

PRIORITIESIN A SURVIVAL SITUATION

TYPES OF SHELTER:Fallen Tree ShelterLean-toWigwamSnow CaveNatural shelters (caves)

SURVIVAL

Fallen-Tree Shelter:Under a logFind a log with a small pit under itEnlarge the pit and cover the log with boughsKeep the living area small

SURVIVALTypes Of Shelter…cont’d

LEAN-TOA pole shelter covered with boughs,plastic,or rain gearUsing two trees ,about 3 meters apart, lash a pole to them about 1-2 meters off the groundLean a series of vertical poles(45 degrees) against the horizontal poleHeap spruce or fir boughs over the poles until you have a solid overhang, about 6 inches thick

SURVIVALTYPES OF SHELTER…cont’d

WIGWAM:Construct 3 upright poles about 3 meters long, making a tripodWrap plastic around the poles or heap boughs on the poles until a sturdy covering is madeAdvantage- a small fire can be built in the middle of the floor

SURVIVALTYPES OF SHELTER…cont’d

SNOW CAVE:Makes use of a large, solid snowdrift or overhang to form a tunnel with a small cavern inside

Use snowshoes as a shovel, and dig a tunnel about 1 meter into the bank, wide enough to crawl through

SURVIVALTYPES OF SHELTER…cont’d

SNOW CAVE…cont’d

Dig away at the end of the tunnel under the bank until you have enlarged an area comfortable for youPoke a small air hole from the inside outLine the cavern with boughs

SURVIVAL

Building a Fire:It is difficult to stay warm,cook or have safe drinking water without a fireExercise caution when making a fire , even a small fireBuild the fire near the water’s edge if possible

SURVIVALFIRES …cont’d

Always keep a good supply of dry wood, and kindling on handTo keep a fire burning all night, place some green logs on top of the fire. The logs will burn slowly as they continue to dryYou’ll need tinder and a spark

SURVIVALFIRES…cont’d

Five Ways to Make a Flame:Safety matches-should be carried at all times and be of the “strike anywhere” typeLighter-be sure it has a good flint and plenty of fuelFlint and Steel: one of the safest and most reliable fire starters

SURVIVALFIRE STARTER…cont’d

Make a flame…cont’d

Battery ( 9 volt): -touch the battery on steel wool(000-or finer)Magnifying glass: -Focus sunrays on dry tinder

SURVIVAL

Building a Heat Reflector:Stack green logs( or build a wall of logs) at the back of the fire

A reflector is not effective unless the logs are ambering but not burning

SURVIVAL

Types of Tinder:Old man’s beard PaperBirch bark Cotton fuzzGasoline soaked rags SugarCotton steel woolBird’s nest Dryer lintDead,dry grass

SURVIVAL

FUEL:Large material requires greater heat to lightAlways use some type of kindling to nurture the fire, until hot enough for larger fuelHave a good supply on handDry wood burns better than wet

FUEL…cont’d

The finer the wood the less smoky the fireThe denser the wood the hotter the fire and slower to burnGreen wood requires a hot fire to ignite

SURVIVAL

Types of Kindling:Birch bark, shavings splitsDry dead grass/ twigs GasOil-impregnated woodFeathered stick

SURVIVALFIRE LAYOUT

An ideal fire is built on mineral soil or bedrockIf ground is dry,scrape down to black earthIn winter, dig to solid soil, tramp the snow or dig out an area around your fire siteIf the snow is deep, lay several layers of green wood underneath before starting your fireDo not build your fire directly under a tree. It may result in a brush fire or snow slide

SURVIVALWATER

A person can go without food for an extended time, but cannot go without water for more than 2-3 daysThe average body uses 2-3 liters of water per dayIf water is accessible, DO NOT RATION

SURVIVALWATER…cont’d

During the summer,fast water,or spring water is preferredWater from marshy ground or muskeg should be boiled and use water decontamination tabletsWater from moist earth: dig a hole in the mud until water seeps in and settles

SURVIVALWATER…cont’d

In winter, open water is preferred, but melted snow or ice can be substitutedIce yields the most amount of water for the fuel usedFluffy snow yields the least amountPack snow and mix it with water as it meltsAvoid eating snow. It can cause hypothermia, by lowering body temperature

SURVIVALFOOD

Before using survival rations, locate easily obtainable natural foodIf properly equipped, fish or snare small gameHealthy adults can go 2-3 weeks without foodStress robs the body of important vitamins and minerals

SURVIVALFOOD…cont’d

GENERAL RULES OF FORAGING:When short on water,eat as many carb’s as possibleALL fur bearing animals are edibleAll grass seeds are edibleMore food value in the roots, than the “greens”ALL birds and their eggs are edible

SURVIVALFOOD, FORAGING ..cont’d

Skin frogs before cooking or boilingGrubs and insect larvae are edibleInside bark of trees are edible( maple birch,poplar)Most Black and Blue berries are edibleAvoid RED and WHITE berries, unless you know what they are. Anything resembling a cucumber or parsnip may be poisonous

SURVIVALFOOD, FORAGING…cont’d

ALL seaweed is edibleAVOID mushrooms. No nutritional valueBoiling food kills most bacteria

SURVIVALFOOD

Some edible plants:Cat-tails(root) BearberryBur weed ChickweedRock tripe Juniper berriesDandelions PineMaple (seeds/ and sap)

SURVIVALHUNTING and FISHING

Do not stray far from camp in search of food, as it consumes energySearch immediate vicinityGeneral Hunting TechniquesWalk softly stop frequentlyWatch carefully for game,tracks,feces,and densSnares:Primarily used for rabbits squirrels

SURVIVALINJURY-FIRST-AID

Attend to all injuries immediately

First-aid: saves life,reduces suffering until services of higher medical authority can be obtained

SURVIVALInjury and First-aid…cont’d

PRIORITIES FIRST PRIORITY:

Severe bleeding Airway obstructions/breathing difficulties Unconsciousness Other life threatening emergencies:

hypothermia, and hyperthermia

SURVIVALInjury and First-aid Priorities

Second priority:Severe injuries but not life threatening

Back or neck injuries Fractures Burns

SURVIVALInjury and First-aid Priorities

Third priority:Less severe injuries which can benefit from first-aid

Sprains and minor fractures Minor bleeding sickness,frostbite,etc.

SURVIVALFIRST-AID

Examination:Diagnosis is the key to successful first-aidCheck pulse,breathing,bleeding,swelling and pallor of skinIf victim is conscious, talk to the person to find out what happened

SURVIVALFIRST-AID EXAMINATION …cont’d

PRIMARY EXAMINATIONCRITICAL INJURIES

Breathing Heart beat Bleeding Unconsciousness

SURVIVALEXAMINATION,,,cont’d

SECONDARY EXAMNON CRITICAL INJURIES

head neck spine chest and shoulders abdomen pelvis arm and legs

SURVIVALTREATMENTS

Rescue breathing

CPR

BLEEDING

Survivaltreatments…cont’d

BLEEDINGStop bleeding by applying direct pressurePlace victim into position of restCleanse the area with disinfectantCleanse area around the wound, without touching it with your fingersAffix dressing with tape or bandage

SURVIVALSHOCK TREATMENT

Shock- can be fatal:Symptoms:

Bluing of lips and fingertips Change in level of consciousness Weak or rapid pulse shallow breathing Cold, bleeding and pain can intensify shock

SURVIVALSHOCK treatment..cont’d

TO PREVENT AND CONTROL SHOCKTreat all injuriesPlace conscious person on back,elevate feetPlace unconscious person in recovery positionReassure a conscious personLoosen clothingKeep person warm and sheltered

SURVIVALFRACTURE and SPRAINS

Two types of fractures and sprains

Bone breaks but with the skin intact

Bone breaks but protrudes from the skin

SURVIVALFractures and Sprains…cont’d

Stabilize fractures with splints using branches,ski poles,etc.Before fastening splint, make sure the limb is in natural positionUse rope,bandages, strips of cloth etc. to fasten splintEnsure there is circulation to the extremity

SURVIVALBURNS

Burns:

Immerse in cold waterRemove restrictive clothing and jewellry

before swelling startsCover burn with clean sterile cloth

SURVIVALBurns…cont’d

DO NOT apply any antiseptic,oil iodine,or butter to burnDO NOT break any blistersDO NOT remove any clothing stuck to burns

SURVIVALFROSTBITE

Frostbite- Freezing of skin tissueSYMPTOMS: White skin firm to touchAdvanced frostbite: skin becomes waxy and hard

Mild frostbite: Treated by gradually rewarming the area. Do not rub snow on frostbite

Severe frostbite: Some tissue needs to be removed

SURVIVAL

BLISTERS:Apply a large strip of gauze or tape over reddened area. Do not break

SURVIVALHYPOTHERMIA

Occurs when the temperature of the body falls to a level where the internal organs cease to function

Usually caused by cold,wet chilling weather

Body loses heat faster than it can produce it

SURVIVALHYPOTHERMIS …cont;d

SYMPTOMS:Violent shivering. Sheivering stops in advanced stagesBluing of the lips and finger tipsSlurred speech and irrational behaviorWeak, slow pulseFinal phase-unconsciouness and death

SURVIVALHYPOTHERMIA…cont’d

To Avoid Hypothermia:Dress appropriately( wool layer,water/wind proof layer)Rest frequently, carry matches,highenergy foodBe on the lookout for symptoms and weather

SURVIVALHYPOTHERMIA…cont’d

If you encounter someone with hypothermia

Remove them from the elementsGet them out of wet clothes, into a sleeping bag, near a heat source, or use body heatGive a conscious person warm drinks, no alcoholHandle gently, do not rub or make them exercise

SURVIVALHYPERTHERMIA

Three types:Heat cramps- caused by dehydration and salt depletionHeat Exhaustion-caused by dehydration and salt depletionHeat stroke- caused when body temprature rises above 41 degrees C

SurvivalHYPERTHERMIA …cont’d

Ways to reduce Heat Stress:Drink plenty of fluidsIncrease salt intake slightlyWear light colored loose fitting clothingListen to your body. Do not overexert yourself

Treatment exact opposite from hypothermia

SURVIVALDIARRHEA

Can rob the body of nutrients and fluids

Prevention- boil water and use decontamination pills

SURVIVALDiarrhea…cont’d

GIARDIA- BEAVER FEVERCaused by parasite from animal or human fecesSymptoms:May take a week or more to show up,includes diarrhea,vomiting,nausea,cramps headaches,shills and severe gas

SURVIVALDiarrhea…con’t

PRECAUTIONS:

Boil water for five(5) minutesWash hands thoroughly after using the toiletNever swim in a beaver pond

SURVIVALTULAREMIA

Caused by bacteria from human or animal fecesInfected by:

drinking infected water Direct contact with fur or internal parts Eating food not cooked long enough

SURVIVALTULAREMIA…cont’d

SYMPTOMS: Resemble the flu,including

Fever chills sweating headaches nausea diarrhea general malaise

SURVIVALTULAREMIA….cont’d

PRECAUTIONS:Boil WaterWear rubber gloves when handling fur of dead animalsWash hands and tools carefullyCook any game thoroughly

SURVIVALEXERCISE

One day practical field exercise involving the construction of a lean-to and reflector fire,construct a signal fire,setting survival traps, and participation in a mock accident.

REFERENCES

Merry,Wayne 1999, Basic Ground Search and Rescue in Canada: Home Study Guide,Context NorthSmith,Richard;La Valle,Richard, Hood,Rick,Lawson,Norm,and Kerr, Guy, 2003 Field Operations Guide to Search and Rescue(FOG-SAR)

Skills Handbook, ERI Canada, Alberta, Canada Umpherson, Don;Bennett, Douglas; and Webb,jr.1991, Bush Safety in Mineral Exploration, Education Series #2 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines CASARA survival Guide, CASARA National Office-Operations and Training,Winnipeg,MBLanis, Scott E. , 2000 Ground /Air Signals www.CAPES.NET