Basic Wilderness Survival Principles

 Original Article

What Is Meant By Survival Principles?

The term “survival principle” refers to a set of guidelines that can help individuals increase their chances of surviving in a difficult or dangerous situation. The principles are based on the idea that there are certain basic things that people need to do in order to stay alive, and that by following these guidelines, they can improve their chances of making it through a difficult situation.

There are five basic principles that you need to remember in order to increase your chances of survival in any emergency situation. These are:

5 Basic Wilderness Survival Skills

• Finding Food And Water:

In any survival situation, the first priority is to find food and water. This is because without these essential resources, it will be very difficult to stay alive for very long. There are a number of ways to find food and water in the wild, and it is important to know how to find these resources before you find yourself in a survival situation.

Ways To Find Food And Water In The Wild:

1. One way to find food in the wild is to look for edible plants. There are a number of edible plants that can be found in most wilderness areas, and if you know what to look for, you should be able to find enough food to sustain yourself.
2. Another way to find food in the wild is to trap or hunt animals. This can be a more difficult task, but if you are able to successfully trap or kill an animal, you will have a good source of food.
3. One way to find water in the wild is to look for sources of fresh water, such as streams, lakes, or rivers. If you cannot find any sources of fresh water, you can try to find rainwater that has collected in hollow tree trunks or other natural containers.

• Building Shelter

Another crucial survival skill is building shelter. In the wilderness, there is no such thing as a hotel or a house – you have to build your own shelter. This can be anything from a simple lean-to to a more complex structure. It is important to know how to build a shelter that will protect you from the elements and keep you safe from predators.

How To Build A Shelter?

1. One way to build a shelter is to find a large tree and build a platform in the branches. This will protect you from the ground and from predators.
2. Another way to build a shelter is to dig a hole in the ground and cover it with branches and leaves. This will provide you with protection from the elements and from predators.

• Building A Fire

Another important survival skill is building a fire. A fire can provide warmth, light, and protection from predators. It is important to know how to build a fire that will stay lit and how to control it so that it does not get out of hand.

How to Build a Fire?

Building a fire is not as easy as it looks. It takes practice and patience to get it right. But once you know how, it can be a lifesaver in a survival situation.

Here are some tips for building a successful fire:

1. Choose the right location. Look for an area that is clear of debris and has good ventilation.
2. Gather your materials. You will need tinder (something that will catch fire easily), kindling (small pieces of wood that will help the fire to grow), and fuel (larger pieces of wood that will keep the fire burning).
3. Build a platform. Create a platform of logs or stones that will help to keep the fire contained.
4. Create a tepee. Place your tinder in the center of your platform and build a tepee around it with your kindling.
5. Light the fire. Use a match or lighter to ignite the tinder. Once the fire is lit, add more fuel to keep it going.
6. Tend the fire. Don’t leave the fire unattended. Keep an eye on it and add more fuel as needed.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to build a fire that will keep you warm, dry, and safe in a survival situation.

• Navigating The Wilderness

Another survival skill that is important is knowing how to navigate the wilderness. This includes being able to read a map and use a compass. It is also important to know how to find your way back to civilization if you get lost.

How to Navigate the wilderness?

If you find yourself in the wilderness, there are a few things you can do to make sure you find your way back. First, it is important to have a map and compass with you. A map will help you orient yourself and figure out where you are. A compass will help you find your way back to your starting point.

If you don’t have a map and compass, there are still some things you can do to orient yourself. First, look for landmarks that you can use to orient yourself. For example, if you see a mountain in the distance, you know that you are facing west. Second, keep track of the direction you are walking in. This can be done by using a stick to mark your path or by tying a piece of string to a tree.

Once you have oriented yourself, you can start walking in the direction you want to go. If you are lost, it is important to stay calm and not panic. Remember that most people who get lost are found within a few days.

• First aid

One of the most important survival skills is first aid. In the wilderness, there are no hospitals or ambulance services – you have to be able to take care of yourself and others if someone is injured. It is important to know how to treat common injuries and illnesses, as well as how to prevent them in the first place.

How To Give First Aid?

In order to give first aid, you need to be able to identify the different types of injuries and illnesses. Some common injuries include:

• Cuts and scrapes: These are usually minor injuries that can be treated with basic first aid. However, if the cut is deep or bleeding heavily, it may require more advanced treatment.
• Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone. If you suspect that someone has a fracture, it is important to immobilize the limb to prevent further damage.
• Sprains and strains: These are injuries to the ligaments or muscles, respectively. They can be treated with ice, rest, and elevation of the affected limb.
• Head injuries: Head injuries can be very serious, even if they do not appear to be at first. If someone has a head injury, it is important to keep them still and awake, and to seek medical help immediately.
  

Some common illnesses include:

• Fever: A fever is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection. It can be treated with over-the-counter medication, but if it is accompanied by other symptoms (such as a rash), it may more extensive treatment.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is often caused by food or a stomach virus. It can be treated with over-the-counter medication, but if it is severe, it may require hospitalization.
• Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough fluids. It can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Symptoms include thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and seek medical help if the symptoms are severe.

In order to give first aid, you need to have a basic understanding of medical supplies and equipment. Some common supplies include:

• Bandages: Bandages can be used to cover wounds and protect them from infection.
• Gauze: Gauze can be used to cover larger wounds or to apply pressure to stop bleeding.
• Antiseptic: Antiseptic can be used to clean wounds and prevent infection.
• Pain medication: Pain medication can help to relieve pain associated with injuries or illnesses.
• Splint: A splint can be used to immobilize a limb with a fracture or sprain.
• Thermometer: A thermometer can be used to take someone’s temperature.
• Flashlight: A flashlight can be used to examine wounds or to signal for help.

These are just a few of the many survival skills that you need to know in order to survive in the wilderness. These skills are essential for anyone who wants to venture into the great outdoors. So, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to use them, make sure you are prepared.

How To Master The Basic Survival Skills?

Apart from Basic Survival Techniques, there are some core skills that are needed to be mastered in order to survive in the wilderness. These include Prepare, Adapt, and Overcome.

1. Learn how to prepare for a survival situation. This means having the right supplies on hand and knowing how to use them.
2. Be able to adapt to your surroundings. This means being able to improvise and use what you have on hand to meet your needs.
3. Overcome any challenges that come your way. This means staying calm and being able to think clearly in order to find a solution.

Survival is all about being prepared, adapting to your surroundings, and overcoming any challenges that come your way. By mastering these skills, you will be better equipped to handle anything that comes your way.