What to do when all goes wrong.

(If you are reading this to gain information, I am happy that you are in fact planning before you get into trouble or, you are on the Internet reading this from where you are lost or in trouble. If it is the latter I suggest you E-mail for help and hope someone reads their mail quickly!)

Introduction

The first time I was lost in the bush I was in the middle of no-where, 100 kilometres from the nearest homestead but only a few hundred metres from the road. The bush was dense, I could not see anything familiar and I panicked. After walking around for about 5 minutes getting even more confused, I stopped and thought, how was I going to get back to (find) my car. I had no compass, and no idea which direction to go.  Sitting down I quelled the panic, and started to think. After reliving my walk into the bush, I remembered my shadow was almost in front of me as I walked in, so, after looking up and finding the sun, I walked straight towards it and when I reached the road, I found I was about 300 metres from the car.

This shows how easy it is to get lost or disorientated in the bush (wilderness).

If you have prepared well for any trip, it is easy to recover from this situation.  I have been totally lost a number of times since this experience partly due to my wife's navigation, which is usually good   Our embarrassment is usually due to mining companies insistence on bulldozing new roads without getting these changes put on maps. Now it takes only 5 minutes to find out exactly where I am and what action to take. I now carry the right equipment and know how to use it.

Whatever the situation
for example; you are lost, injured, out of water, out of petrol, have had a wilderness road accident, car broken down, more punctures than you have fires, remember the fundamentals The basics of life are water, shelter and food normally in that order.
To be rescued you must be found: to be found you must be seen.
Vehicles, their headlights, bright clothing, large flags, fires, smoke, torches
and mirrors attract land and air searchers.
A vehicle offers shelter and can be easily seen, especially when on fire!
(Is your life worth $40,000 (ie burning your car?) or you could try burning one $100 tyre at a time)
Leave a vehicle only as a last resort
Cold and heat can be your worst enemies.


When you are involved in any emergency there are a number of actions to
take immediately.

1. With as much fortitude as possible fight the panic and despair.
    (It is a natural reaction)
2. In the safest possible way, remove yourself for imminent danger.
3. Find a safe comfortable resting place and size up the situation.


Assessing the situation

"SEE" the situation

Skills
Emergency
Equipment

Your reaction to any situation will depend on

The personal skills you have
The emergency you are involved in
The equipment you carry.

If you are still panicking or are shaken by the experience take time to think about the situation. Most people's first reactions are: "Why me" (ie why did this happen to me?) or " if only" I had done something different this would not have happened or,  if only I had listened to …... These reactions often look to lay blame elsewhere, these reactions are natural, they are not a sign of weakness. In a survival situation you have to force yourself not to dwell on the past but to look positively to the future. A true survivor does not worry about his/her dignity, or the consequences of their actions, survival at all costs comes first!

"HELP" yourself

Have an open mind
Evaluate your options
List the positives
Plan to survive

In an emergency you must think of all the possible options available to you based on your skills, your health, your equipment and your situation. Do not be afraid to consider actions that would be outside your normal thinking.  
Once you have your options, evaluate the chances of each option's success, and be prepared to rank the options. Select the best option and to support the one selected list the positives, and be prepared to re-evaluate your options, or to add new ones. Once you have decided on a course of action, set up a plan with success points as objectives and, measure your success.

"Coming" to terms with survival

Commence your plan of action
Operate efficiently (do not waste energy)
Mature your plan as you progress
Ignore setbacks
Never give up
Give yourself credit as progress is made


Commencing your plan of action requires determination and resolve. Even sitting injured by your vehicle, flashing reflected sun using your rear view mirrors at the nearest road 5 miles away, requires perseverance. Consider the energy and resources you are using carefully. Develop your plan and modify it if required as you progress. There may be setbacks but do not be discouraged, use these as leaning experiences. Self-determination and perseverance lead to success. Self-congratulation for progress made, and goals met, in stressful situations helps build confidence to reach your ultimate goal.  

Remember the phase "SEE HELP COMING"

In many emergency situations it is often the actions of those in trouble that help save the situation and themselves. This is especially true when no-one else knows of the situation you are in!


Statistical Analysis of Wilderness Survival Victims
(From SARSCENE '97 By Dr. Gino F. Ferri,  Gorgian and Loyalist College)
78% of people lost in the wilderness were novices from urban centres.
22% were experienced professional outdoors persons.
70% were male.
83% of lost people were detected by their bright clothing.

Financial resources do not guarantee success in the wilderness.
Any Wilderness (bush) Survival course must include outdoor
experiences.
Search and Rescue techniques should be part of survival courses.


What are Life skills for Survival?

It is impossible to list every life skill needed for every life-threatening
situation, this is why I have written a travel-planning guide to assist those
venturing into strange territory. However here is a list of some basic skills
which may be required in wilderness (bush) situations.

Map Reading and Navigation
Wilderness survival skills including,
How to attract searchers to you.
Building shelters, finding water and purifying it.
First aid for outback (wilderness) situations
How to use radio communications or satellite phones.
How to trap animals and identify poisonous plants.
How to light fires without matches.
How to use a GPS and Compass
4 Wheel Driving and Recovery Procedures
Vehicle, maintenance repair and welding.
What to pack in your vehicle and backpack
How and when to use an EPIRB
River or water crossing procedures on foot and in a vehicle
Rescue aircraft signalling procedures.
Armed Services survival training


My motto has always been to expect the unexpected and I plan all trips
thoroughly. Even so although I accept and can cope with being lost, I still
meet with situations that extend
or improve my life skills and I am always
ready too listen and learn from others.

Copyright 2001 Wanderers Out West.


This information is provided as a guide to assist others. The information is
given in good faith and we cannot be held responsible for the consequences
of its use. If there are any inaccuracies please write and advise so we can
correct them immediately. There is no substitute for the correct
professional training before entering a wilderness situation.