Update Your Survival Knowledge
There are many opinions regarding the ideal way to start a fire or build a shelter, which knife is best, even how long to boil water, but one thing that all survival experts agree on is the importance of information. Knowledge and information will not only help you survive a perilous situation, but will likely prevent it from developing in the first place.
A new book, Rich Johnson's Guide to Wilderness Survival very adroitly presents critical information on how to stay alive in the outdoors. Rich served in the military as a Special Forces soldier, lived in the wilderness for a year researching survival concepts and is the survival columnist for Outdoor Life Magazine. He is also one of the four survival experts featured on our Prepared to Survive DVD set. We asked Rich to discuss his new book and wilderness survival in general.
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Q: How do you define a survival situation and the best way to avoid one?
RJ: Survival situations come in all shapes and sizes, but the most basic common denominator is that the situation has evolved into one that might threaten your life, unless extraordinary steps are taken. By extraordinary, I mean that you must resort to techniques that are not necessary in normal conditions. But to do that, you must be constantly aware of what's happening around you, so you recognize the onset of the survival situation before it's too late. We call that Situational Awareness, and maintaining this level of awareness is the best way to avoid serious problems, or at least be prepared to deal with them when they arise.
Q: What are some common misconceptions regarding survival?
RJ: The most common, and most deadly, misconception is that it won't happen to me. It's a form of denial that sometimes crops up when we tell ourselves, "I'm only going on a short hike, so I will be safe." Or, "I've done this a hundred times before, so I really know what I'm doing, and there won't be any problems." The truth is that a survival situation can happen to anybody. Nobody is immune. All it takes is one piece of equipment to break or become lost, or for inattention to lead you down the wrong trail, or a sudden change in the weather, or any number of other factors that can catch you off-guard.
Another unfortunate misconception is that you can do what you see some of the so-called survival experts on TV do. Be very careful whom you choose to follow or emulate. Some of the information is good, but some of it is dangerous in the extreme and is filmed under controlled conditions with back-up teams ready to jump in to save the host if things go wrong.
Q: What made you decide to take the time to write the book?
RJ: I've been lucky enough to spend a good part of my life outdoors. On more than one occasion, I found myself in situations that could have been deadly, if it were not for my survival training. It's not uncommon for people to get themselves into trouble outdoors, and my hope is that the information in the book will help save a life. To me, that would be the greatest reward for having written the book.
Q: If you're in a survival situation, what's your first action?
RJ: Assess the situation. You must determine what factors are most life threatening, to myself or to others in the party. Only when you understand the actual elements (not just the perceived ones) of the situation can you begin to make a priority list of what you must do first, and next, and next after that.
Q: What would you consider to be key skills for survival?
RJ: The ability to think calmly and clearly while under stress. Of course, other key skills include fire making, shelter building, signaling, the ability to find and purify water, and emergency medical training. In order to have these skills available when you need them most, it's essential that you practice the techniques often. For example, every time you go camping, start the campfire by using an alternative fire-starting method other than matches or a lighter. This will force you to learn how to make good tinder, progress to proper kindling, and then build the fire until you can add the major fuel. Make a game out of practicing survival techniques at every opportunity.
Q: Do you think that the majority of outdoor enthusiasts are adequately prepared for unexpected events?
RJ: Unfortunately, no. People can get farther back in the wild places more easily today, thanks to vehicles that can carry them there quickly and without a lot of labor. Then, when something goes wrong, they may or may not be able to get back to civilization. And, too often, there is precious little thought given to preparation for handling the unexpected crisis far from help.
Q: Everyone will want to know: what's in your survival kit(s)?
RJ: In my kits, I carry multiple means of starting a fire, a signal mirror, a signal whistle, an emergency bivvy made of the same type of reflective material used in an emergency blanket, a compact water filter and plastic baggie that serves as a collapsible canteen, snare wire, fish hooks and line along with a few sinkers and swivels, and a collection of basic first aid supplies. I also carry a small supply of high-energy trail food to be used in an emergency (not just as a snack).
Q: What type of person would benefit from your book?
RJ: Of course, everyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, kayaking, climbing, etc. will benefit by reading the book and practicing the techniques. But it goes farther than that -- anyone can get into trouble while traveling remote parts of the country, even if they're not intending to participate in an "outdoor" activity. I have stories about families who become stranded in snow while hunting for a Christmas Tree, and others who get lost and stuck on the wrong road while just driving in unfamiliar places. Survival situations are not the sole property of exotic expeditions to distant lands. Most of them happen to regular people who are out and about fairly close to home.
Q: The epilogue in your book is titled Situational Awareness, how does this concept prevent or deescalate potential dangers?
RJ: That kind of brings us back to the first question about the best way to avoid a survival situation. If you are aware of the potential for problems that might occur in relation to your chosen activity, you can plan ways to handle those events, should they actually arise. As a paratrooper, I spent a lot of time training to handle "malfunctions" so that if one actually happened, I'd know what to do. And wouldn't you know it -- during my jump career, I actually experienced three major malfunctions that required extraordinary measures to be taken. But it isn't just planning for malfunctions, you must also remain constantly aware of what's happening around you as conditons evolve, so you can take steps to avoid or at least soften nasty consequences.
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Rich Johnson's Guide to Wilderness Survival is an engaging read for outdoor adventurers of all types. Whether you're an avid adventurer, occasional hiker or would just like to be more self-reliant in general, Rich's book offers competent advice from an experienced outdoorsman. Reading and practicing the strategies presented will improve your odds of surviving a wilderness mishap allowing you to venture into the wilds with the confidence of being informed and prepared.
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