Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by Dwayne Easton
There are four main rules to remember when it comes survival. These rules will help you prepare for an emergency. The simplicity of these rules should also help you keep your eyes on the task at hand. These rules can help you live, even if you are not in critical condition.
The human being can generally survive for:
- 3 minutes of no breathing (asphyxiation or blood loss).
- Three hours without shelter in extreme environments (exposure)
- Three days without water (dehydration).
- 3 weeks of starvation (no food)
ASPHYXIATION, VERY DANGEROUS BLOOD LOSS (3 MINS)
You will die within three minutes if you are without oxygen. This is why it should be your top priority. This is the situation in which you have the most time to respond for survival. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of death from house fires. You should be prepared for any fire in your daily life. If you have children, make an escape plan and ensure that your home has smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. You can practice your escape plan and blindfold yourself to simulate it. You should practice it before you go.
Gas masks are an option for serious preppers. Gas masks are often associated with biochemical warfare, but they can also be used for firefighting. Gas masks are available for my family. During the Colorado Springs Waldo Canyon Fire it was comforting to know that we would be able, if necessary, to breathe.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is another killer. Install detectors in your home. Make sure that you have adequate ventilation and your tailpipe are clear if you find yourself stuck in your car. In case of a snowstorm, crack your windows and get out of your car. It is a smart idea to save gas and only use your car when it is absolutely necessary. This is the second most important category, Exposure(shelter).
Another concern is poisonous fumes from chemicals. These fumes can render you unconscious or kill you almost immediately. Be careful if you smell fumes coming from a tanker truck, barrels or industrial complex. You should think twice about helping someone who is lying on the ground. You might need to think twice about rushing to help someone even if they are not visible. You should assess the situation and be cautious. This is particularly important if you’re underground, in a hole or in a large depression. These invisible gases are naturally occurring and I was reminded constantly of this while working in Colorado’s gold mines.
Smothering can cause oxygen deprivation. You could be buried alive by an avalanche or mudslide, land slide, or other similar events. A building could collapse, or you could be buried by an avalanche and volcanic ash. Avoidance is the best option. Avoid these situations. If you are unable to get out of the earthquake zone, don’t. Asphyxiation is obvious when you are unable to breathe. There are many unexpected events that can occur, including flash floods, tsunamis and falling into rivers or through ice. Be aware of your evacuation route and take precautions around water.
In an accident or natural disaster, severe blood loss is very common. You can practice your first aid skills to ensure you are ready to respond in an emergency situation. Use pressure to stop bleeding and use a tourniquet if necessary. Get medical attention immediately. You should be prepared in this situation by keeping QuikClot, Blood Stop Pads and other similar items in your first-aid kit.
Shock. Shock can kill. Keep the victim and yourself warm. Wrap the victim in a blanket or coat, and remove any tight clothing. Keep the person in constant contact and don’t move unless you need to. Cover the unconscious person with a blanket and elevate them so they can breathe.
SHELTER – EXPOSURE to the Elements (3 HOURS)
Your next concern should be exposure to the elements. You must be aware of what to do to stay alive, regardless of whether you are exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold. If you ignore the danger, you might not be able function for a few hours. Are you able to shelter yourself when you are away from your home? Do you have the knowledge and resources to create shelter? You can create a plan and then follow the steps to execute it.
You may wonder when you will ever find yourself in a situation where the elements are at your disposal. Every day. You are at risk if you drive to work, or take a walk in large parks. Although you may feel safe driving in a large city, what happens if your car is blown off the road by a snowstorm? Although you may believe someone will see you, you might be wrong. Are you willing to take this risk? A survival kit is the best way to survive in all weather conditions. This is also known as an Every Day Carry, or EDC. It doesn’t come with a large backpack that contains everything you need. This is not a bug out bag, it’s an EDC. You might also want to keep a Mylar blanket and a flashlight in your EDC. You are more likely than anyone else to be stranded in your car if you have a large kit.
WATER – DEHYDRATION (3 DIES)
Next, you need to consider where you are going to get water and what energy you will use if you don’t have enough. The human body needs approximately 2.5 liters of fluids daily in a temperate climate without exertion. Extreme heat will make you need more water. If you have diarrhea, your problems will be worse.
Water is heavy and difficult to transport so it is important that you learn how and where to find this valuable resource. Water is essential for your body. You shouldn’t eat if it doesn’t have enough. You should also avoid working or traveling during extreme heat if you don’t have enough water. Keep cool, rest and avoid getting too hot. Travel at night. Don’t ration water. Drink what you need. These are some tips that may have been overlooked about water.
FOOD – STARVATION (3 WOKES)
Most people prepare for the most critical of the 4 Rules. Food is a concern, but it is not the most serious. It takes quite a while to become starved to death. Food is also the easiest to find. You just need to be open to eating things you wouldn’t normally eat. It might not be something you like, but insects could replace your eggs and steaks in the morning.
This rule is difficult for me because I am slender and have little fat to burn. I know I will crash quickly if I don’t eat enough energy. I’ll eat whatever I can find in an emergency. I don’t need to eat much, and I know how hunt and trap food. Do you?
CHECK YOUR SITUATION
It boils down to knowing what is happening, and what you can do to survive. Assess your situation. Get somewhere you can breathe if you are unable to do so. Dress your wounds if you’re bleeding. Are you able to provide shelter? Do you have water sources nearby? All of them? Sweet! Let’s eat!
