Preparation and Survival Preparation and Survival Skills Careful

Preparation and Survival

Preparation and Survival Skills � Careful preparation and the development of survival skills will allow you to endure most situations. � Remember to plan your hunt, then hunt your plan!

Clothing � Bring extra clothing � Pack rain gear � Layer if it is cold � Bottom layer: Wicks away moisture � Next layer: Thicker and insulating � Outer layer: Barrier from wind and water

Hunter Orange � Easily seen in nature � Signals to other hunters � Required in some states

Directional Aids � Maps � GPS

Maps � Topographical maps can be helpful � Contour lines reveal changes in elevation � Lines � Reveal that are close together indicate steep inclines direction of true north

GPS � Global Positioning System � Receives info from satellites to calculate position

When you are lost: � How you react will determine the outcome � Remember to S. T. O. P.

S. T. O. P. � Stop – Admit that you are lost � Think – Stay calm & think clearly � Observe – area & conditions around you. Look for shelter, fuel, water, & food. � Plan – Take inventory of supplies. Determine how you will use them best.

Rule of 3 � You � 3 can live: minutes without air � 3 hours without warmth � 3 days without water � 3 weeks without food

Stay Put! � Often the best choice! � Moving wastes energy and makes you harder to find! � Don’t cross fences. � Following a fence may lead you to a gate or road.

Signaling for Help � International emergency signal for distress: 3 evenly spaced shots from a firearm. � Using something reflective to catch the sun � Carry a Personal Locator Beacon

Emergency Shelter � Cave or Rock Overhang � Woodpiles or Brush � Made from Scratch

Floods � Be aware of changes in weather � Seek higher ground early � Never camp on low ground

Flooded Waterways � When � Find a waterway is beyond its normal banks: the best place to cross � Do not cross if it looks dangerous � Look for wide, shallow areas � Avoid the main current � Watch for floating debris � Crossing on a log or rocks can be dangerous!

If you fall or get swept away: � Float on your back with feet in front of you � Don’t try to stand in fast water � Use your hands to maneuver � Use your feet to push off objects

First Aid � Knowing the basics of First Aid and CPR will help you deal with emergencies

Hypothermia � The body loses heat faster than it can be produced or retained. � The core temperature can fall to a point the person will die. � Caused by: � Rain or snow � Immersion in water � Temperatures under 50 degrees

Hypothermia Symptoms � Early: � Shivering � Clumsiness � Slurred Speech � Stiff Fingers � Strange Behavior � Late: � Mental deterioration � Unconciousness

Hypothermia Treatment � Call 9 -1 -1 � While waiting: � Put victim in dry clothing or insulation � Apply heat *** � Do NOT burn skin with hot water � Give warm liquids if conscious

Frostbite � Freezing of a body part � Symptoms: � Lack of feeling in body part � Swelling � Discolored skin � Blisters

Frostbite Treatment � Remove victim from cold � Remove clothing from body part � Do NOT rub affected area � Place part in warm water (less than 105 degrees) � Wrap in dry, sterile dressing � NEVER warm a frostbitten area, if it might refreeze!

Heat-Related Emergencies � Heat Cramps � Heat Exhaustion � Heat Stroke

Heat Cramps � Least serious � Causes cramps in muscles � Due to loss of fluids & electrolytes � Treatment: � Move to a cool area � Drink cool liquids such as Gatorade

Heat Exhaustion � Serious � Indicated by cold, clammy skin and elevated temperature � Loss of consciousness � Treatment: � Move to cool area � Elevate head � Drink cool liquids like Gatorade in small amounts � Seek medical attention ASAP

Heat Stroke � Most serious � Symptoms: � Temperature of 105 or higher � Vomiting � Hot, dry skin � Confusion � Loss of consciousness � Treatment: � Call 9 -1 -1 � Immerse in cold water or ice soaked towels

If you discover an injured person: � Check area for danger � If unconscious & face down: roll face-up supporting head, neck, & back � Check respiration � Check vital signs � Check level of consciousness � Initiate a head to toe examination

External Bleeding � Place sterile gauze or clean cloth over it � Apply direct pressure � If bleeding doesn’t stop continue to apply more gauze pads � If limb: elevate above the heart � Use a tourniquet as last resort and never apply below elbow or knee.

Do NOT: � Use direct pressure on eye, embedded objects, or open fractures � Rinse wound with full strength medicines � Close wounds with tape � Breathe or blow on wound

Animal Bite � Very rare � Wash wound with soap and water � Apply pressure if bleeding � If animal was not provoked, consider rabies

Bee/Wasp Sting � Remove stinger � Wash with soap and water � Apply a cold pack for 15 -20 minutes � Relieve pain with aspirin � Apply cortisone cream � Be aware of possible allergies

Spider Bites � Two venomous Texas spiders: � Brown Recluse � Black Widow � Seek medical attention if bitten by one of these