Surviving in the bush in case you get Lost
Quite often accidents and mishaps occur when there’s been a lack of planning, and we are left unprepared for dealing with the disastrous consequences. For this reason, we would be wise to consider the worst case scenario, not out of a sense of paranoia, but to avoid the possible doom.
Understanding our human nature and the intricacies of our responses towards such accidents can help us prepare for the disaster at least on a cognitive level. Consider a situation where you find yourself lost in an unknown wilderness with limited provisions and with little hope of outside help.
In such circumstances even a little knowledge of survival methods could save your life. Although every survival case is different and requires a different skill set to go through unscathed, there are some fundamental traits that one must act on to give yourself the best chance of staying alive.
Pre-Planning goes a long way
Planning at the last minute might be exciting, but it has the potential of disaster; as the saying goes haste makes waste. Always plan well ahead of your journey to the mountains and wilderness and consider all possibilities, there is no such thing as paranoia when it comes to planning for an outdoor adventure.
Study the area, learn about possible shelters and ways out, potential water sources, listen to the local weather reports and if possible speak to someone who has already trekked through the region to have a better understanding of what you could encounter.
Higher Ground
In case you lose your way in the wilderness, always set a target to put yourself back on track to avoid tiring yourself out. After roughly 15 to 20 minutes of search if you still cannot find your way out, then look for higher ground and try to connect to the outside world using any mobile device you have with you. The higher ground will give you a better perspective of the area and may increase the signal strength in your device, ABC News reported.
Prepare your Bag
Carry the right equipment, even if your friends and companions don’t approve. Be ready for anything. Wear the appropriate clothes for hiking and keep some as a backup in case you become stuck in the woods under pouring rain and storms. Charge your mobile phones and other electronics in case you need them to reconnect back home.
Never Panic
In a survival situation your worst enemy could be your tendency to panic; avoid stressing yourself out with the worst case scenarios and be positive. Once you find yourself lost, try not to panic as this will only decrease your chances of defeating the elements.
Be mindful of the fact that your body and mind may respond to the situation with stress and fatigue, try to calm yourself down by actively completing small tasks that can help you survive; crying and panicking never solve anything, anywhere.