[Az-Geocaching] Survival Kit
listserv@azgeocaching.com
listserv@azgeocaching.com
Wed, 04 Sep 2002 08:10:12 -0700 (PDT)
<ramble>
In my experience in central Arizona, most people are "lost" for 12
hours or less (I can't count how many times I've been called out for a
search, only to be cancelled enroute or just as I arrive at base
camp...good thing for the lost person!). The other common time frame
is about 48 hours. These times are strictly averages based upon my
personal experience. I have yet to see a search subject who had food,
water, or anything else with them. (with a couple exceptions...ATV
riders had helmets, horse back riders.) I've seen a few who drank out
of stock tanks, they get violently ill afterward. Someone "lost" for
up to 60 days has alot of issues to deal with, including dehydration
and starvation!
I mention food because in my situation, I am actively working and we
need fuel to keep going. Our isn't a "survival" situation, and neither
is a regular hike, unless something goes wrong. First rule of SAR is
SAFETY....take care of yourself and your team member, or you will
become a search subject!
In a survival situation in the heat, your concept is sound...conserve
water. However, the other half of the year (up in the high country) in
the COLD, food=fuel=heat (metabolism). You would probably be more
likely to succumb to hypothermia before dehydration in that case.
Just some ramblings....
Trisha
Lightning ~ Prescitt
</ramble>
"Holmes, Richard" wrote:
>
> Be careful of food in a survival situation. One can go about 60 days
> without
> food; most of us probably have even greater reserves. Food digestion
> also
> consumes great quantities of water, which one can't afford to use
when
> surviving. Given a choice, I'll take water over food.
>
> Creepin' Jeepers
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: trisha@brasher.com [mailto:trisha@brasher.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 11:05 PM
> To: listserv@azgeocaching.com
> Subject: Re: [Az-Geocaching] Survival Kit
>
>
> Good List, Bob. Be sure to fill that canteen and carry some food too!
> (and a couple extra water bottles)
> I also carry a firearm when in the field.
> Trisha
>
> Bob Renner wrote:
>
> >
> > The following list of essentials for a survival kit
> > are from a pamphlet entitled &quot;Desert Survival -
> > Information for Anyone Traveling in the Desert
> > Southwest&quot; published by Maricopa County Department of
> > Civil Defense and Emergency Services with the
> > cooperation of the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency
> > Department of Defense.
> >
> > ----------
> >
> > Survival Kit: Kits are outlined in many writtings on
> > survival. The following items are listed, we think,
> > in the order of their importance. Detailed use is
> > omitted here, but learn to use and practice with each
> > item BEFORE you need it for survival:
> >
> > 1. Knife - a good small one of the &quot;boy
scout&quot; variety
> > is best.
> >
> > 2. Matches - 12 or more, stike anywhere, waterproofed
> > by coating with parafin, beeswax, fingernail polish,
> > etc.
> >
> > 3. A small magnetic compas. Learn to use it.
> >
> > 4. A &quot;thunderer&quot; whistle. Carry it on a line
around
> > the neck.
> >
> > 5. A small metal signalling mirror.
> >
> > 6. A small magnifying lens - used to start fires, and
> > as aid in removing small spines and splinters.
> >
> > 7. A large-eyed needle. For first aid and sewing
> > purposes. Keep from rusting.
> >
> > 8. Cobbler's linen thread. A hundred feet or more, 8
> > strand. Used to set snares, build shelter, repair or
> > improvise clothing, etc.
> >
> > 9. Nylon chiffon. A piece about a yard suare, bright
> > orange color, to be used for signaling, for straining
> > dirty water, or as a face covering during sand and
> > dust storms.
> >
> > 10. Aluminum foil. About 5 feet of the 12 inch heavy
> > duty type, used for signaling, a reflector for fire or
> > candle, to make a cooking pot or a drinking cup.
> >
> > 11. Water purification tablets. 10 or more.
> > Iodine-type tablets are probably best. Seal carefully
> > in plastic food wrap to keep dry.
> >
> > 12. Toy balloons. Three or four of the large, heavy,
> > bright orange-colored ones. Used for emergency water
> > containers of for signaling. Wrap in plastic food
> > wrap to preserve.
> >
> > 13. Candle stub. Used for light or as an assistant in
> > starting fires - helps to conserve matches.
> >
> > 14. A single-edged razor blade. A handy first aid
> > tool. Leave in the original package to prevent
> > rusting.
> >
> > 15. Pencil stub. Assist rescue parties by leaving
> > notes.
> >
> > 16. Cigarette papers. A book of these for writing
> > notes, or to leave as trail markers.
> >
> > 17. Adhesive tape. About 2 feet, 1 inch wide,
> > primarily for first aid purposes. Bandaids are handy,
> > too. Replace every few months.
> >
> > 18. Fish hooks. Five, assorted sizes. Use a little
> > bait to snare birds, etc.
> >
> > 19. Box nails. About five, blunted and bent to hook
> > shape. to be used as snare triggers.
> >
> > 20. Flint and steel fire starter. Make by attaching a
> > lighter flint to the end of a small sturdy stick.
> > Wrap a length of cpbbler's linen around the stick. To
> > make a fire, fuzz the end of thelinen, position the
> > fuzz at the fling and strike against steel. The fuzz
> > will catch the spark and can be blown into a flame.
> > Practice with it. A cigarette lighter will provide
> > sparks. Do not depend on having fluid in it when you
> > need it, and ordinary lighter wick will not flame when
> > dry.
> >
> > All of the above items can be fitted into a tobacco
> > tin, a bandaid box or a similarly sized plastic box
> > and be ready to go at any time. Check it from time to
> > time and be sure all items are there and in good
> > condition.
> >
> > Other items that should be carried on the individual
> > are: a sharp belt knofe, a good map of the area,
> > thirty or more feet of nylon parachute shroud line,
> > canteen, a watch, a snake bite kit, a firearm and
> > ammunition, and such other items which may be small
> > and useful. Consider carrying your gear in a small
> > rucksack or pack over your shoulders. Weight carried
> > in this manner is less tiring than if carried in
> > pockets on hung on the belt. The pack can be used to
> > sit upon. It also affords a safer method of carrying
> > those things, such as the belt knife, hatchet, etc.,
> > which may lend to the chances of injury in the case of
> > a fall.
> >
> >
> >
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"Although no one can go back and
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Anyone can start from now and
make a brand new ending."
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