1. NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION
SEARCHER MODULE 4

2. SURVIVAL SURVIVAL PREPARATIONS:
Tell someone where and when you are going and when you plan to return
If you change your plans or move from one place to another, LET SOMEONE KNOW

3. SURVIVAL
Cont’d
CHOOSE CLOTHING WHICH IS SUITABLE FOR THE SEASON AND PROJECTED WEATHER.
The clothing must be comfortable and protect you should the weather change

4. SURVIVAL
Cont’d
TAKE A COMPASS AND DETAILED MAP OF THE AREA WHERE YOU ARE GOING, AND MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO USE AND READ THEM BOTH

5. SURVIVAL CARRY A PERSONAL SURVIVAL KIT and a BASIC FIRST-AID KIT
Cont’d
CARRY A PERSONAL SURVIVAL KIT
and a BASIC FIRST-AID KIT
PRACTICE SOUND BASIC SURVIVAL
TECHNIQUES

6. THE EIGHT BASIC RULES OF SURVIVAL

7. SURVIVAL Tell someone where you are going, and when you plan to return
Never go into the bush by yourself
Take enough food for several extra days in case of an emergency

8. SURVIVAL Take a compass and map of the area
Cont’d
Take a compass and map of the area
Wear proper clothing and boots
Take proper equipment with you

9. SURVIVAL
Cont’d
Plan your work, or hiking trip,so that you return to camp before dark
Know how to build a fire, with emergency gear
Carry a personal survival kit at all times

10. SURVIVAL LOST AND FOUND:
Being lost can be uncomfortable, frustrating embarrassing and scary

11. One of the biggest fears of getting lost is BUSH PANIC
SURVIVAL
Cont’d
One of the biggest fears of getting lost is BUSH PANIC
and wildly go crashing the the bush in all
directions,using up precious energy

12. survival
Cont’d
If you become lost :
STAY CALM
and
DO NOT PANIC

13. SURVIVAL
IF YOU BECOME LOST
STAY CALM
AND
DO NOT PANIC

14. SURVIVAL
Cont’d
IMPROVISE SHELTER, you can survive for 30 days without food, 3 days without water.
CONSERVE AS MUCH ENERGEY AS POSSIBLE
ORIENTATE YOURSELF WITH THE MAP AND
COMPASS
START A FIRE( for signaling,heat,cooking and for a calming effect)

15. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL: HUNGER
Not a serious threat to survival
Your body fat will supply enough energy for about 30 days or more if your health is normal

16. SURVIVAL
Cont’d
THRIST
A person can survive several days without water if they are in normal health
Try not to think about it and keep your mind active and busy

17. SURVIVAL COLD: A serious threat to survival
Cont’d
COLD:
A serious threat to survival
Cold affects and individual’s ability to function

18. SURVIVAL Expose to cold, wetness and wind can result in hypothermia
Cold cont’d
Expose to cold, wetness and wind can result in hypothermia
Maintain body temperature by staying dry,building a fire and constructing shelter

19. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL LONELINESS and BOREDOM
Occurs when nothing is happening and nobody comes to the rescue
Can have a greater effect on survival than thirst, hunger, cold, or pain

20. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
Loneliness cont’d
Can be overcome by:
Making decisions and acting on them
Adapting to your situation
Improvising solutions
Tolerating solitude

21. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
Loneliness cont’d
Avoid Panic
Positive thinking
Planning ways to overcome problems
Being patient
Keeping your hands busy

22. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
FATIGUE:
When tired, you don’t think clearly and become careless
Overexertion, lack of sleep and boredom cause fatigue
Rest as much as possible

23. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
PAIN:
Attend to any injuries immediately
Keeping busy lessons the effects of pain
DO NOT GIVE IN TO PAIN

24. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
FEAR:
Fear is a normal reaction
Fear can be the greatest obstacle to survival
10 types of fear

25. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
10 TYPES OF FEAR
Death Unknown
Animals Being alone
Darkness weakness
Punishment Discomfort
Ridicule Personal guilt

26. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
The best way to deal with these fears:
Identify which fear you are feeling
Understand why you are afraid
Use common sense to deal with and overcome each fear

27. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
BUSH NAVIGATION:
DO IT ONLY IF:
EASY TRAVERSE
PLENTY OF DAY LIGHT
GOOD WEATHER
YOU KNOW HOW TO USE A COMPASS

28. SURVIVAL FACTORS AFFECTING SURVIVAL
Bush Nav…cont’d
AND YOU ARE 100% SURE OF THE DIRCTION TO TRAVEL!

29. SURVIVAL ASSISTING THE SEARCHERS
1.-
If you are the slightest bit uncertain of the direction, stay put and do what you can to assist searchers

30. Survival Assisting the searchers
2.-
DO NOT RETRACE YOUR STEPS
The searchers will be retracting your route,either by ground or air, looking for signals

31. SURVIVAL Assisting the searchers
3.-
If you are in thick bush, make your way to a conspicuous spot such as a ridge, meadow, or lake
4.-
Prepare your distress signals

32. SURVIVAL EFFECTIVE DISTRESS SIGNALS
THREE of anything is the universally accepted code for persons in distress
SMOKE BY DAY--FIRE BY NIGHT
One of the most effective signals
Build three fires about 30 meters apart in a triangular manner
Light them when you hear an aircraft

34. SURVIVAL EFFECTIVE DISTRESS SIGNALS
SOUND SIGNALS:
Sound signals could include three shots from a firearm about 15 seconds apart
Three blasts from a whistle, or horn

35. SURVIVAL EFFECTIVE DISTRESS SIGNALS
International Ground to Air Signals
Use any available material that may be visible to an aircraft and its spotters
You may trample it in the snow,stomp down grass in a meadow, set pieces of material or clothing in a visible spot, or cut brush and stand it on end.

41. EFFECTIVE DISTRESS SIGNALS
Hand-Held Mirror
Upon spotting an aircraft, stand so the sun hits the surface of the mirror
Straighten your arm and form a “v” with two fingers
Cast the reflection of the mirror through the “v” aimed at the aircraft

43. PRIORITIES IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
The main enemy to survival is PANIC
Remain calm and assess your resources, both in your pack and those provided by nature
Assess your plan to see if it conserves,adds to or uses up energy

44. PRIORITIES IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
Priorities for a survival situation, in the appropriate order:
1. Attend to injuries
2. Construct a shelter
3. Conserve and create warmth
4. Find Water
5. Rest and conserve energy
6. Find food

45. PRIORITIES IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
BUILDING A SHELTER:
A shelter will keep you warm,dry, and will aid in keeping up your moral
Shelters can be built with materials provided by nature- tree boughs and stumps-or from materials from your pack

46. PRIORITIES IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
Shelter…cont’d
Do not use too much energy building your shelter
Situate your shelter near water,if possible
Build your shelter on high ground
( drainage and visibility)

47. PRIORITIES IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
TYPES OF SHELTER:
Fallen Tree Shelter
Lean-to
Wigwam
Snow Cave
Natural shelters (caves)

48. SURVIVAL Fallen-Tree Shelter: Under a log
Find a log with a small pit under it
Enlarge the pit and cover the log with boughs
Keep the living area small

50. SURVIVAL Types Of Shelter…cont’d
LEAN-TO
A pole shelter covered with boughs,plastic,or rain gear
Using two trees ,about 3 meters apart, lash a pole to them about 1-2 meters off the ground
Lean a series of vertical poles(45 degrees) against the horizontal pole
Heap spruce or fir boughs over the poles until you have a solid overhang, about 6 inches thick

53. SURVIVAL TYPES OF SHELTER…cont’d
WIGWAM:
Construct 3 upright poles about 3 meters long, making a tripod
Wrap plastic around the poles or heap boughs on the poles until a sturdy covering is made
Advantage- a small fire can be built in the middle of the floor

54. SURVIVAL TYPES OF SHELTER…cont’d
SNOW CAVE:
Makes use of a large, solid snowdrift or overhang to form a tunnel with a small cavern inside
Use snowshoes as a shovel, and dig a tunnel about 1 meter into the bank, wide enough to crawl through

55. SURVIVAL TYPES OF SHELTER…cont’d
SNOW CAVE…cont’d
Dig away at the end of the tunnel under the bank until you have enlarged an area comfortable for you
Poke a small air hole from the inside out
Line the cavern with boughs

57. SURVIVAL Building a Fire:
It is difficult to stay warm,cook or have safe drinking water without a fire
Exercise caution when making a fire , even a small fire
Build the fire near the water’s edge if possible

58. SURVIVAL FIRES …cont’d
Always keep a good supply of dry wood, and kindling on hand
To keep a fire burning all night, place some green logs on top of the fire. The logs will burn slowly as they continue to dry
You’ll need tinder and a spark

59. SURVIVAL FIRES…cont’d
Five Ways to Make a Flame:
Safety matches-should be carried at all times and be of the “strike anywhere” type
Lighter-be sure it has a good flint and plenty of fuel
Flint and Steel: one of the safest and most reliable fire starters

60. SURVIVAL FIRE STARTER…cont’d
Make a flame…cont’d
Battery ( 9 volt): -touch the battery on steel wool(000-or finer)
Magnifying glass: -Focus sunrays on dry tinder

62. SURVIVAL Building a Heat Reflector:
Stack green logs( or build a wall of logs) at the back of the fire
A reflector is not effective unless the logs are ambering but not burning

63. SURVIVAL Types of Tinder: Old man’s beard Paper Birch bark Cotton fuzz
Gasoline soaked rags Sugar
Cotton steel wool
Bird’s nest Dryer lint
Dead,dry grass

64. SURVIVAL FUEL: Large material requires greater heat to light
Always use some type of kindling to nurture the fire, until hot enough for larger fuel
Have a good supply on hand
Dry wood burns better than wet

65. The finer the wood the less smoky the fire
FUEL…cont’d
The finer the wood the less smoky the fire
The denser the wood the hotter the fire and slower to burn
Green wood requires a hot fire to ignite

66. SURVIVAL Types of Kindling: Birch bark, shavings splits
Dry dead grass/ twigs Gas
Oil-impregnated wood
Feathered stick

68. SURVIVAL FIRE LAYOUT An ideal fire is built on mineral soil or bedrock
If ground is dry,scrape down to black earth
In winter, dig to solid soil, tramp the snow or dig out an area around your fire site
If the snow is deep, lay several layers of green wood underneath before starting your fire
Do not build your fire directly under a tree. It may result in a brush fire or snow slide

69. SURVIVAL WATER
A person can go without food for an extended time, but cannot go without water for more than 2-3 days
The average body uses 2-3 liters of water per day
If water is accessible, DO NOT RATION

70. SURVIVAL WATER…cont’d
During the summer,fast water,or spring water is preferred
Water from marshy ground or muskeg should be boiled and use water decontamination tablets
Water from moist earth: dig a hole in the mud until water seeps in and settles

71. SURVIVAL WATER…cont’d
In winter, open water is preferred, but melted snow or ice can be substituted
Ice yields the most amount of water for the fuel used
Fluffy snow yields the least amount
Pack snow and mix it with water as it melts
Avoid eating snow. It can cause hypothermia, by lowering body temperature

72. SURVIVAL FOOD
Before using survival rations, locate easily obtainable natural food
If properly equipped, fish or snare small game
Healthy adults can go 2-3 weeks without food
Stress robs the body of important vitamins and minerals

73. SURVIVAL FOOD…cont’d GENERAL RULES OF FORAGING:
When short on water,eat as many carb’s as possible
ALL fur bearing animals are edible
All grass seeds are edible
More food value in the roots, than the “greens”
ALL birds and their eggs are edible

74. SURVIVAL FOOD, FORAGING ..cont’d
Skin frogs before cooking or boiling
Grubs and insect larvae are edible
Inside bark of trees are edible( maple birch,poplar)
Most Black and Blue berries are edible
Avoid RED and WHITE berries, unless you know what they are. Anything resembling a cucumber or parsnip may be poisonous

75. SURVIVAL FOOD, FORAGING…cont’d
ALL seaweed is edible
AVOID mushrooms. No nutritional value
Boiling food kills most bacteria

76. SURVIVAL FOOD Some edible plants: Cat-tails(root) Bearberry
Bur weed Chickweed
Rock tripe Juniper berries
Dandelions Pine
Maple (seeds/ and sap)

77. SURVIVAL HUNTING and FISHING
Do not stray far from camp in search of food, as it consumes energy
Search immediate vicinity
General Hunting Techniques
Walk softly stop frequently
Watch carefully for game,tracks,feces,and dens
Snares:
Primarily used for rabbits squirrels

82. SURVIVAL INJURY-FIRST-AID
Attend to all injuries immediately
First-aid: saves life,reduces suffering until services of higher medical authority can be obtained

83. SURVIVAL Injury and First-aid…cont’d
PRIORITIES
FIRST PRIORITY:
Severe bleeding
Airway obstructions/breathing difficulties
Unconsciousness
Other life threatening emergencies:
hypothermia, and hyperthermia

84. SURVIVAL Injury and First-aid Priorities
Second priority:
Severe injuries but not life threatening
Back or neck injuries
Fractures
Burns

85. SURVIVAL Injury and First-aid Priorities
Third priority:
Less severe injuries which can benefit from first-aid
Sprains and minor fractures
Minor bleeding
sickness,frostbite,etc.

86. SURVIVAL FIRST-AID Examination:
Diagnosis is the key to successful first-aid
Check pulse,breathing,bleeding,swelling and pallor of skin
If victim is conscious, talk to the person to find out what happened

87. SURVIVAL FIRST-AID EXAMINATION …cont’d
PRIMARY EXAMINATION
CRITICAL INJURIES
Breathing
Heart beat
Bleeding
Unconsciousness

88. SURVIVAL EXAMINATION,,,cont’d
SECONDARY EXAM
NON CRITICAL INJURIES
head
neck
spine
chest and shoulders
abdomen
pelvis
arm and legs

89. SURVIVAL TREATMENTS
Rescue breathing
CPR
BLEEDING

90. Survival treatments…cont’d
BLEEDING
Stop bleeding by applying direct pressure
Place victim into position of rest
Cleanse the area with disinfectant
Cleanse area around the wound, without touching it with your fingers
Affix dressing with tape or bandage

91. SURVIVAL SHOCK TREATMENT
Shock- can be fatal:
Symptoms:
Bluing of lips and fingertips
Change in level of consciousness
Weak or rapid pulse
shallow breathing
Cold, bleeding and pain can intensify shock

92. SURVIVAL SHOCK treatment..cont’d
TO PREVENT AND CONTROL SHOCK
Treat all injuries
Place conscious person on back,elevate feet
Place unconscious person in recovery position
Reassure a conscious person
Loosen clothing
Keep person warm and sheltered

93. SURVIVAL FRACTURE and SPRAINS
Two types of fractures and sprains
Bone breaks but with the skin intact
Bone breaks but protrudes from the skin

94. SURVIVAL Fractures and Sprains…cont’d
Stabilize fractures with splints using branches,ski poles,etc.
Before fastening splint, make sure the limb is in natural position
Use rope,bandages, strips of cloth etc. to fasten splint
Ensure there is circulation to the extremity

95. SURVIVAL BURNS Burns: Immerse in cold water
Remove restrictive clothing and jewellry
before swelling starts
Cover burn with clean sterile cloth

96. SURVIVAL Burns…cont’d
DO NOT apply any antiseptic,oil iodine,or butter to burn
DO NOT break any blisters
DO NOT remove any clothing stuck to burns

97. SURVIVAL FROSTBITE Frostbite- Freezing of skin tissue
SYMPTOMS: White skin firm to touch
Advanced frostbite: skin becomes waxy and hard
Mild frostbite: Treated by gradually rewarming the area. Do not rub snow on frostbite
Severe frostbite: Some tissue needs to be removed

98. SURVIVAL
BLISTERS:
Apply a large strip of gauze or tape over reddened area. Do not break

99. SURVIVAL HYPOTHERMIA
Occurs when the temperature of the body falls to a level where the internal organs cease to function
Usually caused by cold,wet chilling weather
Body loses heat faster than it can produce it

100. SURVIVAL HYPOTHERMIS …cont;d
SYMPTOMS:
Violent shivering. Sheivering stops in advanced stages
Bluing of the lips and finger tips
Slurred speech and irrational behavior
Weak, slow pulse
Final phase-unconsciouness and death

101. SURVIVAL HYPOTHERMIA…cont’d
To Avoid Hypothermia:
Dress appropriately( wool layer,water/wind proof layer)
Rest frequently, carry matches,highenergy food
Be on the lookout for symptoms and weather

102. SURVIVAL HYPOTHERMIA…cont’d
If you encounter someone with hypothermia
Remove them from the elements
Get them out of wet clothes, into a sleeping bag, near a heat source, or use body heat
Give a conscious person warm drinks, no alcohol
Handle gently, do not rub or make them exercise

103. SURVIVAL HYPERTHERMIA
Three types:
Heat cramps- caused by dehydration and salt depletion
Heat Exhaustion-caused by dehydration and salt depletion
Heat stroke- caused when body temprature rises above 41 degrees C

104. Survival HYPERTHERMIA …cont’d
Ways to reduce Heat Stress:
Drink plenty of fluids
Increase salt intake slightly
Wear light colored loose fitting clothing
Listen to your body. Do not overexert yourself
Treatment exact opposite from hypothermia

105. SURVIVAL DIARRHEA Can rob the body of nutrients and fluids
Prevention- boil water and use decontamination pills

106. SURVIVAL Diarrhea…cont’d
GIARDIA- BEAVER FEVER
Caused by parasite from animal or human feces
Symptoms:
May take a week or more to show up,includes diarrhea,vomiting,nausea,cramps headaches,shills and severe gas

107. SURVIVAL Diarrhea…con’t
PRECAUTIONS:
Boil water for five(5) minutes
Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet
Never swim in a beaver pond

108. SURVIVAL TULAREMIA Caused by bacteria from human or animal feces
Infected by:
drinking infected water
Direct contact with fur or internal parts
Eating food not cooked long enough

109. SURVIVAL TULAREMIA…cont’d
SYMPTOMS:
Resemble the flu,including
Fever chills
sweating headaches
nausea diarrhea
general malaise

110. SURVIVAL TULAREMIA….cont’d
PRECAUTIONS:
Boil Water
Wear rubber gloves when handling fur of dead animals
Wash hands and tools carefully
Cook any game thoroughly

111. SURVIVAL EXERCISE
One day practical field exercise involving the construction of a lean-to and reflector fire,construct a signal fire,setting survival traps, and participation in a mock accident.

112. REFERENCES
Merry,Wayne 1999, Basic Ground Search and Rescue in Canada: Home Study Guide,Context North
Smith,Richard;La Valle,Richard, Hood,Rick,Lawson,Norm,and Kerr, Guy, 2003 Field Operations Guide to Search and Rescue(FOG-SAR)
Skills Handbook, ERI Canada, Alberta, Canada
Umpherson, Don;Bennett, Douglas; and Webb,jr.1991, Bush Safety in Mineral Exploration, Education Series #2 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
CASARA survival Guide, CASARA National Office-Operations and Training,Winnipeg,MB
Lanis, Scott E. , 2000 Ground /Air Signals