SILVER TRAINING SURVIVAL DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY AWARD

SURVIVAL In an emergency, survival may depend on a number of things - have you got spare emergency food? - have you got spare emergency gear? - do you have a good first aid kit? - are you all calm and focused? - get together and decide what to do to make the group safe

SURVIVAL – EMERGENCY SHELTERS Use natural land features for protection from wind and rain - ridges, fallen trees, rocks, trees, ferns Don’t wait till dark to find shelter Don’t move far from the beaten track Use sticks, plastic bags etc to improvise a shelter and mark the shelter with something bright so rescuers can see it Put warm clothes on

SURVIVAL – FIRE LIGHTING Only light a fire in an emergency Fire requires fuel, heat and oxygen Kindling – very dry material that lights easily (or a tea-light candle) Wood should be stacked carefully to allow air in - teepee - lean-to - pyramid Light the fire from upwind, at an ignition point Have water handy in case of an emergency Light in a good clearance, away from tents etc

SURVIVAL – HELICOPTER SAFETY Try to clear the landing site before the helicopter arrives Always approach a helicopter within the pilots field of vision Wait for the pilot’s thumbs up before approaching Follow pilot / crew’s directions Remain crouched as you approach On a slope, approach and leave on the downhill side Always carry equipment horizontally below waist height Keep cooking stoves and fuel separate in case it needs to be discarded in the event of a suspected fuel leak