Good news! You are a member of the best and most survivable species on our planet, rules of survival are in your blood! Intelligence, ingenuity and will to win have allowed Homo Sapiens to confidently take control of the world and rule it to its will so that weather, predators and other oddities no longer threaten our lives. Unless, of course, you go into a savannah full of hefty lions, hyenas and other toothy cuties unprepared.
Introduction to Survival
Today, however, most people’s survival skills have atrophied, simply because a calm and measured life doesn’t require us to be able to start a fire in the pouring rain, find a water source in the desert, or find something to fill our bellies in the savannah. Many people think that survival skills today are an anachronism and more of a pastime than a necessity.
The importance of survival preparation
You shouldn’t be so relaxed! Life can always throw you a challenge and you can suddenly find yourself in extreme conditions, where seconds count. And to be ready and survive against everything that the world will throw at you, you need to start training now. Sivis pacem, para bellum (if you want peace, prepare for war) as they say. Let our survival blog begin!
General principles of survival in any condition
To survive, you must follow a set of rules. These rules are written in the blood of many and many generations of people all over the world, so listen carefully and take them on faith:
- Do not panic and fear whatever happens. Bullets may whistle over your head, wolves around you may howl like demons in the underworld, your comrade may bleed and scream in pain, but you must remain cool. Do not allow yourself or your mates to talk and shout “we’re all going to die, we’re **cked”, as this is the first step to doom. If you give in to panic and fear, you lose the ability to think and reflect accurately, quickly and adequately. And this could be your last mistake. Maintaining a calm and positive mindset is crucial. Panic can lead to poor decision-making and impede your ability to think clearly.
- Your movements should be precise, quick, but at the same time not fidgety. Don’t fuss, but don’t hesitate – that’s the golden rule.
- Be cautious, stay out of trouble. Soberly assess your capabilities, if you are not sure that you can cope with a risky task, it is better to not do it, and if you do, then choose the option of solving the problem, which with maximum probability will not harm you.
- Social support and co-operation. In some situations, survival may depend on the ability to co-operate with other people or groups to achieve a common goal. When there are many of you and you act together, you will overcome all challenges. Support each other psychologically and physically, pay special attention to those who are morally broken, a weak link can always lead to trouble. Never leave the wounded and the laggards behind, give help and assistance in every possible way.
- Assess the Situation. Quickly assess your surroundings, resources, and any immediate dangers. Understanding the situation helps you prioritise your actions.
- Prioritise Basic Needs. Focus on the essentials for survival: shelter, water, fire, and food (in that order). Address these needs as soon as possible to ensure your immediate well-being.
- Read a couple of survival books.
Survival in Hot Climates
Surviving in hot climates means being at constant risk of dehydration and sunstroke.
Key threats
Here are some threats that await you in hot weather:
- Dehydration is one of the most dangerous things that can happen to you in the heat, as it can quickly lead to impaired physical and mental function, and if severe, can be life-threatening.
- Early signs include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and fatigue. As dehydration worsens, symptoms may progress to dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and reduced urine output.
- Heat stroke is also a serious medical condition that occurs when the body’s core temperature rises to dangerously high levels, typically above 104°F (40°C). It is the most severe form of heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention.
Here are the symptoms of heat stroke:
- High Body Temperature: The main sign of heat stroke is a body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher.
- Altered Mental State or Behaviour: Heat stroke can cause confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, or even coma.
- Hot, Dry Skin or Profuse Sweating: In classic heat stroke (non-exercise induced), the skin may be hot and dry to the touch, while in exertional heat stroke (caused by strenuous activity), the skin may be moist with sweat.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms may accompany heat stroke, leading to further dehydration.
- Flushed Skin: The skin may turn red as the body temperature rises.
- Rapid Breathing: Breathing may become rapid and shallow.
- Heart palpitations: The pulse may be strong and rapid.
- Headache: The heat may give you an intense throbbing headache.
- Muscle cramps or weakness: This can be a sign of heat exhaustion that turns into heat stroke.
- Cramps: In severe cases, heat stroke can cause cramps.
Equipment and gear
Surviving in hot climates requires careful selection of gear and equipment to ensure comfort, safety and functionality. Here are a few basic items to form your survival kit:
Clothing:
- Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics: Choose materials like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics to keep cool and allow sweat evaporation.
- Loose-fitting Clothes: Allow air circulation and reduce heat retention.
- Long-sleeved Shirts and Pants: Protect against sunburn and insects.
Footwear:
- Breathable Shoes or Sandals: Choose footwear that allows ventilation to prevent overheating and discomfort.
Headgear:
- Wide-brimmed Hat: Provides shade for your face, neck, and ears.
- Bandana or Scarf: Can be used to cover your head or face for additional sun protection.
Hydration:
- Water Bottles or Hydration Packs: Carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Electrolyte Replenishment: Consider electrolyte tablets or drinks to replace salts lost through sweating.
Sun Protection:
- Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect exposed skin.
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce glare.
Cooling Gear:
- Cooling Towels: Moisture-activated towels that provide instant cooling when wet.
- Portable Fans or Misters: Help cool down in extreme heat.
First Aid Kit:
- Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and medications for sunburn or heat-related issues like dehydration.
Navigation and Communication:
- GPS or Maps: Ensure you have reliable navigation tools if traveling in unfamiliar areas in your survival backpack.
- Mobile Phone: Carry a fully charged phone for emergency communication.
Shelter and Rest:
- Lightweight Tent or Tarp: Provide shade during breaks or emergencies.
- Sleeping Gear: Lightweight sleeping bag or mat suitable for warm temperatures.
Insect Protection:
- Insect Repellent: Protect against mosquitoes and other insects, which can be more prevalent in hot climates.
Now you know how to survive in hot climate.
General Tips and Recommendations
As you have already realized, survival is not the easiest thing to do, you will need special skills.
Essential survival skills
- Fire is the source of life always and everywhere. So learn how to make fire in all conditions, in the rain and in very windy weather;
- Learn how to get water in any terrain, because if you don’t have a water source, you are screwed;
- You need to be able to hunt and fish with the help of improvised ways;
- Learn to orient and navigate in space. Knowing your surroundings and being able to navigate in them is critical. It helps you avoid getting lost and find your way to rescue or civilization;
- Basic first aid skills can save lives in emergency situations. Knowing how to treat wounds, burns, fractures, and manage illnesses can be critical.
- Understanding basic self-defense techniques can help protect yourself from threats in survival situations.
- Learn how to signal for help using tools like mirrors, smoke, whistles, or improvised signals can increase your chances of being rescued.
- Familiarity with using knives, ropes, and other essential tools safely and effectively is important for survival tasks.
Psychological aspects of survival
The main psychological aspect is abillity to maintain a positive mental attitude, staying calm under pressure, and having the determination to survive are crucial aspects of survival.
We highly recommend to read our detailed guide about the psychology of survival here.
Conclusion
Train and harden your body, learn new skills and if life throws you into the desert, you will not only survive there, but probably save a lot of people. It is better to be able and not to need than to need and not to be able.