Editing Survival skills

{{Short description|Techniques for sustaining life, typically in adverse conditions}}
{{About|survival techniques|other uses|Survival Skill (disambiguation){{!}}Survival Skill}}
{{redirect|Surviving|other uses|Surviving (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|Survival tactics|the Styles of Beyond song|2000 Fold|the Joey Badass song|1999 (mixtape)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
[[File:Astronaut survival training - GPN-2006-000028.jpg|thumb|250px|Astronauts participating in tropical survival training at an [[Air Force Base]] near the [[Panama Canal]], 1963. From left to right are an unidentified trainer, [[Neil Armstrong]], [[John H. Glenn Jr.]], [[L. Gordon Cooper]], and [[Pete Conrad]]. Survival training is important for astronauts, as a launch abort or misguided reentry could potentially land them in a remote wilderness area.]]
'''Survival skills''' are techniques used to sustain life in any type of [[natural environment]] or [[built environment]]. These techniques are meant to provide [[basic human needs|basic necessities]] for human life, including [[water]], [[food]], and [[wikt:shelter|shelter]]. Survival skills also support proper knowledge and interactions with animals and plants to promote the sustaining of life over time.

Survival skills are basic ideas and abilities that ancient people invented and passed down for thousands of years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-28 |title=Wilderness Survival Skills |url=http://www.wilderness-survival.co.uk/ |access-date=2017-09-28 |website=www.wilderness-survival.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> Today, survival skills are often associated with surviving in a [[disaster]] situation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.mensfitness.com/training/endurance/12-outdoor-survival-skills-every-guy-should-master |title=12 Outdoor Survival Skills Every Guy Should Master |date=2017-09-28 |work=Men's Fitness |access-date=2017-09-28 |language=en}}</ref>

[[Outdoor recreation|Outdoor activities]] such as [[hiking]], [[Backpacking (travel)|backpacking]], [[horseback riding]], [[fishing]], and [[hunting]] all require basic wilderness survival skills, especially to handle emergencies. Individuals who practice survival skills as a type of outdoor recreation or hobby may describe themselves as survivalists. Survival skills are often used by people living [[Off-the-grid|off-grid]] lifestyles such as [[homesteading|homesteaders]]. [[Bushcraft]] and [[Primitive skills|primitive living]] are most often self-implemented but require many of the same skills.

== First aid ==
{{Main|Wilderness medical emergency}}
[[File:First aid 19.jpg|alt=A first aid kit|thumb|A first aid kit containing equipment that can treat common injuries and illness.]]
[[First aid]] ([[wilderness first aid]] in particular) can help a person survive and function with injuries and illnesses that would otherwise kill or compromise them. Common and dangerous injuries include:
* [[Bite]]s from [[Snakebite|snakes]], [[Spider bite|spiders]], and other wild animals
* [[Bone fractures]]
* [[Burn]]s
* [[Drowsiness]]
* [[Headache]]
* [[Heart attack]]
* [[Hemorrhage]]
* [[Hypothermia]] and [[hyperthermia]]
* [[Infection]] from food, animal contact, or drinking non-potable water
* [[Poison]]ing from [[poisonous plants]] or [[fungi]]
* [[Sprains]], particularly of the [[ankle]]
* [[Vomiting]]
* [[Wound]]s, which may become [[infection|infected]]

The person may need to apply the contents of a [[first aid kit]] or, if possessing the required knowledge, naturally occurring medicinal plants, immobilize injured limbs, or even transport incapacitated comrades.

== Shelter ==
{{Main|Bivouac shelter}}
[[File: Shelter from tarp and sticks.jpg|thumb|Photo release by the [[Tamils Rehabilitation Organisation]] depicting a shelter built from tarp and sticks. Pictured are displaced people from the [[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]].]]

Many people who are forced into survival situations often have an elevated risk of danger because of direct exposure to the elements. Many people in survival situations die of [[hypothermia]] or [[hyperthermia]], or animal attacks. An effective shelter can range from a natural shelter, such as a [[cave]], overhanging rock [[outcrop]], or a fallen-down tree, to an intermediate form of man-made shelter such as a debris hut, tree pit shelter, or [[snow cave]], to a completely man-made structure such as a [[Tarpaulin|tarp]], [[tent]], or a [[Longhouses of the indigenous peoples of North America|longhouse]]. It is noted that some common properties between these structures are:

*Location (away from hazards, such as cliffs; and nearby materials, like food sources)
*Insulation (from the ground, rain, wind, air, or sun)
*Heat Source (either body heat or fire-heated)
*Personal or Group Shelter (having multiple individuals)

== Fire ==
[[Fire]] is a tool that helps meet many survival needs. A campfire can be used to boil water, rendering it safe to drink, and to cook food. Fire also creates a sense of safety and protection, which can provide an overlooked psychological boost.<ref>The Handbook Of The SAS And Elite Forces. How The Professionals Fight And Win. Edited by Jon E. Lewis. p.417-Tactics And Techniques, Survival. Robinson Publishing Ltd 1997. ISBN 1-85487-675-9</ref> When temperatures are low, fire can postpone or prevent the risk of hypothermia. In a wilderness survival situation, fire can provide a sense of home in addition to being an essential energy source.<ref name=":0" /> Fire may deter wild animals from interfering with an individual, though some wild animals may also be attracted to the light and heat of a fire.

There are numerous methods for starting a fire in a survival situation. Fires are either started with the case of the [[Solar Spark Lighter|solar spark lighter]], or through a [[Spark (electric)|spark]], as in the case of a [[Flint|flint striker]]. Fires will often be extinguished if either there is excessive wind, or if the fuel or environment is too wet. Lighting a fire without a lighter or matches, e.g. by using natural flint and metal with [[tinder]], is a frequent subject of both books on survival and in survival courses, because it allows an individual to start a fire with few materials in the event of a disaster. There is an emphasis placed on practicing fire-making skills before venturing into the wilderness.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Fears|first=J. Wayne|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tF2CDwAAQBAJ|title=The Pocket Outdoor Survival Guide: The Ultimate Guide for Short-Term Survival|date=2011-02-14|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-62636-680-0|language=en}}</ref> Producing fire under adverse conditions has been made much easier by the introduction of tools such as the magnesium striker, [[Solar Spark Lighter|solar spark lighter]], and the [[fire piston]].

== Water ==
[[File:Hydration pack.jpg|thumb|[[Hydration pack]] manufactured by [[Camelbak]].]]

A human being can survive an average of three to five days without water. Since the human body is composed of an average of 60% water, it should be no surprise that water is higher on the list than food.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Water in You: Water and the Human Body |url=https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects |access-date=10 October 2021 |website=www.usgs.gov| date=22 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Body Water Percentage {{!}} Healthcare-Online |url=http://www.healthcare-online.org/Body-Water-Percentage.html |access-date=10 October 2021 |website=www.healthcare-online.org}}</ref> The need for water dictates that unnecessary water loss by [[perspiration]] should be avoided in survival situations. Perspiration and the need for water increase with exercise.<ref name="hub">[http://health.howstuffworks.com/live-without-food-and-water2.htm HowStuffWorks] by Charles W. Bryant</ref> Although human water intake varies greatly depending on factors like age and gender, the average human should drink about 13 cups or 3 liters per day.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Much Water Should You Drink a Day? |url=https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-much-water-do-you-need-daily/ |website=Cleveland Clinic |access-date=10 October 2021 |date=6 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=J Appel|first1=Lawrence |last2=H Baker|first2=David |last3=Baror|first3=Oded |last4=L Minaker|first4=Kenneth |last5=Morris Jr|first5=R Curtis |last6=M Resnick|first6=Lawrence |last7=N Sawka|first7=Michael |last8=L Volpe|first8=Stella |last9=H Weinberger|first9=Myron |last10=K Whelton|first10=Paul |title=Report Sets Dietary Intake Levels for Water, Salt, and Potassium To Maintain Health and Reduce Chronic Disease Risk |url=https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2004/02/report-sets-dietary-intake-levels-for-water-salt-and-potassium-to-maintain-health-and-reduce-chronic-disease-risk |access-date=10 October 2021 |work=www.nationalacademies.org |date=February 11, 2004}}</ref> Many people in survival situations perish due to [[dehydration]], and/or the debilitating effects of water-borne [[pathogen]]s from untreated water.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dehydration: Why It Is So Dangerous - Diarrhoea, Diarrhea, Rehydration |url=https://rehydrate.org/dehydration/ |website=rehydrate.org |access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Drinking-water |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water#:~:text=Some%20829%20000%20people%20are%20estimated%20to%20die,each%20year%20if%20these%20risk%20factors%20were%20addressed. |website=www.who.int |access-date=10 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

A typical person will lose a minimum of two to four liters of water per day under ordinary conditions, and more in hot, dry, or cold weather. Four to six liters of water or other liquids are generally required each day in the wilderness to avoid dehydration and to keep the body functioning properly.<ref name="balance">[http://boreal.net/articles/survival-training/water-balance.php Water Balance; a Key to Cold Weather Survival] by Bruce Zawalsky, Chief Instructor, BWI</ref> The U.S. Army survival manual does not recommend drinking water only when thirsty, as this leads to inadequate hydration. Instead, water should be consumed at regular intervals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aircav.com/survival/asch13/asch13p02.html |title=Army Survival Manual; Chapter 13 – Page 2 |publisher=Aircav.com |access-date=2011-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.survivalebooks.com/survivalfm3-0570.html |title=U.S. Army Survival Manual FM 21-76, also known as FM 3-05.70 May 2002 Issue; drinking water |publisher=Survivalebooks.com |access-date=2011-10-21}}</ref> Other groups recommend rationing water through "water discipline."<ref>"Water Discipline" at Survival Topics</ref>

A lack of water causes [[dehydration]], which may result in [[lethargy]], [[headaches]], [[dizziness]], [[confusion]], and eventually death. Even mild dehydration reduces [[endurance]] and impairs [[concentration]], which is dangerous in a survival situation where clear thinking is essential. Dark yellow or brown [[urine]] is a diagnostic indicator of dehydration. To avoid dehydration, a high priority is typically assigned to locating a supply of drinking water and making provisions to render that water as safe as possible.

Recent thinking is that boiling or commercial [[Water filter|filters]] are significantly safer than the use of chemicals, with the exception of [[chlorine dioxide]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://safewater.supportportal.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=23015 |title=US EPA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229212621/http://safewater.supportportal.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=23015 |archive-date=29 December 2011 |access-date=2011-12-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wemjournal.org/wmsonline/?request=get-abstract&issn=1080-6032&volume=008&issue=02&page=0096 |title=Wilderness Medical Society |publisher=Wemjournal.org |access-date=2011-10-21}}{{Dead link|date=September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/Crypto.htm |title=Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources |date=2008-03-11 |publisher=Dnr.wi.gov |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308121327/http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/Crypto.htm |archive-date=8 March 2012 |access-date=2011-10-21}}</ref>

== Food ==
[[root vegetable|Culinary root tubers]], [[List of culinary fruits|fruit]], [[edible mushrooms]], [[List of edible seeds|edible nuts, edible beans, edible cereals]] or [[List of plants with edible leaves|edible leaves]], [[edible cacti]], [[ant]]s and [[Culinary algae|algae]] can be gathered and, if needed, prepared (mostly by boiling). With the exception of leaves, these foods are relatively high in [[calorie]]s, providing some energy to the body. Plants are some of the easiest food sources to find in the jungle, forest, or desert because they are stationary and can thus be obtained without exerting much effort.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.survivalgrounds.com/index.php |title=Master The Great Outdoors |publisher=SurvivalGrounds.com |access-date=2011-10-21}}</ref> [[Animal trapping]], [[hunting]], and [[fishing]] allow a survivalist to acquire high-calorie meat but require certain skills and equipment (such as bows, snares, and nets).

Focusing on survival until rescued, the [[Boy Scouts of America]] especially discourages foraging for wild foods on the grounds that the knowledge and skills needed to make a safe decision are unlikely to be possessed by those finding themselves in a wilderness survival situation.

== Navigation ==
[[File:Pole01-eng.svg|thumb|Celestial navigation: using the Southern Cross to navigate South without a compass.]]
When going on a hike or trip in an unfamiliar location, [[search and rescue]] advises to notify a trusted contact of your destination, your planned return time, and then notify them when returning.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=174 |title=Victoria Police - Search and Rescue Squad |last=Police |first=Victoria |website=www.police.vic.gov.au|date=19 December 2024 }}</ref> In the event you do not return in the specified time frame, (e.g. 12 hours of the scheduled return time), your contact can contact the police for search and rescue.

Survival situations can often be resolved by finding a way to safety, or a more suitable location to wait for rescue. Types of navigation include:
* [[Celestial navigation]], using the [[sun]] and the night sky to locate the cardinal directions and to maintain course of travel
* Using a [[map]], [[compass]] or [[GPS]] receiver
* [[Dead reckoning]]
* Natural navigation, using the condition of surrounding natural objects (i.e. [[moss]] on a tree, snow on a hill, direction of running water, etc.)

== Mental preparedness ==
Mental clarity and preparedness are critical to survival. The will to live in a life-and-death situation often separates those that live and those that do not. Even well-trained survival experts may be mentally affected in disaster situations. It is critical to be calm and focused during a disaster.

To the extent that stress results from testing human limits, the benefits of learning to function under stress and determining those limits may outweigh the downside of stress.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.exploresmos.org/outdoor-skills/how-to-survive-any-situation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021054920/http://www.exploresmos.org/outdoor-skills/how-to-survive-any-situation/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=21 October 2011 |title=How to Survive Any Situation |last=Krieger |first=Leif |website=How to Survive Any Situation |date=3 April 2011 |publisher=Silvercrown Mountain Outdoor School}}</ref> There are certain strategies and mental tools that can help people cope better in a survival situation, including focusing on manageable tasks, having a Plan B available, and recognizing denial.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Leach, John |title=Survival Psychology |publisher=NYU Press |year=1994}}</ref>

== Urban survival ==

===Earthquake===
Governments such as the [[United States]]<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes |title = Earthquakes {{!}} Ready.gov}}</ref> and [[New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/ |title = Home » National Emergency Management Agency}}</ref> advise that in an [[earthquake]], one should "Drop, Cover, and Hold."

New Zealand Civil Defense explains it this way:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/earthquakes/drop-cover-hold/#e4986 |title=Drop, Cover and Hold Pāheke, Hīpoki me Pupuri |website=GetReady.Govt.nz |publisher=Get Ready NZ |access-date=6 December 2022 }}</ref>
*DROP down on your hands and knees. This protects you from falling but lets you move if you need to.
*COVER your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if it is within a few steps of you). If there is no shelter nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
*HOLD on to your shelter (or your position to protect your head and neck) until the shaking stops. If the shaking shifts your shelter around, move with it.

The United States [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] (FEMA)<ref name="auto"/> adds that in the event of a building collapse, it is advised that you:
* Seek protection under a structure like a table
* Cover your mouth with your shirt to filter out dust
* Don't move until you are confident that something won't topple on you
* Use your phone light to signal for help, or call

== Important survival items ==
[[File:Building for survival - geograph.org.uk - 396684.jpg|thumb|Civilian pilots attending a Survival course at [[RAF Kinloss]] learn how to construct shelter from the elements, using materials available in the woodland on the north-east edge of the aerodrome.]]
{{Main|Survival kit}}

Survivalists often carry a "survival kit." The contents of these kits vary considerably, but generally consist of items that are necessary or useful in potential survival situations, depending on the anticipated needs and location. For wilderness survival, these kits often contain items like a knife, water vessel, fire-starting equipment, first aid equipment, tools to obtain food (such as snare wire, fish hooks, or firearms), a light source, navigational aids, and signaling or communications devices. [[Multi-tool|Multi-purpose tools]] are often chosen because they serve multiple purposes, allowing the user to reduce weight and save space.

Preconstructed survival kits may be purchased from various retailers, or individual components may be bought and assembled into a kit.

==Controversial survival skills==
Some survival books promote the "Universal Edibility Test."<ref>US Army Survival Manual FM21-76 1998 Dorset press 9th printing {{ISBN|1-56619-022-3}}</ref> Allegedly, it is possible to distinguish edible foods from toxic ones by exposing your skin and mouth to progressively greater amounts of the food in question, with waiting periods and checks for symptoms between these exposures.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Meals |first1=Greenbelly |title=The Universal Edibility Test |url=https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/universal-edibility-test |website=Greenbelly Meals |access-date=10 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref> However, many experts reject this method{{Weasel inline|date=October 2021}}, stating that even a small amount of some "potential foods" can cause physical discomfort, illness, or even death.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Universal Edibility Test |url=https://www.backpacker.com/skills/universal-edibility-test/ |website=Backpacker |access-date=10 October 2021 |date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

Many mainstream survival experts have recommended the act of drinking [[urine]] in times of dehydration and malnutrition.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Naomi |title=All the wildest things Bear Grylls has done - from drinking pee to sleeping inside a camel |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/reality-tv/bear-grylls-wildest-things-done/ |access-date=10 October 2021 |work=Radio Times |publisher=Hubert Burda |date=14 August 2020 |language=en}}</ref> However, the U.S. Army Survival Field Manual (FM 21–76) instructs that this technique is a myth and should never be used.<ref>{{cite book |title=FM 21-76 US ARMY SURVIVAL MANUAL |date=1 October 1970 |publisher=United States Department of Defense |page=210 |url=https://thesurvivalmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/FM_21-76-US-army-survival-manual.pdf |access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref> There are several reasons to avoid drinking urine, including the high salt content of urine, potential contaminants, and the risk of bacterial exposure, despite urine often being touted as "[[Sterilization (microbiology)|sterile]]."<ref>{{cite web |title=True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine {{!}} Winchester Hospital |url=https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=161688 |website=www.winchesterhospital.org |access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref>

Many classic [[Western (genre)|western]] movies, classic survival books, and even some school textbooks suggest that using your mouth to suck the venom out of a [[venom]]ous [[Snakebite|snake bite]] is an appropriate treatment. However, venom that has entered the [[bloodstream]] cannot be sucked out, and it may be dangerous for a rescuer to attempt to do so. Similarly, some survivalists promote the belief that when bitten by a venomous snake, drinking your urine provides natural anti-venom. Effective snakebite treatment involves pressure bandages and prompt medical treatment, and may require [[antivenom]].<ref name="Lawson">{{Cite web |url=http://bugoutbrothersblog.com/2015/04/17/top-10-survival-myths-busted/ |title=Top 10 Survival Myths Busted |last=Lawson |first=Malcolm |year=2013 |website=SCS |publisher=DNM International |pages=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427111446/http://bugoutbrothersblog.com/2015/04/17/top-10-survival-myths-busted/ |archive-date=27 April 2015 |access-date=18 April 2015}}</ref>

==Seizonjutsu==
Seizonjutsu (生存術) are survival skills such as gathering, hunting tracking etc. used in [[Ninjutsu]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mai-ko.com/travel/japanese-history/museum-notes/the-18-major-ninja-training-techniques-spiritual-training-seishin-teki-kyoyo/ | title=The 18 Major Ninja Training Techniques Spiritual training -Seishin teki kyoyo }}</ref> and expertise in meteorology, botanics and training for physical strength to endure hardships in the outback.<ref>Secrets of the Ninja, Ashida Kim 2018. ISBN 9780359223824, 0359223826, Lulu Press, Incorporated</ref>

==See also==
* [[Alone (TV series)|Alone (TV show)]]
* [[Bicycle touring]]
* [[Bushcraft]]
* [[Distress signal]]
* [[Hazards of outdoor recreation]]
* [[Mini survival kit]]
* [[Survivalism]]
* [[Ten Essentials]]
* [[Woodcraft]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* ''[[Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills]]''; 8th Ed; Mountaineers Books; 596 pages; 1960 to 2010; {{ISBN|978-1594851384}}.
* ''[[The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch]]''; Penguin Books; 352 pages; 2014; {{ISBN|978-1-594-20523-1}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
;Media
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.faa.survival.1|name=Aircrew Survival: Cold Land Survival}}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.faa.survival.2|name=Aircrew Survival: Hot Land Survival}}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.faa.survival.3|name=Aircrew Survival: Survival Kits, Rafts, Accessories}}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.faa.survival.4|name=Aircrew Survival: Survival Medicine}}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.faa.survival.5|name=Aircrew Survival: Surviving on Open Water}}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.faa.survival.6|name=Aircrew Survival: Survival Signalling}}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.faa.survival.7|name=Aircrew Survival: Tropical Survival}}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=gov.faa.survival.8|name=Aircrew Survival: The Will to Survive}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNjeb98j9UsEpOllqt-iGX2McELX1M02P Seizonjutsu - Ninja Survival Training Videos]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Survival skills| ]]
[[Category:Foraging]]