Survive

Key Word "SURVIVAL"

The key word "SURVIVAL" is an acronym to be used as an "immediate action

drill" to be performed at the outset of a wilderness survival situation. Use

this simple phrase to plan measures that will assist you in surviving in the

wilderness and returning to civilization. The Key Word "SURVIVAL" will

provide you with two of the most important survival skills--the ability to

organize yourself and the ability to stay calm.

A. "S" stands for "Size up the situation."

(1) Consider your physical condition and perform any first aid required.

(2) Concentrate your senses on getting a feel for the area.

(3) Conduct an inventory of the equipment you have.

(4) Begin planning.

B. "U" stands for "Undue haste makes waste."

(1) Reacting without thinking or planning can result in faulty decisions and

could result in your death.

(2) Acting in haste, just for the sake of action, will make you careless.

The natural tendency in a stressful situation is to run. You must overcome

this tendency and think of your objectives.

(3) If you act in haste, you may lose or forget equipment, you may not make a

survival plan, and you may become disoriented and not know your location. As

a cultural group. Americans have little patience. Know this weakness if it is

your own particular Achilles' heel.

C. "R" stands for "Remember where you are."

(1) Always knowing where you are on the map and how it relates to the

surrounding terrain is a principle no outdoorsman should violate.

(2) If in a group, always know the location of the maps and compasses.

(3) Guard against the natural tendency of allowing someone else to be

responsible for navigation. Always be aware of your route, regardless of the

mode of travel.

(4) Whether you are in a base camp or on the move, you should always know the

following things:

(a) Direction or location of the nearest populated area.

(b) Direction or location to the nearest major transportation artery

(river, highway, railroad track, etc.)

(c) Location of local water sources.

D. "V" stands for "Vanquish fear and panic."

(1) Fear and panic are two of the greatest enemies in a survival situation.

These are not unusual emotions. The secret is to recognize them and control

them.

(2) Fear, panic, and anxiety take their toll on the body. They divert needed

energy.

(3) Many people have never been alone and without diversion. This could

subject them to anxiety.

(4) The best way to control fear in a survival situation is preparation,

prior planning, and training.

E. "I" stands for "Improvise."

(1) Make the wrong tool and do the right job.

(2) Make an object do more than one job.

F. "V" stands for "Value living."

(1) A man's will to survive, to endure, to live, is the key to survival.

Maintaining a positive mental outlook and a desire to live will allow an

individual to overcome tremendous odds.

G. "A" stands for "Act like the natives."

(1) Many situations we would consider to be "survival situations" are dealt

with on a daily basis by primitive peoples all over the world. To them, these

situations are a way of life and hold no specific danger. Read about these

people and our own ancestors. They survived in a world without electricity,

stores, or fast food; you can too.

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