So, you’ve planned your trip to Australia but what do you do if your car breaks down or you mistakenly wander off from the group in the bush? Easy, you could be able to cope with anything just by following the instructions in this article. Note that it is always recommended that you have at minimal a small amount of experiance in survival medicine before leaving on any wilderness adventure. We’ve scoured the best survival guides so you don’t have to. Whose been there, done it and used the T-shirt to store water? Our experts. Below is a list of the top ten bush survival tips and techniques!
1. Be Prepared
Before you even depart for a unforgiving environment, you have to expect the unexpected. According to thesurvivalexpert.co.uk, it’s a good idea to attend a basic survival course before your trip.
2. Packing
Carrying the right tools with you is preparing for survival. A water bottle and filter, a proper knife, a small mirror, a compass, matches and flint, condoms and a first aid kit. According to John Wiseman, author of the SAS Survival Guide, Some knives have hollow handles which contain many of these tools though the knife itself will be less durable.
3. Travel Light
If you are light, you will be speedier should you have to move. However, you should make informed choices when it comes to selecting what you take with you and discard. You’ll waste critical time and energy going back for any items you need but left behind.
4. Avoid Anxiety
In terms of your survival this is key. You will be in a position to remain collected or at least cooler than others who may be stranded with you, Provided you have adhered to the previous three steps.
5. Water
As The SAS Survival Guide explains, we can survive for three weeks without food but only for three days without water. This is the time to use the flask bottle and condoms you have with you. Keeping movement to a minimum is important if you haven’t got any liquids but you should find shade and look for water as the sun is going down. In the interest of maintaining fluids, don’t inhale through your mouth, don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
6. Eating
If you decide to move, you’ll need protein and this can best be found in meat. Prior knowledge of the local animal and plant life can increase your chances of survival so it might be a great idea to do some research before leaving for the bush. You’ll most likely find yourself swallowing insects and cutting leftover meat from wild carcasses in the bush,. You must make sure meat is fresh by looking at the color of the bones and whether or not there are any vultures nearby, according to Bear Grylls. If the meat smells old and the bones have been bleached by the sun, keep moving. As there’ll be more protein in it, have it uncooked if it’s safe.
7. Fire
If you have matches or flint and a striker, use them to make a fire to keep you warm after sunset. For tinder, try using Old Man’s Beard or comparable brushwood. You can also use fire to clean fluids, make signals or cook. See Ray Mears on YouTube to find out how to make fire with wood, it’s important if you can’t find flint.
8. Shelter
You should find shelter, most importantly from the midday sun. Some places in the bush will be completely exposed to the sun and won’t have any shade, so you’ll have to try to make some using plants and whatever fabric you can spare. Boost your spirits by finding cover from the sun and later, from the wind and cold.
9. Signals
This is why you brought that mirror. The sun in the bush is very hot and, reflected in the proper direction can allow you to signal for help, keeping you alive. Alternatively, you can make smoke signals by covering your fire in live or ‘wet’ branches as this will create a lot of smoke.
10. Moving
Keeping the camp running is important if you’re staying and you’ll want to be sure of you’re water supply. If you’re moving, you’ll want to have water, stay out of the sun as much as possible and be sure of you’re direction. This is a perfect time to use your compass! You can waste a lot of energy worrying and you should try to avoid anxiety at all costs, be positive.