The "C" of the ABC's of survival stands for "STAY COOL". In the desert, of course, it is important to stay cool literally so that one does not waste body water. It any survival situation it is imperative to stay cool mentally as well.
The Outward Bound schools were established when it was found that experienced combat flyers would often die when they crash-landed in areas where there was abundant food and water. They lost, or never had, the will to survive, even where survival would be rather comfortable. Outward Bound and similar schools teach the will to survive more than they teach the skills to survive.
Modern man and modern woman have grown used to a controlled environment. Most people who take to the woods for recreation do not feel comfortable without the benefits of civilization. They bring kerosene lamps to banish the darkness, battery-operated clothing and blankets to conquer the cold, and television and liquor to vanquish boredom. Faced with a survival situation, stranded in the dark wilderness without so much as a book of matches, the human regresses several thousand years.
The primal world fosters primal fears. Fear of loneliness, fear of the dark, fear of cold, of heat, of wild animals, of hunger, of thirst, of starvation and death. With fear comes panic, and with panic comes the loss of the will to live.
Fear is a normal response. Fear is, in fact, a survival response, since it alerts the body to be aware of danger. Uncontrolled fear will kill. One must accept the fear of the unknown and work around and with it. The survivor takes control of the situation, and this includes his or her fears.
One study has indicated that within the first six hours of a survival situation a person will make the decision to live or to die. Once the decision to live has been made, positive steps can be taken. Wood can be gathered for a fire. Signals can be laid out to attract searchers. Perhaps water can be found in the vicinity. The person takes control, stays busy, and the chances of survival are increased a thousand fold.
Some studies have been done on behavior of a group during an emergency. Ten percent to twenty-five percent are calm and reasoned. The same percentage become panicked and cannot be comforted. The remainder enter into a state of mild, walking shock. They will take orders, but most do not initiate action.
There are personality traits which tend to reoccur in the survivor. The survivor is stubborn. He or she is aggressive towards survival. This is not to say that this person is aggressive towards others in the group; this is not a survive-to the-detriment-of-others attitude. Cooperation is important.
The survivor is confident and feels in control. A high self esteem is a healthy survival trait.
Certainly physical ability and fitness will aid in survival, but many experienced and able outdoors persons panic in a survival situation. A physically fit person, all other things being equal, will be more likely to avoid injury and to perform needed tasks for survival. They are more likely to be capable of walking to safety it this is needed. Persons in good physical shape also tend to have a higher self esteem and a positive life attitude.
Preparation will not only provide the tools for survival, but can aid in the development of a positive survival attitude. It is easier to feel optimistic with waterproof matches, a signal mirror, and a gallon of water than with no more than a pair of dry words to rub together.
Humans, have survived on this planet because they can adapt to situations. Humans are not physically powerful beings. We lack warm fur or tearing claws. Even a snake has a more beautiful skin. What we do have is the ability to think and adapt. A person who despairs when the quality of his or her immediate life suddenly drops to that of the Cro Magnon may make the subconscious decision that this sort of life is not worth living. One must adapt to the environment if the environment cannot be changed to meet one's needs. When it is wet, a dry place must be found. When it is hot, some cool shade must be located. A survival situation is no place for those who will not accept a lower standard of comfort.
After a number of days, the stranded party may feel rejected or pitying. It is important to maintain a program of positive action and a sense of purpose. Tasks should be set up, on-going survival projects reviewed, per)persons in the party who appear apathetic must be drawn out. A person who cannot air his or her fears and grievances is not a likely candidate for survival.
There are no guarantees in survival. Preparation is important. Those who are sure of themselves and their abilities have a great edge. Individuals who regularly wander through the backcountry without benefit of vehicle have some advantage. They know that there are few animals which can hurt them, and they have spent many nights away from stereos and happy hour. One may even emerge from a survival situation with a feeling that much has been learned and some personal growth has been attained.
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