The "B" of the ABC's of survival stands for "BROOD" or THINK CAREFULLY. When one is in a survival situation, it is important to utilize whatever resources are available for survival. This will help the stranded party keep a positive attitude and will provide the party with tools for survival while waiting to be rescued. The next several chapters will deal with things which can be done to increase the chances of survival in the desert.
When one becomes stranded in the desert, the first thought is probably concerned with walking out to safety. In almost every case this is not the best move. Making the decision to stay or walk out will be covered in detail in another chapter. For now suffice it to say that one's chances of survival increase greatly when he or she stays with the vehicle and waits for rescue.
If a responsible person was informed as to the party's plans, Search and Rescue will be looking for the party within 24 hours after they were reported overdue. A vehicle is easily seen from the air, and it will serve as a signal to searchers. Even if the party does not have a liaison person to report them overdue, a vehicle will attract more attention than a person or persons on foot.
The vehicle is useful for shelter from sudden storms or the chill of night. The vehicle provides shade from the sun, an important factor in desert survival.
Even a car with no survival kit will supply tools for a stranded party.
The rear view or side view mirror can be used to signal planes.
Gasoline from the tank can be used to start a fire for warmth or to signal searchers. The spare tire can be burned for a good, smoky fire which will be seen for some distance. Usually the glove compartment contains road maps or assorted pieces of paper which can be used as fire starters. The dashboard cigarette lighter can be used to start a fire, though this is difficult and requires very dry materials to work with.
Oil from the engine block can be used to blacken the face. This will protect the skin from sunburn and protect the eyes from the glare of the desert sun. This glare can result in discomfort and temporary blindness. Coating the skin with oil can also reduce the amount of water lost as sweat.
The hubcaps can be used to dig in sandy soil to collect water. Hubcaps could also be used to dig out a car stuck in sand or mud if a shovel is not available, used as a signal mirror, a water carrier, or a cooking pot.
The car seats can be removed and used to sit on in the shade of a rock or tree. The interior of a vehicle heats up in direct sun, and it is cooler in the shade outside. The ground is much hotter than the air, and sitting above the ground keeps the person cooler.
Most cars do have coolant in the radiator, and in this case the radiator water should not be drunk under any circumstances. Coolant and antifreeze are poisonous. This liquid could be used to wet down clothing and cool the body.
The horn can be used to signal searchers. If someone is heard in the area, a series of three honks which are repeated would indicate trouble.
Headlights could be removed from the car and used to signal planes at night. Both headlights and horn should be used with discretion, as they will drain the battery. Once the battery is dead, these items can no longer be used.
Taillights and flashers may be disconnected and used much the same as the headlights.
Floor mats can be used for sandmats to provide traction for a stuck car. They can be propped up and utilized for shade or you can sit on them and avoid the heat of the ground. They could also be used for a smoky fire.
Windshield washer fluid often contains soap. If this is the case, don't drink it: the soap will cause you to vomit. If there is only water in the washer compartment, it could be drunk. If it does have soap, the fluid could be used to wet your clothing and cool you off.
If the vehicle has a hatchback, this door can be left open and covered with a sheet, tarp, or reflective space blanket. This will provide shade and be easily spotted by air searchers.
Chapter Four Please
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