The basic survival skills - things you should know before you start exploring. Good for day hikes, overnights.

1. Mike Asimos
Mike Asimos - 2014

2.  SURVIVAL PREPARATIONS:
 Tell someone where and when you are going
and a time window that you plan to return.
Leave details about trails, campgrounds, and
geo coordinates if possible.
 Leave details of who to contact if you do not
return within that time frame.
 If you change your plans or move from one
place to another, let someone know.
Mike Asimos - 2014

3.  Cont’d
 Always choose clothing suitable for the season
and potential weather pattern shifts.
 The clothing must be comfortable and protect
you should the weather change.
 Don’t forget extra socks and head protection.
Mike Asimos - 2014

4.  Cont’d
 Always have a compass and a detailed map of the
area you plan to be in.
 Go over your route at home before your trip and
make note of major elevation shifts.
 An emergency situation is not the time to learn
how to use the compass or read the map. Know
how to use both before you go.
Mike Asimos - 2014

5.  Cont’d
 Carry a personal survival kit and an emergency
medical kit.
 The personal survival kit should have emergency
supplies like firestarters, whistle, heat insulating
thermal blanket, knife, signal mirror, water
purification, etc.
 The emergency medical kit should contain supplies for
the number of days you plan to be gone. Check this kit
before you leave to make sure nothing needs to be
replaced.
Mike Asimos - 2014

6. THE EIGHT BASIC RULES OF SURVIVAL
Mike Asimos - 2014

7.  Tell someone where you are going, and when
you plan to return.
 Never go into the rough wilderness alone for
the first time. Take a buddy until you know the
terrain.
 Take enough food for several extra days in case
of an emergency.
Mike Asimos - 2014

8.  Cont’d
 Take a compass and map of the area.
 Wear proper clothing and footwear.
 Take proper equipment with you.
Mike Asimos - 2014

9.  Cont’d
 Plan your day hikes and camp work so that
you return to camp before dark.
 Know how to build a fire with emergency gear.
 Carry a personal survival kit at all times.
Mike Asimos - 2014

10.  IF YOU BECOME LOST
 Stay Calm
 Don’t Panic
Mike Asimos - 2014

11.  Cont’d
 IMPROVISE SHELTER, you can survive for 30 days without food,
3 days without water.
 CONSERVE AS MUCH ENERGY AS POSSIBLE.
 Stay oriented with the map and compass.
 START A FIRE for signaling, heat and cooking/boiling needs.
Remember: As much smoke as possible is optimal for day time
fires, and as little smoke as possible for night time fires. This will
help with visibility.
Mike Asimos - 2014

12.  Stay Warm.
 Exposure to cold, wetness and wind can result
in hypothermia.
 Maintain body temperature by staying dry,
building a fire and constructing a temporary
shelter to protect yourself from elements.
Mike Asimos - 2014

13.  FATIGUE:
 When tired, you don’t think clearly and can
become careless.
 Overexertion, lack of sleep and boredom cause
fatigue.
 Rest as much as possible.
 Exhaustion can lead to poor decision making
where accidents have a higher likelihood of
happening. Stay alert, stay alive.
Mike Asimos - 2014

14.  PAIN:
 Attend to any injuries immediately. Do not put
off basic medical care.
 Open wounds give opportunity for infection.
Be sure to use Neosporin and clean wounds
well before applying dressing.
Mike Asimos - 2014

15.  THREE of anything is the universally accepted
code for persons in distress
 SMOKE BY DAY--FIRE BY NIGHT
 One of the most effective signals
 Build three fires about 30 meters apart in a
triangular manner
 If low on firewood, light them when you hear
an aircraft
Mike Asimos - 2014

16.  SOUND SIGNALS:
 Sound signals could include three shots from a
firearm about 15 seconds apart, or three clear
blasts from a whistle or a horn.
Mike Asimos - 2014

17.  International Ground to Air Signals
 Use any available material that may be visible
to an aircraft and its spotters.
 You may trample it in the snow, stomp down
grass in a meadow, set pieces of material or
clothing in a visible spot, or cut brush and
stand it on end.
 Large branches and rocks may also be used to
create the signals needed.
 It must be large enough to be visible from
aircraft.
Mike Asimos - 2014

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21. Mike Asimos - 2014

22.  Hand-Held Mirror
 Upon spotting an aircraft, stand so the sun hits
the surface of the mirror.
 Straighten your arm and form a “v” with two
fingers.
 Cast the reflection of the mirror through the
“v” aimed at the aircraft.
 Practice this at home before you need it.
Mike Asimos - 2014

23. Mike Asimos - 2014

24.  The main enemy to survival is PANIC.
 Remain calm and assess your resources, both in
your pack and those provided by nature.
 Assess your plan to see if it conserves, adds to
or detracts from your energy supply.
Mike Asimos - 2014

25.  Priorities for a survival situation, in the
appropriate order:
 1. Attend to injuries
 2. Construct a shelter
 3. Conserve and create warmth
 4. Find Water
 5. Rest and conserve energy
 6. Find food
Mike Asimos - 2014

26.  Mike Asimos on Linked In
 Twitter (don’t use often)
 Most of my blogs are focused on
camping/hiking so feel free to check it out at
Mike Asimos on Blogspot
Mike Asimos - 2014

27.  Merry,Wayne 1999, Basic Ground Search and Rescue in Canada:
Home Study Guide,Context North
 Smith,Richard;La Valle,Richard, Hood,Rick,Lawson,Norm,and
Kerr, Guy, 2003 Field Operations Guide to Search and
Rescue(FOG-SAR)
Skills Handbook, ERI Canada, Alberta, Canada
 Umpherson, Don;Bennett, Douglas; and Webb,jr.1991, Bush
Safety in Mineral Exploration, Education Series #2 Ministry of
Northern Development and Mines
 CASARA survival Guide, CASARA National Office-Operations
and Training,Winnipeg,MB
 Lanis, Scott E. , 2000 Ground /Air Signals www.CAPES.NET
Mike Asimos - 2014