What are the 7 Priorities for Survival?

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What are the 7 priorities for survival?

Survival basically refers to one’s ability to stay alive through dangerous situations in which there is a likelihood of death. When found in such a situation, your chance of surviving is determined by your knowledge of the things that you should or should not do. Knowing the right outdoor survival skills may save your life in times of disaster or when lost in the outdoors.

There are 7 wilderness survival priorities that everyone should know about. They will help you stay alive should you ever find yourself in a survival situation.

Priorities for Survival

S.T.O.P.

After the emergency has happened and you are now are safe, or when something happens instantly, the last thing you want to do is panic.

Stop and calm down a bit, think of your next step, observe your surroundings, and plan your next action. Find out the things you need to do in order of urgency.

First Aid

It is crucial in any uncomfortable situation where safety is a concern. Take care of anyone with injuries, both minor and life-threatening injuries. Do not proceed to other activities when people, including yourself, are injured to prevent further problems.

Seek Shelter

Extreme weather is dangerous and needs to be addressed. You need to find shelter from rain, snow, cold, or heat. Staying dry will in maintaining your body temperature. There are multiple methods of shelter building. You can also use nearby caves or rocks to keep yourself protected from the elements.

Start a Fire

Other than keeping you warm, fire is also important in preparing something to eat. You should collect your firewood and other necessary items during the day when you can still see your surroundings. Your fire could also be helpful in being detected by rescue operations, melting ice for water, purify water, and even offering a sense of security.

Signal for Help

Yelling does not help much in asking for help. It drains you of strength that could be useful in finding your way out if help does not come. Some of the signals you can use are;

Electronics– if you have these gadgets, preserve the power as much as you can and look for signals on high grounds.

Noise– the internationally recognized signal for the word “Help!” are three consecutive loud sounds. This could be loud sound blasts, a shout, an emergency whistle, a horn, three gunshots, or any other form of noise.

Bright Colors– use brightly colored items and spread them on the ground in an open area where potential rescuers will see them.

Signal Mirror– it is useful in flashing the sunlight towards potential rescuers. If you don’t have a mirror, you can use an old CD or some glasses. When signaling for help, put your other hand up and create a V-sign with your two fingers.

Fire and Smoke– a smoky fire help rescuers pinpoint your location. This can be made using wet wood, moss, ferns, and wet leaves.

Ground Signals– spell the word HELP on the ground for plane rescuers to see. Other codes for signal are;

V- require assistance
X- requiring medical help
↑ pertains to a direction e.g. the direction to a campsite

Hydrate

You can survive days without food but can’t go long without water. If you will need to find water, purify it using the water purifier in your essentials kit.

Find Food to Eat

Food is the least important wilderness survival priority because you can go a long time without food. Ration the food that you may have in your pack to last longer than normal.

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