When you find yourself in a survival situation, it’s natural to rely on tips you’ve heard from movies, books, or even friends. However, many of these tips are myths and can actually put you in greater danger. Here’s a detailed explanation of 10 common survival tips and safer practices you should follow:
Coconut Water as a Means of Survival
Coconut water is hydrating and contains electrolytes, which might make it seem like a perfect survival drink. However, it should not be your only hydration source. Drinking too much coconut water without eating can lead to too much potassium in your blood, which can harm your kidneys and heart. Always try to find fresh water and use coconut water to supplement hydration, not as a sole resource.
Pulling Out a Sharp Object Stuck in the Body
If you find yourself with a sharp object like a knife or a piece of metal stuck in your body, you might think pulling it out is the best solution. But removing the object can cause severe bleeding as it might be blocking the blood vessels from leaking. The safest action is to keep the object in place, apply pressure around the wound to minimize bleeding, and seek medical help immediately.
Most Common Survival Tips: Finding Water by Following Birds
Some people believe that you can find water by observing the direction in which birds fly, especially in the morning or evening. This method is unreliable because birds do not always fly towards water. A better strategy is to follow the landscape—look for valleys and depressions where water naturally collects, or observe vegetation that typically grows near water sources.
Behaviour in Quicksand
A common myth is that struggling in quicksand will cause you to sink further, but the truth is that quicksand usually isn’t deep enough to fully engulf a person. If you step into quicksand, keep calm and move slowly. Try to lay back to distribute your weight more evenly and avoid making quick movements. Use slow, deliberate motions to bring your legs up and work toward solid ground.
Using Snow to Quench Your Thirst:
Consuming snow directly is a bad idea as it can lower your body temperature, leading to hypothermia. Instead, melt the snow first. If possible, boil it to ensure it’s safe from pathogens. Remember, your body uses a significant amount of energy to warm the snow, which is counterproductive when you need to conserve energy.
Drinking Your Own Urine for Survival
Drinking urine is not advisable as it contains salts and waste products that your body has already expelled. Consuming it can strain your kidneys and lead to dehydration. It’s crucial to find other water sources or collect rainwater or dew.
Using Urine for Wound Treatment and Disinfection
Contrary to some survival myths, urine is not sterile and can contain bacteria. Using it to clean wounds can introduce infection. Clean wounds with boiled water or proper disinfectants. If none are available, cleaning a wound with clean water is better than using urine.
Plantain Leaves Instead of Bandages
Plantain leaves have been used in folk medicine to treat minor wounds, but they are not sterile and are not better than using clean, sterile dressings. In a survival situation, prioritize hygiene to prevent infection. Use plantain leaves only if you have no better alternatives, and ensure they are clean before application.
Boiling Water Time
It is a myth that water needs to boil for a long time to become safe. Bringing water to a rolling boil is usually enough to kill most pathogens. This should take about one minute at sea level and a bit longer at higher altitudes. Conserving fuel and time is important, so boil only as long as necessary.
Risks of Eating Raw Meat and Fish
Eating raw or undercooked meat and fish is dangerous because it can contain parasites and bacteria. Survival situations might tempt you to eat what you catch directly, but it’s crucial to cook all food thoroughly to avoid foodborne illnesses, which can weaken you further.
In survival situations, accurate knowledge can make the difference between life and death. Always question the reliability of survival tips and seek to understand the reasons behind safe practices. Use these guidelines to keep yourself safe and increase your chances of survival in challenging conditions.