NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH & RESCUE ASSOCIATION Wilderness Survival Guide EDI TI ON
ABOUT US NSGSAR volunteers donate their time, energy and skill to search for people who have gone missing in wooded areas or along our coastlines. They also often assist EMO with a community resource during storms, floods and other natural disasters. GSAR members receive regular training in wilderness survival, map and compass, GPS, first aid and CPR, wilderness rescue and many other subjects to ensure a successful search outcome. Marking a Milestone. November 2022 marks the 53rd Anniversary of Ground Search and Rescue in Nova Scotia. In November 1969, more than 400 volunteers searched for a 35-year-old father of five who had gone missing in a wooded area of the Cape Breton highlands. Thanks to the dedication and relentlessness of these volunteers, the man was found alive. The Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue organization has grown to more than 1,200 volunteers since then. Over the years, local search and rescue agencies in North America utilizing the Hug-A-Tree Program have reported a significant decrease in the number of searches for lost children. Of those who had become lost (some as young as 4 years old) a good number have been rescued because they heard an older sibling talk about “staying put so as not to get more lost”, or remembered seeing a Hug-A-Tree program at school, or used the whistle they carried to signal rescuers. Our Mission Statement Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association’s mission is to assist and give guidance to Member ground search and rescue teams, administrative and operational, in their efforts to provide a superior and dedicated level of volunteer service within the Province of Nova Scotia. sarnovascotia.com
Wilderness Survival Guide 1 VOLUNTEERING Search and Rescue teams in Nova Scotia are manned entirely by volunteers. We are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to lost person incidents in wilderness and remote settings. We are the only resource to respond when someone is lost or injured in the woods. Additionally, we can be activated during times of natural disaster to assist local authorities. Regular attendance at training is important, and searchers train in search techniques, map and compass, radio systems, wilderness first aid, GPS, tracking, survival and more. Lost Person Behaviour and Search Management training are also important. Not only are searchers important, there are a wide variety of positions which need to be staffed to support the search effort. Drivers, radio people, computer operators and food services are all vital roles on a search. Searchers are required to have their own equipment, and to be self-sufficient for 24 hours. Typically it is recommended to buy only the minimal required equipment and add to it over time. Searching is physically and mentally demanding work, and we are often called out in the middle of the night, and in any weather. There also is nothing as rewarding a bringing that person home from the cold. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with Search and Rescue, please contact your local team. 2021 statistics indicate that NSGSARA contributed in many ways to public safety in our Province: • 1,170 Volunteers • 64 Searches • 20,112 Search hours • 21,187 Training hours • 977 Prevention hours • 64,020 Administration hours • 10,248 Fundraising and Public Relations
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Wilderness Survival Guide 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Just for Kids / Hug-A-Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hug-A-Tree and Survive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Code of Responsibility for Outdoor Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Avoid Death and Injury in Outdoor Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Outdoor Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 I Had the 10 Essentials and Survived. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 My Outdoor Activity Plans & Equipment Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Description of this Trip’s Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Be Prepared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Kids’ Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Being Prepared & the Psychology of Survival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Pain & Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Cold Injuries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Heat Stresses & Windburn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Dehydration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Hunger & Hypoglycemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Fatigue, Loneliness & Boredom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Shelter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Animal Threats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Signalling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Prepare Your Car for Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Car Survival Kit for Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Winter Travel, Storm Watches, Warnings & Wind Chill . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Trapped in a Car During a Blizzard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Project Lifesaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 About NSGSARA Zones and Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Where to find us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Cover photo created by wirestock - www.freepik.com
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 4 McCallum Environmental Ltd. consists of a team of highly experienced biologists and environmental specialists who complete environmental assessments and regulatory permitting for a variety of clients across Canada. Whether you require environmental assessments, regulatory consultation and permitting, First Nations consultation, or public consultation, we’ll make sure to provide you with excellent service, a quality deliverable, and complete your project on time. www.mccal lumenvi ronmental .com
Wilderness Survival Guide 5 Things to Bring Whistle Vest Foil blanket Let’s remember to bring our whistles, orange vests and emergency foil blankets! Colour me! Copyright 2005-2006 National Association for Search and Rescue, All Rights Reserved www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 6 Harbourside Commercial Park 45 Wabana Court, Sydney, NS B1P 0B9 902-564-7944 harcom.ca Proud to Support the Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association
Wilderness Survival Guide 7 Wear bright clothes – especially orange, which is a great colour for the woods! What to Wear Colour our clothing so we are ready for the woods! www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 8 902-684-9297 InvisibleFence.com ©2021 Radio Systems Corporation® All Rights Reserved. Participating Dealers Only. Restrictions may apply. WIRED SYSTEM GPS WIRELESS SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE TO INVISIBLE FENCE® BRAND No two pets are the same, neither is their protection. Schedule a FREE consultation to see which product is right for you Inside the Boundary Customized pet protection...
Wilderness Survival Guide 9 Don’t sneak away from your parents ~ Tell them where you are going! Bring a buddy with you when you go outside. Don’t Sneak Away! www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 10 PO Box 100, 752 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0 TEL: 902-532-2331 FAX: 902-532-2096 AnnapolisCounty.Ca Thank you to Annapolis County Ground Search and Rescue
Wilderness Survival Guide 11 Bring a Whistle Whistles are great to scare off wild animals and let searchers know where you are! Searchers only want to help you, even if we sound loud or scary! www.nasar.org Just For Kids
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Wilderness Survival Guide 13 Help Searchers Find You If you are near a clearing, make a big sign so searchers can see it from the air. It is always best to stay near a tree and wait for rescue. Do not wander to find a clearing. Use rocks to make a big SOS Or drag branches to make an X www.nasar.org Just For Kids
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Wilderness Survival Guide 15 Hug a tree, stay put, don’t wander off! www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 16 All Your Flooring Needs
Wilderness Survival Guide 17 Use your whistle to call for help. Help Searchers Find You www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 18 118 Wyse Road Dartmouth NS B3A 1N7 Proud to support Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue
Wilderness Survival Guide 19 Use your mirror to signal searchers. Help Searchers Find You www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 20 grayauto.ca 902-405-8575 3530 Kempt Road HALIFAX Early Childhood Specialist since 1968, providing Quality Early Learning and Care in four locations throughout the HRM 208 Duke Towers provides programming for children age 18 mo - 5 yrs. 59 Glenforest Drive provides programming for children age 18 mo - 12 years. 30 Damascus Drive provides programming for children age 3 mo - 5 yrs. 2155 Monastery Lane provides programming for children age 18 mo - 5 yrs. To enroll your child/ren in any of our programs, please email office @stjcc.ca Limited spaces are currently available Word Search Bag Helicopter Clouds Sky Lake Tree Mirror Whistle SOS Hugatree Answers on page 112
Wilderness Survival Guide 21 www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 22 Pictou County Solid Waste Waste Reduction Hotline 396-1495 or check our website at www.pcwastemgmt.com Proud to Support the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association
Wilderness Survival Guide 23 What if...? You can last a very, very long time without eating. If you hug your tree and make yourself big, we will find you well before you need food. A searcher will bring you food and water. You do not need to look for it. No! They could make you very sick. No! Stay away from streams, ponds, and lakes because you might fall in. A searcher will find you and bring you water. No! It is dangerous to start a fire. It could turn into a forest fire that could hurt you and the searchers coming to find you. A safety blanket or trash bag will keep you warm. No! You might fall and get hurt! And it will be much easier for searchers to find you on the ground. What if I have no food? Can I eat some plants or berries if I get hungry? What if I want water? Should I drink from a stream? Should I carry matches to start a fire so I can keep warm? Should I climb a tree so that I can see better? www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 24 P.O. Box 101 Middle Musquodoboit Halifax Co., NS B0N 1X0 384-2788 YOUR FOREST MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS Shannon Kempton Manager Office: (902) 384-2788 Cell: (902) 957-2378 Email: Shannon.conform@gmail.com xxx/dpogpsnmue/dpn Southeast Drywall Ltd. 35 Weston Court Dartmouth, NS B3B 2C8 David Blanchette Tel: (902) 445-7970 Fax: (902) 445-7182 Email: dave@southeastdrywall.ca Jamie Swinimer Cell: (902) 430-2898 Tel: (902) 445-7970 Fax: (902) 445-7182
Wilderness Survival Guide 25 A sound that you do not recognize could be either someone searching for you or an animal. Either way, you should blow your whistle or yell at it. If it’s a searcher, he or she will hear you and you’ll be found. If it is an animal, your whistle or yell will scare it away. Animals will not come to you. Even hunters have trouble finding them! If you think you hear an animal, blow your whistle or yell at it. If it is an animal, your whistle or yell will scare it away. If you see a snake, back away and stay away! If you suddenly see it and it is very close to you, stop, and stay still until it goes away. Never play with a snake or try to poke it with anything. The tall trees are “papa” trees, and the short ones are “baby” trees, and the middles ones are “mama” trees. Lightning usually strikes the tallest object. So when choosing your tree, choose a mama or baby tree. Don’t pick the tallest, or “papa” trees to hug. And make sure to pick a tree in a “family” (grove) of many trees. Searchers are mainly volunteers who work with other professionals and do not charge for their services. They search for you because they care about you very much, and they want to help. What if I hear a scary sound? What if a bear comes to eat me? What if I see a snake? What about lightning? Does it cost my parents money to have searchers findme? What if...? www.nasar.org Just For Kids
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 26 shop.clearwater.ca 757 Bedford Hwy. Bedford, Nova Scotia Canada B4A 3Z7 (902) 443-0550
Wilderness Survival Guide 27 The Hug-A-Tree and Survive Program was first conceived in the mountains near San Diego, California, after a search for a nine-year-old boy that ended in his tragic death. Afterwards, a small group of those who searched for him developed a program that teaches children what to do should they get lost in a wilderness setting. This same group sincerely hopes that no child ever needs the information. But, if the contents of this program and handout are discussed with every child possible, it may help him or her to remember one or more facts that could make the search short and successful. Here is a summary of the program. Hug a tree Once you think you are lost, hug a tree! One of the greatest fears a person can have is being alone. Hugging a tree or other stationary object and even talking to it can help calm you down and prevent panic. By staying in one place, you are also easier to find and won’t be injured in a fall. Always carry an emergency foil blanket & whistle Whenever you go hiking, you should always carry both a folded emergency foil blanket and a whistle on a lanyard around you neck. Your emergency foil blanket will keep you dry and warm. The whistle can be heard from farther away than your voice, even when you are yelling very loudly, and it takes far less energy than yelling. Hug-A-Tree and Survive www.adventuresmart.ca
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 28 A leaking pipe, faucet or toilet can get expensive. Monitor your water usage to find leaks before they find you. Don’t let a leak break the bank. halifaxwater.ca/customer-connect Working for you! • Excavation Construction • On-Site Septic • Water-Sanitary Services • Aggregates • Soils Laurdon Contracting Ltd 1170 Lucasville Road Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1P7 (902) 864-5131
Wilderness Survival Guide 29 CODE OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Each Year in Canada, approximately 2,000 outdoor recreation mishaps require ground and inland water search and rescue and many result in injuries and/or death. Many of these incidents are preventable and it is an individual responsibility to be prepared. Complete a trip plan and leave it with someone responsible, ensure that you have the skills required and take the right equipment before heading out. Canada’s search and rescue system uses a combination of public, private and volunteer resources to respond to ground and inland water incidents across the country. As part of this, a network of skilled search and rescue volunteers assist the police and agencies to locate and rescue those in need. These dedicated, unpaid, professionals are trained in Ground Search and Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Rope Rescue, Tracking, Avalanche Response and Mountain Rescue. If you require search and rescue assistance on ground or inland waters, please contact your local/regional police services. For more information on how to enjoy your outdoor activity safely, visit www.adventuresmart.ca Enjoy the outdoors safely. It’s your responsibility. www.adventuresmart.ca
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 30 JOLCAR Security Services Inc. Effective and Reliable Security Solutions. Providing uniformed security guards, mobile patrol and response. www.jolcarsecurity.com (902) 422-0117 Securing Maritime Families Since 1948 Rob Beairsto President 902-471-9277 Derek Doiron Secretary Treasurer 902-471-6927 • Organic Waste Solutions • Products of Quality Compost • Soil Fertility Experts PROUD TO SUPPORT NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH & RESCUE ALEX TERMEER 1332 Pleasant Valley Rd. Green Creek, NS B0N 1C0 Tel: (902) 673-3020 fundycompost@gmail.com
Wilderness Survival Guide 31 AVOID DEATH AND INJURY IN OUTDOOR RECREATION Adjust your plan when circumstances change • Are you prepared when the weather changes? • What will you do if you run out of daylight? • What will you do if your partner or other members of your group become ill or injured? Prepare for Emergencies • Will you stay warm and dry no matter what happens? • Are your 10 essentials and other necessary equipment in good working order? • Have you practised using all your equipment? Have you: • Checked the weather? • Told someone where you’re going? Do you: • Know what to do if you get lost? Too often, people realize too late that the outdoor activity they are involved with could lead to injury and/or death!
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 32 PROUD TO SUPPORT NOVA SCOTIA'S GROUND SEARCH & RESCUE ASSOCIATION www.westhants.ca (902) 787-3301
Wilderness Survival Guide 33 OUTDOOR TRAVEL TIPS Be prepared for your chosen recreation Being fit enough to go the distance takes physical preparation. Stick to your turnaround time. Take the proper equipment, have a trip plan and use reference and guide books. Always carry the essentials If necessary, be ready to stay out overnight. Complete a trip plan and leave it with a friend The trip plan explains your destination, the route you are taking, who is in the group and your return time. If you do not return as planned, the friend you left the trip plan with can give the form to the police to initiate a search. Get the Adventure Smart Trip Plan app at Google Play or the App Store. Never hike alone Hike with a group and keep together. Travel at the speed of the slowest person. If a person becomes separated by going ahead or falling behind, they are more likely to become lost. Do not panic Maintain a positive mental attitude if you become lost. Being lost is not dangerous if you are prepared. Stay where you are People who carry on after they become lost usually get further from the trail and further from the people who are looking for them. Also, going downhill often leads to natural drainage gullies which typically have very thick bush, expansive cliffs and waterfalls making travel and searching more difficult. Use signalling devices Blowing a whistle, lighting a fire and staying visible will help searchers find you. Help searchers find you even if you are embarrassed or afraid. Remember that animals will not be attracted to your signals. Searchers may also use planes or helicopters – make yourself visible to them. www.adventuresmart.ca continued...
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 34 Proud to support the Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association Esri Canada Limited (Atlantic Region) 1496 Bedford Highway Suite 606 Bedford, NS B4A 1E5 Mr. Cory Nelson Phone: 902-423-5199 E-mail: atlanticsales@esri.ca www.esri.ca Delivering innovative geographic information system solutions
Wilderness Survival Guide 35 Build or seek shelter Protect yourself from the rain, wind and excessive sun. Be as comfortable as possible, but when it is daylight, make sure you are visible to searchers in helicopters or planes. The most common mistake An individual’s belief that “it could never happen to me” is summed up as EGO. By being prepared, you can enjoy your trip outdoors regardless of what nature throws at you! Many people who have an outdoor misadventure quickly point out that having and using the 10 essentials allowed them to survive! 1 Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb 2 Fire making kit – waterproof matches/lighter, firestarter/candle 3 Signalling device – whistle or mirror to signal searchers if you become lost 4 Extra food and water – 1 litre/person 5 Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection and toque) 6 Navigational/communication aids (maps, compass, GPS, charts, cellular phone, hand held radio – fully charged) and know how to use these items 7 First Aid Kit and know how to use it 8 Emergency shelter – orange tarp, large orange garbage bag, or emergency foil blanket which can also be used as signalling devices 9 Pocket knife 10 Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat) OUTDOOR TRAVEL TIPS I HAD THE 10 ESSENTIALS AND SURVIVED Are you prepared and equipped to spend the night outdoors if you get lost? www.adventuresmart.ca ...continued
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 36 Active First Responders Receive 10% off most services AML Painting Ltd PO Box 1608 Bras d’Or, NS B1Y 3Y6 Tel: 562-2677 Fax: 567-5947 Email: amlpaintingcb@gmail.com Sand Blasting & Spray Painting Contractors Epoxy Floors, Industrial, Commercial, Marine & Heavy Equipment
Wilderness Survival Guide 37 MY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY PLANS, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Complete this form prior to an outdoor adventure and leave it with a responsible person. Your life may depend on it! Start: Day of Week Date Month Time Intended Return: Day of Week Date Month Time Purpose of Trip: Day Hike 1/2 Day Hike Overnight Hike Climbing Fishing Hunting Skiing Snowmobiling Canoeing/Kayaking Mushroom Picking Other: __________________________________________ Route Plan A Specific Area: ________________________________ Intended Route in (be specific): ________________ ______________________________________________ Intended Route out (be specific): ______________ ______________________________________________ Destination: __________________________________ Route Plan B – Alternate Specific Area: ________________________________ Intended Route in (be specific): ________________ ______________________________________________ Intended Route out (be specific): ______________ ______________________________________________ Destination: __________________________________ Transportation to and from the starting point: Vehicle Licence No: __________________________ Make/Model: __________________ Colour: ______ Owner:________________________________________ or dropped off at starting point by: Name: ___________________ Phone: ____________ To be picked up at end point by: Name: ______________________ Phone: ________ Time: ________________________ Date: __________ Location:______________________________________ Equipment/Supplies taken: Backpack First Aid Kit Whistle Skis Water Flashlight Snowshoes Extra Clothing Firestarter Avalanche Beacon Stove Sun Protection Tent (colour): ________________________________ Food (days per person): ________________________________ Radio (frequency channel): ________________________________ Signaling Device: ______________ Personal Locator Beacon (PLB#) ________________________________ Cellular Phone No.: ________________________________ Firearms: ________________________________ RV, ATV, Boat, Snowmobile (description): ________________________________ ________________________________
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 38 Last Name First Name D.O.B Height Weight Hair and Skin Family Doctor Hat Colour Coat Colour Shirt/Sweater Colour Pack Colour Pant Colour Footwear Type & Size Allergies Medications Emergency Contact Map Transceivers Shovel Probes Communication Navigation Survival Training First Aid/Certification Ability B/N/E The following will be notified if I/we change destination: Name: Address: Home Phone: Work Phone: Please notify the police if I/we do not return by: Date: Time: Signature: Date: Detach and leave with a friend Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 DESCRIPTION OF THIS TRIP’S MEMBERS
Wilderness Survival Guide 39 Kids travel photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com Thank you Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue for your service w w w . g l e n h a v e n m a n o r . c o m Tel: 902-762-3202 Fax: 902-762-3493 Email: ptl@eastlink.ca Web: trawlerbrand.com PUBNICO TRAWLERS LTD. PO Box 17, Lower East Pubnico, NS B0W 2A0
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 40 Lyons Brook NS B0K 1A0 Telephone: (902) 382-2252 Email: survey@trevorssurveying.com pictousurveys.com “We Ship Lobster and Seafood Worldwide!” P.O. Box 2129, Dartmouth, NS, Canada B2W 3Y2 “Proudly serving you for 65 years” COMPUTERIZED TEST EQUIPMENT MOTORS, PUMPS, CONTROLS, GENERATORS 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE & IN-FIELD SERVICE Stewiacke, NS Dartmouth, NS Phone: 902-639-2464 Phone: 902-407-2277 Fax: 902-639-2184 Fax: 902-407-4433 bjelectric@eastlink.ca - www.bjelectricmotor.ca www.madersroofing.com • info@madersroofing.com Connie Pettigrew Simply Accounting Solution Provider Bookkeeping, Tax Preparation - E-File Personal, Business, Corporation Farming, Fishing 4974 Main Street, PO Box 599, Oxford, NS B0M 1P0 Phone: (902) 447-2821 Fax: (902) 447-2814 Email: cfs98@eastlink.ca Connie’s Financial Services Ltd.
Wilderness Survival Guide 41 BE PREPARED For Parents Children are easily distracted and will wander off a trail, so it is important to teach them early to stay ON the trail at all times. Never let a child walk a trail alone. Teach your child to pick out a visible landmark such as a prominent hill, or note the direction of the sun, to stay oriented to direction. Footprint your child It only takes a few minutes but it can cut down search time by several hours. Place a piece of aluminum foil on a soft folded towel, have the child step on it with both feet, and mark the foil with the child’s name. With these prints, trackers can differentiate one child’s track from others and quickly determine the direction of travel. Call for help right away If your child is lost, it is important to act quickly. Because the child is likely moving, the search area becomes larger and larger the longer you wait to bring in expert assistance. A delay in calling for help is also very dangerous when the weather is bad. It can wipe out the child’s tracks and increase the danger of exposure. Don’t worry about calling too early and having to cancel the request for assistance. Searchers won’t mind the practice and it helps them stay alert. Be available for interviewing Clues that lead to finding a lost child early usually come from family and friends who remain on the scene and talk openly and accurately with those managing the search. Keep in mind that any and all information provided can mean the difference between success and tragedy, and it will be kept confidential. www.adventuresmart.ca
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 42 1972 Woodville Road, Woodville, Kings County Nova Scotia B0P 1G0 Trina Foote • tel: 902.678.4371 • fax: 902.678.1375 Municipality of the District of Guysborough 33 Pleasant Street, P.O. Box 79 Guysborough, NS B0H 1N0 902.533.3705 Fax: 902.533.2749 www.modg.ca Proudly supports the Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association Norm Smith Electric Limited Box 172 Kingston, NS B0P 1R0 Tel: 902-765-4212 Fax: 902-765-2999 Email: nseltd@ns.aliantzinc.ca 15 Jones Road New Minas, Nova Scotia B4N 3N2 1-888-681-1362 www.novascotiafisherman.com 160 Commercial St., Berwick NS (902) 538-5525 kellocks.ca kellocks@kellocks.ca Installation, Pumping & Repair Q.P.2 • Licensed Installer Excavating & Trucking Ernie Smith erniesseptic@eastlink.ca 257 Old Halifax Road West, RR 2 Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
Wilderness Survival Guide 43 KIDS’ HEALTH Nutrition In order to safely participate in any outdoor activity, kids need to properly fuel and hydrate their bodies. Before they head outside, feed your kids a nutritious snack such as a piece of fruit, yogurt, a handful of nuts and some water or juice to hydrate them and pump up their energy stores. Pack an additional nutritious snack and water for them to take along. Keep Your Kids Safe in the Sun • Stay out of the sun between 11a.m. and 3p.m. • Liberally apply "waterproof" sunscreen on or near the water - remember to re-apply again after swimming. • A hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt, and pants protect kids from the sun more thoroughly than sunscreen. Dehydration Your child’s normal daily fluid intake requirement can be significantly affected by exercise, sweating, heat or altitude. Kids should drink fluids, such as water, before, during and after any physical activity. Set a pace that allows your child’s body to adapt to the heat and/or altitude. Be sure to monitor your kids’ hydration and don’t make them wait for a drink if they tell you that they feel thirsty – that feeling indicates that the dehydration process has already started. Frostbite Kids are at high risk for frostbite, which usually affects areas of the body that are exposed to the cold. Though it usually affects fingers, toes, ears, noses and cheeks, frostbite can happen to any exposed skin. Help prevent frostbite by dressing your kids in layers and monitoring them during exposure to cold weather. CAUTION: Do not rub frostbitten skin! Hypothermia Hypothermia sets in after long exposure to low temperatures, wind and moisture, and can happen when out hiking, on the ski hill, or in cold water. Dress your kids properly for the conditions – in layers and with a hat – to help prevent hypothermia. www.adventuresmart.ca
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 44 Cell: 902-565-1730 Cell: 902-565-7211 1-877-339-4984 Fax: 902-539-4701 Earl Francis Spryfield Memorial Branch #152 (902) 477-0467 P.O. Box 20112 Halifax, NS B3P 1L1 D&T Heating & Plumbing Ltd 2715 Hwy 289 Middle Stewiacke, NS B0N 1C0 902.890.0687 dtheating@hotmail.com
Wilderness Survival Guide 45 Psychology of Survival Survival begins with the will to live. Many recorded rescues have shown that strength, knowledge or equipment were not always the deciding factor in a survival situation. Instead, a strong will to live and a good mental attitude made the difference between life and death. “BE PREPARED” The motto of Scouts is the basic rule for survival. But it does not just mean carrying a survival kit; it also refers to having a “prepared attitude”. In a survival situation, the first threat to your life will not be the lack of shelter, water or food, but how you deal with one of man’s basic instincts, the fight or flight reflex. This is an instant decision on your part to either stand and face a threat or to run. Your reflex is triggered by FEAR, and how you react to the trigger will determine whether or not you survive. The best way to handle fear is to learn the knowledge, then practice the skills you will need to survive. By learning how to utilize everything possible from nature; attract attention so rescuers can find you; and above all, how to control your emotions and keep a clear mind, you will be able to react in a quick and positive manner to a stressful situation and be less likely to just sit down in confusion, crying “Why me?” Take the time to appraise your situation, your physical condition and the resources available. Every decision you make will be important, so think before you act. Resist the urge to feel sorry for yourself and instead concentrate on making your stay as tolerable as possible. Obviously, this sounds easier than it is, but consider the alternative. Survival is not by chance; it is by discipline – a discipline of attitude, thought and action. All the teaching in the world will be of little use to you if you cannot concentrate on the task at hand. Make no mistake, to accomplish this in a survival situation will not be as easy as it sounds, but if you tell yourself that you will be found, the searchers are assembling, and you realize that is your responsibility to aid in your own rescue, then you will have defeated the greatest danger to your survival; fear and panic! Just remember your best survival tool is your head; it’s always working, you can’t lose it, and it’s not that heavy to carry. BEING PREPARED & THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SURVIVAL Just remember, your best survival tool is your head; it’s always working, you can’t lose it, and it’s not that heavy to carry. www.adventuresmart.ca
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 46 PÊCHERIES CHETICAMP FISHERIES (902) 224-3769 Fax: (902) 224-2487 www.cheticampfisheries.com 267 Truro Heights Rd., Unit B Truro Heights, NS B6L 1X5 T: 902-895-5505 F: 902-758-1534 info@threed.ca threed.ca info@ssglass.ca www.ssglass.ca 399 YORK STREET BRIDGEWATER, NS CANADA B4V 3K1 Tel. (902) 543-6013 Fax. (902) 543-6033 Toll.1-800-289-5812 Authorized Distributor of Horton Automatics in Atlantic Canada
Wilderness Survival Guide 47 Pain & Injury Pain, your body’s response to injury, can be very disabling. Despite this, when threatened with danger, your body can at times momentarily mask pain. For example, while gingerly limping along on your sprained ankle, you meet a skunk and it rears its tail at you. No doubt you will find yourself running as though your ankle was never hurt. This is not to say that you should ignore the cause of your pain, but that by keeping yourself busy, you may be able to use this masking ability to help manage it and keep it from weakening your will to go on. Any injuries, even minor cuts, sprains, or bruising can drain you physically as well as emotionally and should be dealt with immediately. With that in mind, it is recommended that you take first-aid training offered by St. John Ambulance or the Red Cross. Pain, injuries, extreme temperatures, fatigue, anxiety, psychological trauma such as fear, and the loss of body heat and fluids are all aggravating factors that will increase the risk of your body going into shock. Shock is the depression of the nervous system brought about by a reduction in the volume of blood and body fluids available for circulation throughout the body. Immediate attention to injuries and the retention of your body’s heat and fluids, while avoiding fatigue, are vital. Just being in a survival situation can lead you into shock, so do the tasks suggested throughout this manual and reassure yourself that help is on the way. It is your responsibility to be alive when it arrives! (Fortunately, the chances of survival-related shock are diminished as you master the skills needed to survive.) In addition to physical and psychological discomforts, insects such as black flies or mosquitoes may also have to be dealt with, especially at dawn and dusk. The best ways of dealing with them are to tuck in and zip up all your clothing, spread mud on your hands and face if need be and if possible, make a smudge fire by burning green wood or leaves to produce an insectrepelling smoke. PAIN & INJURY It is recommended that you take first-aid training offered by St. John Ambulance or the Red Cross www.adventuresmart.ca
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 48 LANGLEY ACCOUNTING LTD 82 Lorne Street P.O. Box 542 Truro, NS B2N 5C7 Tel: (902) 895-7312 Fax: (902) 895-3241 Email: rlangley@eastlink.ca Rena Langley, CPA, CGA, CA Bulk water delivery for pools, wells, holding tanks. For all your larger water needs. (902) 543-4959 Gerald Mitchell ContractingLTD. Building in Halifax for over 40 years. There’s no place like home. gmhomes.ca (902) 860-4411 Fall River NS From a Friend
Wilderness Survival Guide 49 www.adventuresmart.ca Cold Injuries With an average body temperature of 37°C (98.6°F), cooler temperatures found in the outdoors can expose you to cold injuries, make pain, thirst and hunger seem worse, and sap your ability to think and your will to go on. Factors contributing to such cold injuries as exposure and frostbite are: • Dampness and temperature of your environment • Wind velocity • Age, size and physical condition • Degree of protection your outer clothing and a shelter can provide Exposure Exposure, the common term for hypothermia, is the lowering of your body’s temperature due to cold external temperatures or wind-chill, which is the combination of air temperature and wind velocity. The effects of either can be dramatically increased if you become wet. Hypothermia is a year-round threat, as the forest is always cooler than your body and the slightest breeze will cool your skin and remove much needed moisture. That is just how a fan cools you in the summer. A body temperature of 34 or 35°C (about 93.2 to 95°F), which is the temperature of a very hot day, represents the transition from mild to moderate hypothermia. Your body will attempt to conserve heat by drawing it away from your extremities to protect your vital organs. You will begin to shiver intensely, slur your speech, feel exhausted and sleepy, be clumsy and unable to walk a 9m (30 ft) line properly – the best self field test for early hypothermia. Worse yet, your ability to reason will deteriorate. Shivering, which is a rapid uncontrollable muscle movement, is your body’s automatic method of heat creation that causes the muscles to “burn” (metabolize) blood sugar to produce internal heat, thus warming your body’s core. Unfortunately, shivering uses up your body’s stores of “fuel”, just as any other work does. It is better to use your limited blood sugar to work towards getting into shelter, rather than counting on shivering to warm you. When you stop shivering from exposure, you are either adequately warm or so hypothermic that your body function has been severely impaired. This occurs at about 32°C (about 90°F) and means you are well on your way to death! COLD INJURIES continued...
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Wilderness Survival Guide 51 www.adventuresmart.ca The best treatment for hypothermia is prevention. Keep warm and dry. To reduce heat loss, do up all buttons and zippers, tuck your shirt and jacket into the top of your pants, tuck your pants into your socks, pull your shirt and coat collars up, cover your head, then insulate yourself from the ground and keep out of the wind. If your fingers or toes are cold, wiggling them won’t make them warm, but exercising the large muscles of your arms and legs will. To warm your hands, swing your arms vigorously or put them in your armpits or groin. Keeping your big muscles moving will help create heat, but at the same time do not overdo it and cause sweating or increased fatigue by overheating or overexerting yourself. Frostbite Any conditions that promote hypothermia can lead to frostbite. Frostbite is the formation of ice crystals within skin tissues, causing them to freeze. It is usually limited to the regions furthest from your body’s core; hands, feet, face, ears, bottom of your chin or the tip of your nose. Frostbite occurs when blood flow to these regions is reduced as a result of hypothermia or from constricting garments. Exposure to wind dramatically increases the risk of frostbite. So, in strong winds, cover your nose, cheeks and ears with any piece of warm fabric. The first sign of surface frostbite (also called superficial frostbite or frostnip) affects only the skin and often starts with a prickly feeling. Next, waxy white to grey patches form and the skin feels cold and numb, although the tissues beneath are still soft. If a white patch appears, warm it by skin-to-skin contact with your hand until it turns red and then keep it well protected. Do not rub the affected areas vigorously with your hands or rub oils, snow or ice on it as this will only result in further damage to the frozen tissues. If not treated, superficial frostbite will progress to become deep frostbite, with the skin turning hard and pebbly. It will become painful, red, swollen and then blister before deadening. The result can be the loss of part or all of the frostbitten parts of your body in the final stages. Again, do not rub the extremities; instead, use your body’s heat. At this stage, it is best not to do any unnecessary exercise since it will cause the cold blood from your frozen extremity to flow to the inner body, further reducing your core temperature and speeding up hypothermia. COLD INJURIES ...continued
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Wilderness Survival Guide 53 www.adventuresmart.ca Overheating your body by overexposure to the sun’s heat or through overexertion will result in the excessive loss of valuable body fluids and salts through heavy sweating, causing a chemical imbalance called “heat cramps”. Your stomach will feel upset and you will begin to experience muscle cramps in your extremities and abdomen. Immediately rest in the shade, loosen your clothes and drink water to replace your body’s losses. If you ignore these warning signs, your condition will advance to a circulatory imbalance called “heat exhaustion”. Your skin will appear pale and feel cold and clammy, your pulse will be weak but regular, and your breathing will be rapid and shallow. You will feel weaker; suffer from further nausea, possibly vomiting, headaches, blurred vision and dizziness. Immediately remove excess clothing, lie flat in the shade, elevate your feet and drink plenty of water. If you push your body further, you will advance to a nervous system imbalance called “heat stroke”. At this point, you may be beyond self-help, but if you can, you must cool yourself quickly or you will die! Therefore, it is imperative that you pay attention to what your body tells you and respond immediately to its messages, especially in a survival situation. Exposing skin to winds can result in a windburn, while exposure to reflected or direct sunlight during a bright or even cloudy day in the summer or winter can cause sun burning of any exposed skin. Not only will these add to your discomfort, but they will increase the loss of your body’s fluids, so every precaution should be taken to limit your exposure, either by taking advantage of shade or natural wind breaks. By covering any exposed skin from the sun and wind, you not only reduce the risk of skin irritation, but you also reduce the risk of suffering from hypothermia and frostbite in the winter months. As you can see, the threat of fluid and salt loss through perspiration and evaporation are always present and MUST BE CONSIDERED before you attempt to do anything in a survival situation! HEAT STRESSES & WINDBURN Pay attention to what your body tells you and respond immediately to its messages,especially in a survival situation.
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 54 4137 Industrial Park Rd. Point Tupper NS B9A 1Z4 (902) 625-0312 www.savageservices.com Proud to support the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association
Wilderness Survival Guide 55 Every day, your body uses 2-3 litres of water: humidifying your skin and the air you breathe, sweating to cool itself, digesting food and removing body wastes. As a result, you can only survive for about three days without this precious fluid. As your water losses exceed your intake, you will begin to show signs of dehydration; thirst, dry tongue, tiredness, nausea, sleepiness and infrequent, dark yellow urination. In addition, you will increase your susceptibility to fatigue, hypothermia, and in the winter, frostbite. Therefore, rationing water losses rather than rationing water intake is essential in a survival situation. The loss of liquids through respiration and perspiration can be greatly reduced if you breathe through your nose, wear head cover, keep your shirt on, work in the shade at a slow pace, and rest often. Remember, “Ration your sweat, not your water!” In the winter, the danger of dehydration is even greater. Your body is fighting a constant battle to humidify your skin and the dry cold air entering your lungs. You can help by covering all exposed skin where possible, while at the same time, being careful not to overheat yourself. Breathing through a piece of fabric will also help pre-humidify and warm the air entering your lungs. Dehydration thickens your blood, slowing circulation in your fine blood vessels. This will reduce warmth to your extremities and increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. While fighting off the cold, your body will also burn up its blood sugar and fat reserves, causing the kidneys to work overtime. Eating causes your body to pull water into the digestive system, then to the kidneys to remove waste products through the urine. With urine accounting for the largest loss of your body’s water supply, it is best to refrain from eating the first day when lost. Limiting your consumption to a bare minimum when water is scarce will reduce the amount of water required by your kidneys. DEHYDRATION The loss of liquids through respiration and perspiration can be greatly reduced if you breathe through your nose continued... www.adventuresmart.ca
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 56 West End Gas Bar inc. 88 McGee St., Springhill, NS B0M 1X0 902.597.3036 Stay Safe
Wilderness Survival Guide 57 DEHYDRATION www.adventuresmart.ca In Canada’s wilderness, most lakes, rivers and streams provide safe drinking water, with the notable exception of stagnant water or cedar swamps. Despite this, certain precautions should be taken before drinking any water, no matter how clean and clear it appears. Always look for any dead fish or wildlife in or near the water that could transfer microorganisms or intestinal parasites into it and cause you to suffer from diarrhea, abdominal cramps or vomiting, thus increasing the threat of dehydration and the depleting of your body’s salts. Also be careful not to fall in, as any source of water can be dangerous. Remember, it is more important that you prevent dehydration than it is to fear the quality of water in lakes, rivers and streams in Canada. If there is no body of water nearby, you can collect morning dew or rain from plants, by dragging a piece of cloth through them, then sucking water from the cloth. You can also tie a plastic bag over a live tree branch during the day. Water will condense inside the bag. Another source of water is snow, but it poses its own dangers. Do not eat snow! Your body uses its heat and fluids to melt it, thus increasing your risk of hypothermia. Use a fire or the heat from your hands to melt snow. The soft, loose upper snow makes very little water for its volume. Use the deeper layers of snow that are more granular. They will yield more water when melted. Wherever you obtain your water, remember to drink it in small sips, large gulps will make a dehydrated person vomit, causing you not only to lose more fluids, but also valuable body salts. Never drink salt water, even in small quantities, as the salts in it will draw further water from your blood and tissues into your digestive tract to enable it to dissolve the salt crystals in the sea water. You will thereby only increase your body’s dehydration. Despite this, salt is essential for human survival. Your body loses salt when you sweat and urinate. Suffering from salt deficiency can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea and tiredness. In most survival situations, you will not be able to replace the salts lost so the key is to reduce your salt losses. To accomplish this and reduce the threat of dehydration, it is important that unless absolutely necessary, you do not wander in search of water. Instead, stay put, stay calm and stay rested to conserve your sweat and urine. ...continued
Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 58 15321 Highway 3 Hebbville NS B4V 6X4 Ph. (902) 543-3580 Fax. (902) 543-2714 parts@gerhardt.ca 3597 Dutch Village Road Halifax NS B3N 2T1 (902) 457‐1937 At Cambridge Financial we do more than just crunch the numbers. We Empower Them. Proud to Support Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Volunteers Box 5039 Station Main Waverley NS B2R 1S2 (902) 468-4388 10765 Hwy 105,Wagmacook NS B0E 3N0 (866) 295-2999
Wilderness Survival Guide 59 Like thirst, hunger can affect your judgement and undermine your will to survive. During the first 24 to 48 hour period, your stomach will experience strong hunger pangs as the body begins to use its carbohydrate and fat reserves. Despite this, if you are healthy, uninjured, and limit your physical activity, your body can function without food for up to 30 days. Physical exertion and the surrounding temperature affect your feelings of hunger. Extreme heat, which decreases the quantity of fuel needed to keep the body going, discourages hunger. Cold on the other hand, stimulates it, because the body needs more fuel to offset heat loss in a cold environment. Generally, the body registers hunger when there is a physical need for food. Most people are conditioned to eat at certain times of the day, and their bodies produce the appropriate feelings on schedule. The best ways to defeat hunger pangs are to keep your mind busy on the task at hand, sleep or drink water. However, you must be cautious not to drink large quantities of water, as it will dilute the salt reserves in your body, resulting in stomach cramps or inducing vomiting, which will only increase your risk of dehydration. If you do eat, your stomach and intestines will require water for digestion. If none is available, your body will draw the needed water from your blood, causing it to thicken. This will slow the circulation in your fine blood vessels, reducing warmth to your extremities, thereby increasing the risk of shock as well as the risk of hypothermia and frostbite during cold weather. Consequently, a shortage of water will require you to limit the amount of food you eat. If you do have any food, DO NOT eat it on the first day of survival. Instead, wait for the next day and then only eat small amounts slowly to get the greatest benefit from it. Another threat is hypoglycemia; that is, the abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood, where it is used as a very important source of energy. Anyone, especially children who have been subjected to extreme physical exertion or complete abstinence from food for twelve to thirty-six hours, can become very unresponsive or mentally dull. Failure to replace the body’s depleted stores of sugar (glycogen) may lead to vomiting, twitching, convulsions, or coma. Food or plain sugar is the best way to treat hypoglycemia. In a survival situation, it is unlikely you will have ready access to either, so prevention is your only option. Think before you act, to conserve your strength, and never overexert yourself! Conservation of your body’s heat, water supply and strength are your primary concerns. If food is available, limit your consumption to a minimum to help prevent hypoglycemia. HUNGER & HYPOGLYCEMIA www.adventuresmart.ca
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