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
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