Wilderness Survival Guide

NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH & RESCUE ASSOCIATION Wilderness Survival Guide

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Wilderness Survival Guide 1 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 2024 marks the 55th 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

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 2 Sun Safety  Cover up when going outdoors Seek shade between 11AM and 3PM  Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection  Use SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen  Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated  Report skin changes to your doctor Find additional information, topics and resources: NovaScotia.ca/NovaSAFE Safety Information Made Simple

Wilderness Survival Guide 3 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 as 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. 2022 statistics indicate that NSGSARA contributed in many ways to public safety in our Province: • 1,200 Volunteers • 66 Searches • 48,038 Search hours • 22,946 Training hours • 836 Prevention hours • 83,700 Administration hours • 27,661 Fundraising and Public Relations

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Wilderness Survival Guide 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Just for Kids / Hug-A-Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 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 6 Proud supporters of Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue 10-12B, 209 Aerotech Drive Goffs, NS B2T 1K3 Canada 902-423-0787 www.atlanticlobster.ca

Wilderness Survival Guide 7 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 Things to Bring

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 8 (902) 260-7387 info@evangelineah.ca www.evangelineah.ca

Wilderness Survival Guide 9 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 10 Find Your Way with Maps & More 1601 Lower Water Street Summit Place Halifax NS 902-422-7106 www.mapsandmore.ca The Travel Store Proceeds from all training programs support charitable activities in our local communities. Learn more at sja.ca | 1-800-565-5056 | ns.info@sja.ca Volunteer First Responders Youth Services & Programs Emergency Responders Therapy Dogs Teams F I RST A ID TRA INING | MENTAL HEALTH TRA INING | MEDICAL K I TS & SUPPL I ES | AEDS

Wilderness Survival Guide 11 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 12 61 Raddall Avenue, Unit E Dartmouth NS B3B 1T4 • (902) 446-4146 www.xtradoc.ca 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 13 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

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 14 NORTHERN WORKWEAR LTD. 302 Bluewater Road, Unit 3 Bedford, Nova Scotia | B4B 1J6 MODEL# 3-56300-604 MODEL# 3-66301-604 MODEL# 3-86301-604

Wilderness Survival Guide 15 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

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 16 AVON RIVER METALWORKS 616 Sangster Bridge Road Upper Falmouth NS B0P 1P0 (902) 790-2218 Custom pieces for your home and garden

Wilderness Survival Guide 17 Hug a tree, stay put, don’t wander off! www.nasar.org Just For Kids

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 18 • Organic Waste Solutions • Products of Quality Compost • Soil Fertility Experts PROUD TO SUPPORT NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH & RESCUE ALEX TERMEER - OWNER LISA THIEL - SALES 1332 Pleasant Valley Rd. Green Creek, NS B0N 1C0 Tel: (902) 673-3020 fundycompost@gmail.com 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 19 Use your whistle to call for help. Help Searchers Find You

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 20 Securing Maritime Families Since 1948 Rob Beairsto President 902-471-9277 Derek Doiron Secretary Treasurer 902-471-6927 Proud to support the Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat: 11am-5pm From a friend of Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Stay Safe!

Wilderness Survival Guide 21 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 22 9212 Commercial St. New Minas NS B4N 5J5 (902) 681-4576 1-632 Rocky Lake Drive Bedford, NS B4A 2T6 (902) 252-9694 • darim.ca

Wilderness Survival Guide 23 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 24 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 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 902-406-7620 Offering quality auto glass service in Bayer’s Lake since 2012 Proud to support Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue 327 Smith Road Nappan NS B4H 3Y4 (902) 667-3388 compassminerals.com Proud to support Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue

Wilderness Survival Guide 25 INTO THE MYSTIC 1082 Cole Harbour Road 902-469-7842 intothemysticshop.ca “Most Feel-Good Shop in Nova Scotia” Providing Specialty Vehicle Solutions since 1973. 902-742-9254 www.tri-star.ca • Custom trailers and aluminum bodies • Emergency Response, Command Vehicles • Service truck bodies • Vehicle graphics • Automotive lighting packages, electronics • Vehicle partitions, consoles, inserts 11 Bridge Avenue Stellarton NS 902-755-4465 (24 Hours) maccullochstruck.com The largest and most verstaile collection of crystals and tumbled stones on the east coast. Plus, tarot/oracle cards, sterling jewelry, pendulums, incense, salt lamps, singing bowls, candles, herbal teas, imports and more. Many gifted psychics, numerololgy, astrology, and dry salt treatments (halotherapy booth)

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 26 Mount Uniacke NS Shop: (902) 866-0673 NORTH SYDNEY 21 Blowers Street North Sydney NS B2A 3S3 (902) 794-8577 GRAND LAKE ROAD 49 Sydney Port Access Road Sydney NS B1P 7J1 (902) 539-8077 GLACE BAY 130 Reserve Street Glace Bay NS B1A 4W5 (902) 842-0700

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 your 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 Get home safely Don’t drive impaired CANADIAN TIRE YARMOUTH 120 Starrs Road Yarmouth NS B6A 4T3 (902) 749-1600 CANADIAN TIRE DIGBY 112 Warwick Street Digby NS B0V 1A0 (902) 245-2527

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 www.campinlunenburg.ca Proud to support Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue

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 NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH & RESCUE ASSOCIATION Proud supporter of micco.ca To find out more about Micco Companies, check out our website. TRIPLE ONE METALS INC. 59 Payzant Drive Windsor NS B0N 2T0 (902) 698-2662 tripleonemetals.com

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 Local and Long Distance Unlocks Boosts Tire Changes Brady Sheehy Darby Sheehy Royal Canadian Legion Colchester Branch 026 PO Box 635, Truro, NS B2N 5E5 Street Address: 42 Brunswick St. Truro, NS Phone: 902-895-0233 Email: rclno26@ns.aliantzinc.ca kentvillepolice.ca Proud to support Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Roofing•Masonry•Carpentry•Siding•Windows Serving Metro Since 1975 Steve Parsons Halifax, NS Phone (902) 455-3181 Cell (902) 229-8988

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 Don Brenton’s Fire Protection Phone: 1 (902) 876-7879 Fax: 1 (902) 876-1976 brentons.com High Top Carpet Shampooing 3268 Highway 12 Kentville, NS B4N 3V8 (902) 670-0255 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

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 It’s where you belong 1-866-230-7700 eastcoast@creditu.ca Shep-Com Construction Ltd. 264 Meteghan Connector, PO Box 454 Meteghan Phone: 645-2460 Fax: 645-2525 Vinyl Siding - Aluminum Cladding - Comercial Work Steel/Asphalt Roofing - EPDM Roofs General Contracting - New Homes FREE ESTIMATES Stephen R. Comeau - C: (902) 769-8324 Mike Sheppard - C: (902) 769-8633 211 Sackville Drive Sackville, NS B4C 2R5 (902) 865-5008 “I HAVE A PLUMBING PROBLEM” If your plumbing quits, DON’T PANIC. CALL CEILY. SHE CAN HELP. We have most systems fixed in less then 3 hours from the time of your call. You only pay a low STRAIGHTFORWARD PRICE for repairs. You never pay for extra labour or travel time. We don’t consider your problem fixed until it has worked perfectly for 6 months. If the part we repaired fails under our guarantee, we’ll fix it FREE! AT ACCENT, WE MAKE PLUMBING PLEASANT. CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENT 902 832-4357 Serving Bedford,Sackville, Hammonds Plains & Surrounding Areas. Drain Vision Video Inspections Drain Cleaning RADON Mitigation Renovations & Repairs Water Heaters Hot Water Heating Well Pumps “Ceily” Email: lisebell.labelle@gmail.com PO Box 42003 Upper Tantallon NS B3Z 0P5 (902) 826-1302 themastheadnews.ca

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 40 Canso PharmaChoice #1141 20 Telegraph Street Canso, NS B0H 1H0 T: (902) 366-2976 cansopharmacy@bellaliant.com Peter S. Conrod Construction Ltd All Types of Excavating 129 Motts Drive East Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0 Phone: (902) 827-2220 • admin@pccltd.ca Septic Systems - Excavating Fill - Top Soil - Road Building “We Ship Lobster and Seafood Worldwide!” 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 Lyons Brook NS B0K 1A0 Telephone: (902) 382-2252 Email: survey@trevorssurveying.com pictousurveys.com

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 www.madersroofing.com • info@madersroofing.com P.O. Box 2129, Dartmouth, NS, Canada B2W 3Y2 “Proudly serving you for 68 years” LaHave Denture Clinics Limited Bridgewater & Shelburne, Nova Scotia On-site lab, same day repairs & relines - no referrals required 902-543-5111 or 902-875-2272 novascotiadentures.com Norm Smith Electric Limited Box 172 Kingston, NS B0P 1R0 Tel: 902-765-4212 Fax: 902-765-2999 Email: nseltd@ns.aliantzinc.ca

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 1-877-339-4984 Fax: 902-539-4701 D&T Heating & Plumbing Ltd 2715 Hwy 289 Middle Stewiacke, NS B0N 1C0 902.890.0687 dtheating@hotmail.com Earl Francis Spryfield Memorial Branch #152 (902) 477-0467 P.O. Box 20112 Halifax, NS B3P 1L1 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 Take advantage of the $5000 Efficiency NS Solar PV Rebate

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 Stay Safe 15321 Highway 3 Hebbville NS B4V 6X4 Ph. (902) 530-3580 Fax. (902) 543-2714 parts@gerhardts.ca 606 Reeves Street, Unit 1 Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2R7 902-625-2746 www.townofporthawkesbury.ca

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 troybennettsautorepair.ca Phone: 902-678-0012 ~ Cell: 902-670-1908 Fax: 902-678-8323

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...

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 50

Wilderness Survival Guide 51 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 www.adventuresmart.ca

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 52 303 Highway 215 Newport Corner Hants County, Nova Scotia (902) 757-0157 www.stonesrv.com 500 Mines Road Upper Falmouth, NS B0P 1L0 (902) 798-9468 Proud to support the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue

Wilderness Survival Guide 53 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. www.adventuresmart.ca

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 54 38 Paint Street, Port Hawkesbury NS B9A 3J8 (902) 625-5050 M-100 ILSLEY AVENUE DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA B3B 1L3 PHONE: (902) 481-8280 WEB: www.mcnallycorp.com McNally Construction Inc. proudly supports Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue. www.hfxinsulators.com Halifax Insulators Limited EMAIL insulate@hfxinsulators.com PO Box 48076 961 Bedford Hwy Bedford NS B4A 3Z2 PHONE (902) 860-0186 CELL (902 4560-1151 FAX (902) 860-0114 Serving NS since 1989

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 continued... The loss of liquids through respiration and perspiration can be greatly reduced if you breathe through your nose www.adventuresmart.ca

Nova Scotia Ground Search & Rescue Association 56 M.M. MacDonald Construction Ltd. General Contractor (902) 736-0789 Mike MacDonald mmmacdonaldconst@eastlink.ca MailingAddress: P.O. Box 1610 Bras d’Or, NS B1Y 3Y6 CivicAddress: 2478 Long Island Rd. Long Island, NS B1Y 3M6 construction.rafes@gmail.com Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association Certified 35 Chambers Blvd. P.O. Box 336 Parrsboro NS B0M 1S0 (902) 254-3436 Office (902) 254-4266 Cell (902) 254-3366 Home

Wilderness Survival Guide 57 DEHYDRATION 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 www.adventuresmart.ca

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