Let me guess: you are probably reading this on your fancy phone, dressed in something to warm yourself up, and chewing on some cookies before your next lecture. Even if nothing of it is true, I bet you are pretty comfortable when you are because comfort and all these technologies we use daily make our lives so easy that we, humans, have become soft and
vulnerable, which makes us easy prey in the harsh world of wilderness.
Are you sure you have at least some basic survival skills to make it if you travel somewhere farther than your local grocery store?
If not, here are some survival tips every student should know:
Learn to Plan and Prepare
You have to be ready for any emergency that can happen to you or your fellow travelers on the road, so don’t sleep on your preparation. You don’t have to pack half of your belongings with you, of course. However, be sure to take everything you need to tend to your basic needs. Think in advance what you may need in case something goes wrong. What if you need bandages and band-aids? Where can you get pain relievers, antihistamine pills, or antiseptics if you need them? You can, of course, try to play an alchemist and brew a concoction using some birch bark you can find around, but experimenting with your health in the wild is not the best choice. It would also be a plus if you took some sunscreen and insect repellents to fend off mosquitos and other hungry bloodsuckers. Make sure you take a flashlight and some batteries and have a multi-tool or at least a knife. To make fire, equip yourself with lighter, waterproof matches, etc.
Get a First-Aid Training
Remember, when you are somewhere in the wild, there are no hospitals around. In case of an emergency, there will be no one to help you but yourself. When you are home, everything is in the vicinity, and all the services you can think of are available. When you feel peckish, you can order some delivery. In case you get stuck with your essays, you can easily order one from https://writepaperfor.me. If you feel bad, you can go to ER. But in the wild, you and your crew are on your own. That’s why you should get first aid courses.
Download Some Useful Apps
If you’re not exactly a nature expert, there are these amazing apps you can snag to help you figure out the plants you stumble upon. Some could be a delicious addition to your meal, while others might be seriously harmful. So, if you’re dreaming of a tasty feast, you’ve gotta make sure the wild goodies you pick won’t end up being poisonous. There are loads of cool phone apps like PlantSnap or iNaturalist that’ll be your trusty guides in getting to know the plants around you. And guess what? There are even apps to spot the not-so-friendly critters like venomous snakes and insects. Take SnakeSnap, for instance. It can identify snakes through photos and covers a bunch of snake species. Oh, and Insect Identification? That one’s your go-to for info on various insects.
Stay curious, my friends! But remember, if you cross paths with a snake or insect, it’s best to keep away so as not to spook it. Be humble; you are a guest in their realm, and you should respect their boundaries. If you do get bitten, don’t play a hero and seek professional help immediately.
Don’t ignore instructions from local field guides and wildlife experts. Usually, they can provide a lot of useful information specific to the local flora and fauna, so it’s always a good idea to consult them before starting your adventure. Always put safety first and try to avoid unnecessary risks when dealing with potentially dangerous wildlife.
Stay Hydrated and Nourishe
As tough as you may think you are, you are still mortal, and thirst and hunger can kill you much faster than you may think. Even if you are not planning any hardcore Bear-Grylls-style adventures, you should always take care of your basic needs to keep yourself healthy, so pack enough food and water.
Embark on the Journey
Before setting out, let your loved ones know the path you plan to tread and when you’ll be back. Share your whereabouts, even if it’s just approximate. Stick to the trails and safe passages – the wild can easily become a labyrinth. Sure, our phones and GPS are lifelines, but remember, thick forests or deep canyons can play hide-and-seek with GPS signals. That’s why it’s smart to always have an old-school map and a trusty compass. Learn the art of deciphering the map and using the compass for navigation.
Weather Whispers
Nature’s mood swings can be swift, especially in the mountains. Get ready to tango with the elements by suiting up in cozy thermal layers, waterproof socks, and cloaks. Hands and feet are especially sensitive to the cold, so wrap them up in insulated gloves and waterproof footwear. Your sleeping bag should be your toasty cocoon, tailored to the temperature of your surroundings. Tuck in an emergency blanket, too; its reflective magic keeps you warm. And if your journey leads you to tropical realms, don’t forget to shield yourself from the sun’s sizzling embrace.
