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Winter Survival Techniques

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Targeted Learning Objectives

The student: Will understand and demonstrate the

roles of positive attitude and planning as keys to survival.

Use equip/supplies on site and worn or from pack to make a shelter.

Use equip/supplies on site and worn or from pack to start a fire.

Use equip/supplies on site and worn or from pack to collect and boil water for drinking and cooking.

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When Reality Sets IN

S it

T hink

O rganize

P lan

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WE don’t plan to fail

But WE do fail to plan!

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Equipment

Your Body: The Most Important Item!Only so much energyStay or get physically fitManage your sweatTreat blisters/injuries IMMEDIATELYMaintain personal hygiene

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Equipment Review

Get QUALITY equipment Test it and maintain it Everything should have more than 1

use. A lighter load saves energy and

improves overall performance Use lithium batteries. Select gear

that all uses the same or at most two battery sizes.

Practice using it.

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3 Levels of Defense/Survival

What are the 3 Levels of

Defense/Survival?

Any Ideas?

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3 Levels of Defense/Survival

Level One:What is attached to your bodyFire startingLightCordSignal, if you can’t

whistle

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3 Levels of Defense/Survival

Level TwoWhat is in your duty belt or in

your pockets

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3 Levels of Defense/Survival

Level ThreeWhat is in your pack

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Shelters

A good shelter Provides the most protection For the least amount of energy

expended Is the smallest size to meet needs And should be the first priority.

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Emergency: immediate, short term protection.Less than 10 minutes to build

Shelter Types

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Shelter Types: Natural

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BUT avoid caves during thunderstorms!

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Shelter Types: Natural

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Shelter Types: Tarps

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Biggest mistake is to make it too big and too open.

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Tarp or poncho alone

Lower back end into the wind.

Must be taut to keep from flapping and to hold snow.

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Tarp tent

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How to set up tarp

Video on line

Click on text link for Internet version, on picture if you have the video file. The next 3 slides are all taken from YouTubeClick anywhere outside the picture to advance to the next slide.

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Snow shelters

Can be combined with tarps or other roof types.Pitch a tarp tent but dig down for

more room. The more you dig, the wetter

you get. Expends more energy to build Very warm and good for longer

stays.

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Snow cave

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Quinzee

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Fire Starters

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Show Fire Building DVD

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Water

You can go weeks without food but only 3 days without water

Even minor dehydrationMakes you more susceptible to

hypothermia and frostbite.Clouds rational thoughtCompromises performance

Urine should run clear: you shouldn’t be able to make yellow snow!

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Water

You need at least 3 to 6 quarts per day, depending on activity levelWater uptake is in the small intestine.You must drink at least 1 cup (6 to 8

gulps) of water to get the stomach to empty into the small intestine. Any less just sits in the stomach.

Your body can process only 1 cup of water every 20 to 30 minutes.

Teams should regularly plan a stop at least every 1 to 1½ hours to hydrate, adjust clothing and to eat.

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Water Purification

Most problems blamed on bad water came from your dirty hands. Wash hands or use sanitizer.

Biggest issues are Giardia and Cryptosporidium Parasites; 10 day

incubation. Properly treat all water, if

possible. Boiling (best) UV lights – reliable but need

batteries Filters – check often Chlorine Dioxide – NOT

iodine If you cannot treat it, drink

anyway. Dehydration more dangerous than bugs. B M O C

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Water Sources

What you carry Nearby streams Lakes are cleaner.

UV from sun purifies upper 2”inch layer on ponds and lakes.

Melting snowNeed a container to

melt snow and/or boil water.

Simple can with wire bail.

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Water Containers

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At least one with a wide mouth that can hold boiling water.

Water bladders freeze easily and need regular cleaning.

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Questions?

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Field Practice

Use equip/supplies on site and worn or from pack to make a shelter.

Use equip/supplies on site and worn or from pack to start a fire.

Use equip/supplies on site and worn or from pack to collect and boil water for drinking and cooking.