The shock of realizing that you are lost can be mentally crippling but you have to hope for the best and plan for the worst. Recall survival techniques or training and expect them to work as it will increase your chances for success by increasing your confidence in that you can survive.
Stay Put. lf you’re not sure of the way out and people know you are missing.
Remain calm. Usually it is best to stay where you are and build a shelter. This is especially true if you are lacking food or are injured. Staying will give you a chance to conserve your energy.
Carefully study your surroundings.
Find water, if possible an open area for a signal fire,a sheltered area for a camp, and wood. If the wood supply permits, keep a small fire going, at all times, for a signal fire.
Build a simple safe comfortable shelter and fire as quickly as possible.
Once well sheltered and warm, form a plan. A survival plan will alleviate your fear. Your confidence and morale will increase.
Be calm. Take it easy and think of how to implement your action plan. Establish where you are by identifying landmarks and compass directions.
Take stock of your situation once your signal fire has been built, your campfire, and shelter is ready. Mentally list everything you have on you. Empty your pockets and use your imagination to discover how your belongings can be used. This website gives many original survival ideas which are based upon common items in your pockets.
Any shiny object can be used to attract the attention of passing alrcraft. See the Signal chapter.
Do not be too eager to find your way out until you have adapted to your environment and have the basic survival necessities of food, water, and shelter. Unnecessary risks will be taken if you are careless and impatient.
In a Group
A group should chose a leader and assign responsibilitles to all individuals so that all have a responsibility for the rescue of the group. Always try to determine and use special skills offered by members of the group The leader can consult with the group but has to make the decisions. Above all the leader must at all times avoid the appearance of indecision.
Make sure that no member of the group is left on his own as he might be in a depression. Negative ideas should be squashed as soon as possible.
Panic, confusion, and disorganization are minimized by good leadership.
Problems usually occur in a group. These problems can be due to fatigue, hunger, close quarters, cold, and strategic decisions that have to be made.
Develop a feeling of team work and stress that each person depends on the other individuals for survival. Teamwork fosters higher morale and unity as each member feels the support and strength of the group.
Use your Imagination & improvise
Improvise to improve the situation. This will give you more control and raise your morale. Remember your goal is to get out alive. Raise your morale by “dreaming” of the time after you “get out alive” will help you value life now.
Conserve your health and strength. Illness or injury will greatly reduce your chance of survival.
Hunger, cold, and fatigue lower your efficiency,stamina,and will make you careless. You will realize that your low spirits are the result of your physical condition and not danger.
Improvising includes eating insects and other unusual foods.
