SURVIVAL ACRYONYM

SURVIVAL

4/17/20

Let’s begin with an acronym for the word SURVIVAL. There are several out there from urban survival sites to the army manuals. This is only a recap of the basic concepts in an effort to provide a tool that can help you organize your thoughts, create a plan and create a template of action.

(Not an original idea)

(S) Survey the situation.

Size Up Your Surroundings

Survey your surroundings; how steep are the slopes. Is the surface lose or firm, bare rock or turfs, slippery or dry, are there sharp edges? Are there animals, birds, or insects? Look for the pattern of nature around you. Are the clouds indicating a storm or a blistering clear sky threatening sun burn?

Size Up Your Physical Condition

Has the trauma of suddenly being in a survival situation (accidental, or not) caused you to overlook wounds and fatigue? Check for wounds and provide yourself with any first aid that may be needed. Disregarding a wound may cause even more harm. Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Dress for the climate whenever possible, more clothes (in layers) for cold and thin light coverings for especially hot areas.

Inventory Your Equipment

A quick inventory of your equipment and supplies whether you had prepared for the situation or have been thrust into it. Clothes, tools, weapons, food, water, what have you got to work with.

Only when you have sized up your situation, surroundings, physical condition, and equipment, are you ready to make your survival plan. Remember to keep in mind basic physical needs--water, food, and shelter. You may first want to locate and fortify a “safe place”; a place that will protect you from the elements, is easily defended, and offers a good view of your surroundings.

Note changes in noises, birds or insects stop singing, changes in temperature, or new smells. Staying observant and aware can alert you to danger.

(U) - Unwind and relax. Undue Haste Makes Waste.

Your very first move upon discovering you are in a survival situation is to take a deep breath. Once you’ve relaxed and can think properly you can take a few moments to plan your next moves. Get your thoughts together and focus on the task at hand. Making decisions too fast can be worse for you in the long run. Reacting too quickly, without thinking or planning, and without a plan results, all too often, in poor choices. It may come as a surprise but one of the first decision you must make is how long do you have to make your next decisions. If you only a minute, the decisions you must make will be different than if you have hours to plan. If you only have a minute or two, you should survey the area and plan to get to a place that will give you more time to plan. Use all your senses to gather and interpret as much information as you can. Making a move before you have the right plan may result in severe injury or death. Be observant. Be sensitive to temperature changes. Note sounds and smells. Be ready to move out quickly without endangering yourself.

(R) - Remember where you are.

Calculate where you are “globally”. Use a map if you have one. It is important to know things like if you are on the eastern or western slope, are you way north on the hemisphere, are there lakes, dams, cities close by and if so which direction. Do you know of forests, game preserves et cetera? Before moving out, you need to have a clear idea of which direction you are heading, or you will waste time and resources. Always try to determine, as a minimum, how your location relates to--Safe havens, Friendly territory or people, warmth, food and water. Without this information, logical and intelligent decisions are next to impossible.

(V) - Vanquish fear, emotion, and panic.

Panic and fear cause you to react to imaginary stimulus. Fear drains your energy leads to despair. Panic causes over reacting. Emotion is a luxury you can’t afford in survival situations. Guard against the “fight or flight” response and think your way out of danger. Methodical reactions are generally safer for everyone concerned.

(I) - Improvise.

Relearn your improvisation skills. Look at all the items in your survival gear, bug out bag, or on your person. How many uses can each item have? Selecting items that have multiple uses you can lower the number of items and weight you carry. This will in turn allows you to be prepared for more situations with less. Look at the items in nature. Learn to use rocks, branches, vines and sand for survival. No matter how complete a survival kit you have, it will wear out eventually. Your imagination and ingenuity must take over when your gear wears out. Check out Innovative uses guide at XXXXXX

(V) - Value Life

To be a survivor you need to be able to draw on that tenacious never quit quality. When a tough situation presents itself, set your jaw and your mind to overcoming the obstacle, never give in or quit. We have this trait from birth. Rediscover it and crystalize it. Draw on it the moment you need it. It just takes the wrong turn of events to put us in a do or die situation. If you are to survive you must value life, yours, your families, your neighborhood.

(A) - Act Native

Blend in with your environment. Observe how the locals and animals get along around you. They have adapted to what is around them. Learn from that. Watch their daily routine, what and where do the animals and locals eat? Where is the water source? Where and when do they sleep?

If there are no people, animal life in the area will provide valuable clues. Animals also require food, water, and shelter. By watching them, you can find sources of water and food.

Learning to observe without being observed is an art/skill all on its own. The better you are at this the better your research will be.

WARNING

Don’t count on animals as an absolute guide to what you can eat and drink. Many animals eat plants that are toxic to humans.

(L) - Learn Basic Skills and develop a live by Your Wits

Without training in basic skills your chances of survival are slight. Learn these basic skills now and you will be prepared from now on. Know how to equip yourself, what to expect in the various environments, how to obtain water and food, how to shelter yourself in any environment. Study and prepare now, and practice until you are comfortable. Being prepared with an education and practical experience reduces fear of the unknown and allows you to think (live by your wits). The more practiced and trained you are the more confident you will be to care for yourself and others in the wild.

Comments and recommendations are always welcome at trolliseries@gmail.com