Section 1

Paul Reilly

Section 1 pages 4-14

Mental and Training Factors Influence Survival

In a life threatening situation, it is important to allow the initial rush of adrenaline to subside and then begin processing potential dangers in your environment. This processing is referred to as situational awareness and is imperative to survival situations. In general, we react to situations based on previous experience, and survival situations are no different. Learning and maintaining proficiency in proven survival skills could make the difference between life and death.

Our mind is the most important survival tool we have. Thoroughly thinking through survival actions helps conserve energy, saves resources, and increases your overall chance of survival. All survivors should set goals that are clear, concise, and achievable. If the goals are not met, constantly readjust, and never stop trying to achieve the goals.

Make a mental contract with yourself:

·         No matter the circumstances, I will survive

·         I will not extrapolate, I will deal with the here and now

·         I will adapt as required

·         I will be positive

·         I will be of service to those around me

Our bodies have physical requirements to stay alive, in a survival situation the priorities are as follows:

·         Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) – Included because a PMA correlates with all over survival actions

·         Air – We require oxygen to live, you have3 to 6 minutes without it before you perish

·         Shelter from extreme environments – Maintenance of core body temperature is critical

·         Rest – Your body requires rest for maintenance of bodily processes, you have about 48 hours before requiring rest

·         Water – The body requires water for a number of physiological processes, plan on finding water within 3 days

·         Food – The last priority to consider in survival situations, most people can survive 3 weeks or more without food

The major threats to survival are as follows:

·         Not having a PMA

·         Core temperature

·         Mechanical Injury

·         Illness and/or Infection

People have the ability to make mental adjustments that affect the probability of survival. Survivors generally had the ability to adapt and improvise according to their situations. Furthermore, they stayed calm, were prepared mentally and physically, and had the ability to make critical decisions. Lastly, they were self-aware of their limitations and had practiced survival skills prior to the event.

Fear is a natural response to any life threatening situation. Unfortunately, fear clouds judgment and prohibits effective problem solving.

To control your fears:

·         Don’t Run.

·         Recognize your fear.

·         Control the situation through action

·         Plan

·         Set Realistic Goals

·         Affirmative Self-Talk

·         Don’t shy from Spirituality

To help others control their fears:

 Cultivate Support

·         Lead by Example

·         Spread Positive Thinking

·         Resentments are Useless

·         Comfort Others

·         Involve Others in Tasks

·         If fear has engulfed an individual, get close, look directly at them, and help them maintain control through talking with them

To cope with threats and ensure we meet the physical requirements of survival, a phased approached to managing the situation is recommended.

Phase 1 – Initial Response - The first few hours

·         Make sure those needed medical care are in a stable condition

·         Inventory equipment and resources

·         Make sure everyone is in safe conditions

·         Signal

Phase 2 – Continued Survival

·         PMA

·         Situational Awareness

·         Physiological Requirements

·         Conservation of Resources

·         Find Additional Required Resources

Phase 3 – Rescue                                                       

·         Signal Distress

·         Develop Rescue Plan

During any of the phases, a step by step action plan can be an effective method to organize thinking and exact a response.

1.       Be Situationally Aware

2.       Identify Contingencies

3.       Determine Goals

4.       Identify Required Resources

5.       Plan

6.       Take Action

7.       Repeat