Section 2

Paul Reilly

Section 2

Pages 43-61

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation is the most important part of surviving a life threatening situation. Humans have an optimal thermal temperature of 98.6 ^oF, and have a 12 degree threshold of self-help (92.6^o – 104.6^oF). After these internal temperatures are exceeded, the body starts acting in unpredictable ways and begins to shut down.

To mitigate risk in cold environments, it is important to protect the areas prone to heat loss (Head, neck, sternum, lateral sides, groin, and extremities), and understand the mechanisms of heat loss.

The Mechanisms of Heat Loss are as follows:

·         Conduction – The transfer of heat to colder surfaces

·         Radiation – The body loses heat from all exposed areas of skin

·         Convection – Air / Water currents can steal heat faster than can be produced

·         Evaporation – Water droplets turn to vapor and take heat with them

·         Respiration – Air moving in and out of the body transfers heat

The use of clothing can mitigate losing heat to the environment by using an adjustable system.

1.       Wear clothing in layers

2.       Avoid constricting garments

3.       Keep clothing clean and dry

4.       Think about color (Darker is better)

5.       Use a hat to regulate body temperature

The acronym COLDER can be helpful when preventing hypothermia with clothing:

C – Keep clothing CLEAN

O – Avoid OVERHEATING

L – Wear clothing LOSE and in LAYERS

D – Keep clothing DRY

E – EXAMINE clothing for defects or wear

R – Keep clothing REPAIRED

In hot environments, to prevent overheating and excessive water loss:

·         Leave clothes on, the body stays cooler and loses less water

·         Think about color (Lighter is better)

·         Use cotton and other materials to cool the skin by wetting when liquids are available

·         During excessive activity, shed layers  so you don’t overheat

Insects can be extremely problematic in some environments, so improvise ways to prevent skin exposure to biting insects. Chemical methods (bug spray) can also be extremely useful.

Improvising

Although improvising can be a necessity in survival situations, never underestimate the principals of self-sufficiency or self-reliance. Be especially careful to weigh the potential risks/rewards before undertaking any improvisional technique.

 A step by step action plan can be an effective method to organize thinking and exact response when improvisation is required. 

1.       Be Situationally Aware

2.       Identify Contingencies

3.       Determine Goals

4.       Identify Required Resources

5.       Plan

6.       Take Action

7.       Repeat

Be sure to focus of the function of the improvised materials, be creative and use the resources you have most readily available.

Navigation

Determining direction can be critical in a self-rescue scenario or when mobility is essential due to environmental factors. Learn how to utilize these methods prior to an event where your survival is dependent on them.  There are numerous methods to determine direction:

·         Stick and Shadow

·         Wristwatch Method (If you have a watch with hands)

·         Using constellations

Knots

Being able to tie cordage to itself or other materials is important in a number of different survival situations. Practice using different knots and cordage to be prepared when you knots are required for survival techniques.