Recently I have had the pleasure of being asked "What is the one thing you need to survive?"
As always that question is prefaced with a preconceived notion from whomever asked. Which is normal and based upon that individual's history. It may be a concern about getting lost, medical emergencies in remote areas, or a vision of a popular t.v. show that prompts this question.
We all have skill sets, training and life experiences that gives us a baseline of how to react in a survival situation. So how do I answer that question? The answer is actually simple, straight forward and very seldom talked about. Here it is.
Mindset.
Your mindset is the most crucial tool you have in your arsenal. It provides the building block for all decisions, actions and possible outcomes. We will cover the How, what, when and why of how your mindset is your biggest asset or your biggest foe.
How does your mindest pertain to surviving any situation? Think of any situation you may encounter. It could be a soldier in combat or a thru hiker lost in the Appalchian's. If you are in a survival situation and your mind is not focused you will not make good decisions. Every instructor or personality will tell you that the first thing you do ( if not in immediate life threating danger) is to stop... Literally stop. This allows you to begin processing your situation. If and only if you train yourself to do so. There is an old saying in the military ( and one of the reasons the military trains so much). " You always fall back to what you know and have repeatedly taught yourself or been taught". This is even more so the case when you experience something quick and dramatic. For example : A car crash, a traumatic experience, physical danger. If you have not trained yourself to Stop, Think, Act, and Review, it will be harder for you to allow yourself time to get the correct mindset. Country folk call it " Gettin your head straight".
The acronym used is S.T.A.R.
STOP
THINK
ACT
REVIEW
Note: This acronym is commonly used in many fields such as construction safety,
Your current mindset is directly responsible for your behavior immediately upon a survival situation. You have to train yourself to use the process of S.T.A.R. Even if, that means disassociating any personal hardship, mood, emotions or stressors NOT DIRECTLY related to the situation. (Now is not the time to worry about your taxes).
STOP.
Literally you stop, this accomplishes many things. When you Physically stop moving you are giving not just your mind but also your body a chance to reset. This is the first step and crucial. Giving yourself a moment or longer to take a breath, lower your heart rate, and just as importantly to give your mind a chance to focus on S.T.A.R. You need this time to make good solid decisions.
THINK.
Each and every one of us will immediately revert to our base level of training and conditioning. Now is the time to Critically analyze your situation.
Am i injured, or are there anyone in my area injured? If so, asses and triage appropriately.
Where am i? where do I go, if i do have to move, how do I get there?
Communication, can I use my cell phone? if not will a text go through? does anyone have a gps with sos? a satellite phone? if I create a signal will someone see it? will anyone look for me? can I signal traffic on roads? signal a helicopter or plane?
Do I stay where I am and hope for rescue? or do i attempt to self-rescue?
How long do I expect this situation to last?
What do I have on me, around me or access too, to assist my situation.
Do I need shelter, water, food, fire, food?
Create an action plan.
ACT.
Set your action plan in motion. Ensure you have communicated every detail to anyone involved. Everyone should have a clear understanding of the situation, what you need to do, how you are going to do it and you must be honest about your situation but also be a leader and instill confidence and hope within yourself and whomever you are with. Remember in dire circumstances action without caution and a plan can lead to mistakes and poor decisions. Every move you make must be thoughtful and calculated. wasted energy, time and resources as well as deliberate movement and safe habits are critical. Rushing through the bush is not conducive to a good outcome and could just as easily create more trauma, issues and problems. (A thorn in the eye is not something you want).
REVIEW.
Review is not meant to be at the end of your self rescue or rescue. It can be of course and is a great learning tool, however it is more important to conduct what I call a "Review in Motion". You should frequently and almost subconsciously review as you are working through your action plan. For example, if you are attempting self-rescue, every obstacle or self-determined hurdle, you should be thinking of future steps, routes, actions, and what those may mean to you. Do you need shelter? When does it get dark? Have you hydrated? Am i causing adverse effects on my body? Blisters, heat stroke etc. Are all members " hanging in there"? Does anyone need special attention? physically, emotionally? You must remain flexible, adaptable and wiling to change as your situation dictates. Being "unavailable" to change your mind if you are not getting the results you expected may not be a strength. It could be downright dangerous. This does not mean that you whimsically change a plan or an action. Careful thought should be taken. If necessary, perform the S.T.A.R. process all over again.
In conclusion there are many variables in any survival situation. One simply cannot list them all. Having said that, your mindset, the ability to think critically and calmly, will save you. Be of strong mind and the body will follow. As always,
Keep your paddle wet and your powder dry.
J
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