I wrote about this recently on my blog as it relates to the
Secrets of Survival TV show with Les Stroud and a book of a similar name that has a specific plan of wilderness survival priorities starting with Fire right after First Aid. I have spoken with several full-time survival instructors about "priorities" and even specifically about this book which calls out a specific plan.
Bottom-line is being able to adapt.
However,
in cold weather, reducing heat loss is very likely going to be your number one strategy. Most relate this to shelter, but reducing heat loss maybe something as simple as removing wet clothes, getting off the ground, getting out of the wind, and/or changing elevation. After that,
FIRE.
NEXT TO KNOWING HOW TO DRESS WELL, FIRE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BUSH SKILLS THERE ARE, BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF THE FEW MEANS AVAILABLE TO MAKE UP MOST GREAT DEFICIENCIES. -- Mors Kochanski
You can state the priorities many different ways...
Rule of 3's (w/fire)
OR
The essence of survival is to be able to sleep comfortably when you need to and to drink enough water to maintain the bodily functions at an optimum level. Outside of life threatening injury, an immediate concern is maintaining a comfortable body temperature. In cold conditions this is accomplished by dressing adequately, knowing how to preserve or maintain the insulative integrity of your clothing and supplementing any inadequacy with fire and shelter. -- Mors Kochanski, Basic Safe Travel and Boreal Survival Handbook from Karamat Wilderness Ways.
OR
If it's COLD outside
- Reduce heat loss: get out of the wind, off the ground, and remove wet clothing.
- Put on dry, insulated clothing and seek or make shelter. Pay special attention to protecting your head, neck, and torso.
- Build a fire if necessary. Gather extra wood for the night.
- Drink your water (hot if possible with a few dissolved hard candies or sugar). Clear urine means your body has enough water.
- Eat high-energy foods (carbs) throughout the day.
- Get familiar with your area and make camp early before it gets dark.
- Rest and conserve your energy unless you are performing vital tasks or exercising to keep warm.
- Maintain a calm, positive attitude.
- Be prepared to signal rescuers at all times.
-- Cody Lundin, 98.6 Degrees, The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive
Personally, I like the way Lundin outlines the Cold-Weather Bottom-Line, which can be found on Page 75 of his book in detail. Again, these are the bottom-line considerations, NOT priorities. I simplified them here...
COLD-WEATHER BOTTOM LINE1. Produce Heat - only 3 ways; food, exercise, and fire.
2. Decrease Heat Loss - understand the five heat-loss mechanisms.
3. Avoid becoming exhausted (60 percent rule). Working at 60 percent allows the body to burn fat reserves instead of using up glucose and oxygen stores. Get adequate sleep and rest.
4. Reduce internal and external constriction - Avoid ingesting vasoconstricting substances; tight clothing, equipment, and footwear.
5. Stay Hydrated - Drink warm to hot liquids if possible; urine should appear ?clear.?
6. Stay aware of what's happening. Be conservative.
Understanding the Cold-Weather Bottom-Line before you "go out" is the best preparation in my opinion.
