Batteries can fail...Your GPS/Cell Phone, etc.

I train the USCG SAR (rescue swimmers) on how to survive and provide emergency care when rescuing a subject (inland). One of the students from my August 1999 trip relayed the following to me...it happened just two weeks after he attended our program.

He wrote "The SAR team had found their subject...we were supporting their mission and had been asked to airlift the lost traveler. Less than 1/2 had passed since we left their site when received another call from them. The 10 person team found themselves in a bad situation...

The GPS they had relied on to travel to that point and then back (2 miles in woods) was dead...no spare batteries and no one knew how to use a compass. They had a pretty good idea where they were but no direction capacity or skills to figure out how to get out. Also the trees were thick making it hard to see the sun or prominent land features. They wanted the USCG helicopter to lift them out to safety. The Coast Guard provided a sound vector to guide them out and to the base camp. No Coast Guard and they'd have been screwed!!!

My point is...GPS's and Cell Phones are great but....and this is a big Butt...as with all mechanical/electrical devices....they can fail. I strongly encourage everyone to learn good navigational skills before they consider using a GPS. The GPS should only be used as an augment to good map and compass skills. :>)

Any comments from the forum is welcome.

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Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Greg,

In my opinion this is excellent advice.

I think it generalizes to all gear, whether it be a "wilderness survival metal match" or a $2000 custom "I'll bet my life on it" survival knife/piton. Anyone will be in a much better situation if they have the resources to function and survive without any single item of gear, whatever it is.
 
Greg Davenport

Greg Davenport

Joined
Nov 29, 1999
Messages
632
Hi Howard,

You point is well made. I agree 100%. I was focused on the gps, etc. with the post and thus I am glad you expanded on it.

I advise students to carry two (more if they want) survival kits. A small one on their person and a larger one in the pack. That way if they ever get seperated from their pack, they still have a mini survival kit in which to meet their needs. The contents of each kit, is up to the individual but I advise they build it with the "five essentials of survival" in mind. The items they choose will ideally have multiple uses. They should also lanyard all of their knives, metal matches, etc.

Finally, the art of improvising is a major factor in a persons ability to overcome an equipment shortage!!! Use those survival eyes.

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Greg,

Thanks for sharing that. It's another real example of the truism you and Ron have repeated so often: knowledge is the key to survival, not equipment.

Best,

Brian.
 
Greg, Thanks for the story.

One note/queston regarding post story posts. How do you mean "lanyard" your tools? I ask to point out that one can only rely upon oneself, of course with the hope that such reliance has resulted in some helpful acessories. I have read of at least one instance where the lanyard/fob or whatever one calls it was or can be the problem. It can catch on things and pull a knife (or whatever) out. If the knife is lost that is bad, if it penetrates one's body in the process that is worse.

On the other hand, if I am within sight of anyone swinging a machete or knife, I hope they have it on a lanyard!
wink.gif



Hmmm new signature line for free:

Intimate aquaintance with Mr. Murphy can lead to paranoia.

[This message has been edited by Donald (edited 03 December 1999).]
 
Hi Brian,

I am a firm believer that survival is broken down as follows:

80% will
10% knowledge
10% equipment

-Our programs provide comprehensive level skills in the art of survival (knowledge)
-Our programs discuss and show you the different types of equipment you might use in a survival setting (manmade and natural)
-Finally, our programs SHOW YOU that YOU have the WILL to survive (this is something that can't be taught in a book...you must learn this through experience and increased self-confidence, self-relience, and self-esteem).

Read it, watch it, and attend a reputable program to bring it all together.

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Harold,

I always wrap the lanyard up and place it in my pocket. Never have a problem. In addition the lanyard (line) is six inches beyond my longest reach so that I don't cut my fingers off when I reach out with the open knife. The lanyard is attached to both the metal match (in this case) and my belt loop. The only time it comes out is when I use it and it goes back in before In advance my fire (most people get frantic and set it down while they try to fuel the fire. If done properly, you have plenty of time to put your tools away before building the fire from tinder to kindling. The knife is in a sheeth (folding blade) and it is also lanyarded on. The line is always tucked in. It's all personal preference but I have never cut myself due to a lanyard and have never lost an item I have on a lanyard.

Thus it isn't lost and since the knife is a folder, it can't cut anyone if the lanyard were to catch on a twig while moving. I'd simply put it back in my pocket.

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
One additional use for the marvelous Photon lights: when you are using something you may drop, or when you toss something to someone, and it may fall into a hiding place if the person misses, just turn on a Photon and clip or tie it to the object. I have a Photon on every ring of keys, and when I toss it to my son at the top of the stairs, which is surrounded with garage clutter, I never have trouble finding the keys if he misses. This is also useful for the car keys in the snow problem.

Just a thought. Walt
 
I think you are absolutely correct. Technology is a wonderful thing, but we need to have a firm grip on the basics. My father is a fairly recently retired naval officer. While he had command of a ship, he made all the individuals who were trying to qualify as a watch officer rock the sextant.
 
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