Cheat sheets

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Apr 14, 2006
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There is a another thread about a file card library, basically, but this is a little more bare bones. I'm making a PSK for some people based on my mini PSK. The can is about 2-7/8" in diameter.

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I'm going to include a couple of small, round laminated cheat sheets in the pouch (not in the can), with important, but concise survival info.

It can't be too involved, but should include those important, easily forgotten, basics.

Any suggestions?

Doc
 
I would think a description of the contents and their uses would be very helpful, along with maybes some basic first aid and orienteering skills.
 
I'm very sorry for the off-topic,but what's the knife with the camo handle?It's gorgeous ! :D
 
I'm very sorry for the off-topic,but what's the knife with the camo handle?It's gorgeous ! :D

It's a Buck Alpha Dorado in 154CM. I really like these little knives, small but robust.

Hey storl, I agree with contents list and how to use. Also the pouch is easy to unravel, giving you about 100 feet of jute for cordage, tinder etc. and I will have to include the unraveling info. Thanks for the reply.

Doc
 
Also the pouch is easy to unravel, giving you about 100 feet of jute for cordage, tinder etc. and I will have to include the unraveling info.

Well then, some fire making instructions as well. :)

Do you have a content list? I've seen your mini-PSK, but I'm also interested in what you will have in there.
 
I think that some fire instruction, and shelter building tech.:thumbup:

As far as first aid.....Bleeding controll, and treatment/ prevention of exposure(hypo/hyperthermia), cause its the number one killer in the outdoors.:thumbup:

Instruction on purifying water, and signaling would be good too.:thumbup:

The thing is, you want to keep the info as generic as possable. Cause all areas differ. It could be in the desert, to the mountains, or even the swamp. So there goes plants, or any food tips, those seem to be more regional in nature.

great idea Doc.
 
All great ideas, Jake, but there is very limited room for info. I'm thinking of just enough reminders (if you didn't know how to do it before, then you're screwed :() to help you remember when you're cold, tired and stressed out.

Jake, you got the email, I'm assuming?

Doc
 
Great Idea GP.

I would keep it basic. However I think a lil basic orienteering knwledge in there will be great. Maybe throw an illustration of your top 5 useful plants. It would be like Doc Canada signature.
 
Yes I did Doc.:)

Ok, I think I see what youre going for here.:thumbup:

1) direct pressure is the #1 way to controll bleeding
2) Fire, shelter, water are top in priority
3) Water almost always leads to people


Kinda like that? Short to the point bulletins.
 
Great Idea GP.

I would keep it basic. However I think a lil basic orienteering knwledge in there will be great. Maybe throw an illustration of your top 5 useful plants. It would be like Doc Canada signature.

Thanks GS. As Jake pointed out, plants vary from region to region and food is fairly down on the priority list. I'm thinking immediate survival stuff. Like the rule of 3's, and although, there is a compass included, basic solar navigation would probably be good. Ron Hood demonstrates a technique called the 'Shadowless Stick' in his Navigation video for finding directions. It is basic and easy so that'll probably be included.

Storl's idea of the list of contents is a priority because if you don't know how the stuff is used, it's a paperweight.

Jake, you've got the idea. These cheat sheets would be too small and too short to teach somebody a skill they don't already have, but would serve as a reminder for those 'rye-and-coke-deprived' moments. (maybe a small flask of rye? :confused:)

Just kidding, booze would be the last thing you need in said situation. For those that don't know, alcohol dilates surface blood vessels, thereby depleting body heat much more quickly. Doesn't help the thinking processes, either. :D Save the booze for celebrating your safe return home.

Doc (thinking that maybe a little rye and coke might be nice tonight :D)
 
I think just one laminated card that says "don't panic" will go a long way..also maybe a bit of reflective material on the back of ine of the cards might make a usable signal mirror..
 
*edit* aww you beat me too it Riley****1 card should be dedicated to the 3 words "STOP! DONT PANIC!"
 
I have a little card (can't remember where I got it,) in my PSK that reads:
"When in worry, when in doubt
Run in circles, scream and shout.
When in worry, when in doubt
Run in circles, scream and shout."
If you say this over and over during a crisis, you begin laughing very quickly and once that happens, you calm down immediately, start thinking calmly and quickly, and begin doing what needs be done! Oddly enough, it actually works! :)

As someone pointed out, by the time the kit is needed, there isn't really time for learning new skills so something that will help the individual relax and think more clearly might be the best bet.

Stitchawl
 
I htink it should say:

Stop, Think, Act
-First Aid
-Fire, Water, Shelter
-Signaling
-Food

Pretty basic but I think this would be a good list if you were stressed out.
 
. . .
As far as first aid.....Bleeding controll, and treatment/ prevention of exposure(hypo/hyperthermia), cause its the number one killer in the outdoors.:thumbup: . . .

Slightly off topic, but worth noting. In four years of looking, I can only locate three statistical studies of wilderness death in English. They all have substantially the same results: heart attack 25% (signs; eat aspirin; treat for shock); falls 25%; drowning 25%; hypothermia and hyperthermia combined < 3%. I have asked numerous sites that say hypothermia is a relatively major killer to please give me their source(s). They have none. Only "everybody knows."

How about one of those orange bandannas with survival information as a bag around the tin? (Google search "bandanna orange survival"; for example http://www.optactical.com/orsuba.html )
 
succinct directions on how to locate the north star may be helpful, that is just one of those things i can never seem to remember
 
I think just one laminated card that says "don't panic" will go a long way..also maybe a bit of reflective material on the back of ine of the cards might make a usable signal mirror..

Although I laughed out loud when I read this, it's a good idea. As far as signal mirror goes, the kit is enclosed in an aluminum tin that could be polished on the inside. I'm going to consider this.

Doc
 
Slightly off topic, but worth noting. In four years of looking, I can only locate three statistical studies of wilderness death in English. They all have substantially the same results: heart attack 25% (signs; eat aspirin; treat for shock); falls 25%; drowning 25%; hypothermia and hyperthermia combined < 3%. I have asked numerous sites that say hypothermia is a relatively major killer to please give me their source(s). They have none. Only "everybody knows."

How about one of those orange bandannas with survival information as a bag around the tin? (Google search "bandanna orange survival"; for example http://www.optactical.com/orsuba.html )

Hey TL, I remember the thread you did about this before. It is interesting because "everybody knows".

As far as the bandanna as a bag, it's an interesting idea, although for this one, I'm going to stick with the unravelable (new English word :o) jute bag.

Great suggestions, everybody, Please, keep them coming.

Doc
 
Slightly off topic, but worth noting. In four years of looking, I can only locate three statistical studies of wilderness death in English. They all have substantially the same results: heart attack 25% (signs; eat aspirin; treat for shock); falls 25%; drowning 25%; hypothermia and hyperthermia combined < 3%. I have asked numerous sites that say hypothermia is a relatively major killer to please give me their source(s). They have none. Only "everybody knows."

How about one of those orange bandannas with survival information as a bag around the tin? (Google search "bandanna orange survival"; for example http://www.optactical.com/orsuba.html )

Ya know.... You are correct there. I know of no info to back up that, but have read numerous books that outline it as the number 1 killer......

Makes you think...... I do believe it is one of the easiest to controll though, and a very important thing to remember to look at.

I have run numerous heart attacks in the field or woods..... Man it happens alot more then people think!
 
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