How to Handle Outdoor Situations With Limited Resources?

Assessing and Prioritizing Needs

When faced with a wilderness emergency, assess the situation to determine the most critical needs. Prioritize shelter, water, and fire, as these are essential for survival. If you’re in a cold climate, shelter should be your top priority. Use the “shelter-water-fire” (SWF) order to guide your decision-making. For example, if you’re in a desert, water should be your top priority. Use the following 5-minute rule: within 5 minutes, find or create a shelter to protect yourself from the elements; within 30 minutes, find or create a source of water; and within 1 hour, start a fire for warmth and signaling.

Improvising Tools and Solutions

In the wilderness, improvisation can be the key to survival. Use natural materials to create essential tools, such as a makeshift shelter, a water filter, or a signaling fire. For example, use a plastic bag and a long branch to create a solar still for water purification. You can also use rocks to create a makeshift shelter or create a signal fire by arranging dry leaves and twigs in a teepee shape. When improvising, remember the 80/20 rule: 80% of the time, 20% of the effort will get the job done.

Backcountry Medical Considerations

When treating injuries in the wilderness, use the principles of the wilderness first responder (WFR) course. Assess the injury and prioritize treatment based on the severity and potential for complications. Use the “ABCDE” method to assess the patient: airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. For example, if the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, use a makeshift splint to stabilize the airway and facilitate breathing. In the wilderness, medical treatment should be focused on stabilizing the patient and preventing further injury, rather than administering extensive medical care.