Mike Asimos

Mike Asimos - 2014

SURVIVAL PREPARATIONS:

Tell someone where and when you are going and a time window that you plan to return. Leave details about trails, campgrounds, and geo coordinates if possible.

Leave details of who to contact if you do not return within that time frame.

If you change your plans or move from one place to another, let someone know.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Cont’d

Always choose clothing suitable for the season and potential weather pattern shifts.

The clothing must be comfortable and protect you should the weather change.

Don’t forget extra socks and head protection.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Cont’d

Always have a compass and a detailed map of the area you plan to be in.

Go over your route at home before your trip and make note of major elevation shifts.

An emergency situation is not the time to learn how to use the compass or read the map. Know how to use both before you go.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Cont’d

Carry a personal survival kit and an emergency medical kit.

The personal survival kit should have emergency supplies like firestarters, whistle, heat insulating thermal blanket, knife, signal mirror, water purification, etc.

The emergency medical kit should contain supplies for the number of days you plan to be gone. Check this kit before you leave to make sure nothing needs to be replaced.

Mike Asimos - 2014

THE EIGHT BASIC RULES OF SURVIVAL

Mike Asimos - 2014

Tell someone where you are going, and when you plan to return.

Never go into the rough wilderness alone for the first time. Take a buddy until you know the terrain.

Take enough food for several extra days in case of an emergency.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Cont’d

Take a compass and map of the area.

Wear proper clothing and footwear.

Take proper equipment with you.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Cont’d

Plan your day hikes and camp work so that you return to camp before dark.

Know how to build a fire with emergency gear.

Carry a personal survival kit at all times.

Mike Asimos - 2014

IF YOU BECOME LOST

Stay Calm

Don’t Panic

Mike Asimos - 2014

Cont’d

IMPROVISE SHELTER, you can survive for 30 days without food, 3 days without water.

CONSERVE AS MUCH ENERGY AS POSSIBLE.

Stay oriented with the map and compass.

START A FIRE for signaling, heat and cooking/boiling needs. Remember: As much smoke as possible is optimal for day time fires, and as little smoke as possible for night time fires. This will help with visibility.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Stay Warm.

Exposure to cold, wetness and wind can result in hypothermia.

Maintain body temperature by staying dry, building a fire and constructing a temporary shelter to protect yourself from elements.

Mike Asimos - 2014

FATIGUE:

When tired, you don’t think clearly and can become careless.

Overexertion, lack of sleep and boredom cause fatigue.

Rest as much as possible.

Exhaustion can lead to poor decision making where accidents have a higher likelihood of happening. Stay alert, stay alive.

Mike Asimos - 2014

PAIN:

Attend to any injuries immediately. Do not put off basic medical care.

Open wounds give opportunity for infection. Be sure to use Neosporin and clean wounds well before applying dressing.

Mike Asimos - 2014

THREE of anything is the universally accepted code for persons in distress

SMOKE BY DAY--FIRE BY NIGHT

One of the most effective signals

Build three fires about 30 meters apart in a triangular manner

If low on firewood, light them when you hear an aircraft

Mike Asimos - 2014

SOUND SIGNALS:

Sound signals could include three shots from a firearm about 15 seconds apart, or three clear blasts from a whistle or a horn.

Mike Asimos - 2014

International Ground to Air Signals

Use any available material that may be visible to an aircraft and its spotters.

You may trample it in the snow, stomp down grass in a meadow, set pieces of material or clothing in a visible spot, or cut brush and stand it on end.

Large branches and rocks may also be used to create the signals needed.

It must be large enough to be visible from aircraft.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Mike Asimos - 2014

Mike Asimos - 2014

Mike Asimos - 2014

Mike Asimos - 2014

Hand-Held Mirror

Upon spotting an aircraft, stand so the sun hits the surface of the mirror.

Straighten your arm and form a “v” with two fingers.

Cast the reflection of the mirror through the “v” aimed at the aircraft.

Practice this at home before you need it.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Mike Asimos - 2014

The main enemy to survival is PANIC.

Remain calm and assess your resources, both in your pack and those provided by nature.

Assess your plan to see if it conserves, adds to or detracts from your energy supply.

Mike Asimos - 2014

Priorities for a survival situation, in the appropriate order:

1. Attend to injuries

2. Construct a shelter

3. Conserve and create warmth

4. Find Water

5. Rest and conserve energy

6. Find food

Mike Asimos - 2014

Mike Asimos on Linked In

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Most of my blogs are focused on camping/hiking so feel free to check it out at Mike Asimos on Blogspot

Mike Asimos - 2014

Merry,Wayne 1999, Basic Ground Search and Rescue in Canada: Home Study Guide,Context North

Smith,Richard;La Valle,Richard, Hood,Rick,Lawson,Norm,andKerr, Guy, 2003 Field Operations Guide to Search and Rescue(FOG-SAR)

Skills Handbook, ERI Canada, Alberta, Canada

Umpherson, Don;Bennett, Douglas; and Webb,jr.1991, Bush Safety in Mineral Exploration, Education Series #2 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

CASARA survival Guide, CASARA National Office-Operations and Training,Winnipeg,MB

Lanis, Scott E. , 2000 Ground /Air Signals www.CAPES.NET

Mike Asimos - 2014