Being self taught I have learned through my own experience that often conflicts with commonly held beliefs that are the accepted norm so know that I am not or will ever be an expert. That said, one of the fundamental things I do is stay moving if I find myself in a bad situation to get to a better place or find things along the way. It has always been easier for me to find shelter than build a temporary one. I trip across enough food to sustain me without looking for it. Physical exertion keeps me warm and have walked through the night and slept in the peak of day when it is warmest to sleep soundly. 50 years ago in Alaska rescue was out of the question but these days helicopters can be just about anywhere in a hour to rescue you and I wonder just how outdated my thinking is. I know that self rescue is still emphasized for mountaineers, kayakers, etc. because it is the most immediate. As for myself I have learned to stand on my own two feet and have enough sense not to put my self into a situation I can’t get myself out of (now that I’m older), but I notice some set goals that unknown to them are reckless and even though there is a lot of info on surviving situations I think we need more discussion on how to get yourself out of the situation. I tend not to think about others coming to my rescue because I envision a future where I want to avoid contact but don’t think this thread should be limited to my old ways of doing things or my personal paranoia and modern satellite locator systems and other modern methods should be discussed as well. I have problems keeping batteries warm enough to function most of the year but I have begun to modernize myself and keep all my electronics in a small kit I can attach to a belt or pack (MOLLE).
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/g...IMG_1053-1.jpg
I try to keep climbing gear handy at base camp or in ATV to rescue people that fall in canyons or crevasses and have avalanche probes and shovels also. Ascenders and ropes can help people over obstacles that while may not be difficult for you may be next to impossible for them.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/IMG_1042.jpg
In my boat I sit on a milk crate but pad it with an extra floatation device that can be thrown to someone in the water.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/IMG_0456.jpg
If someone gets hurt bad I keep First Aid kit near as practical and have a book but to be honest If someone is counting on my medical knowledge to save them odds are they are screwed.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/IMG_0837.jpg
I’ve seen reality shows where some people are acting macho and complaining about weaker members but it’s my idea that if they were all that good they would be able to see even the weakest members through the task at hand. I have some survival candles and hand warmers to provide instant heat to others that didn’t dress well enough.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/IMG_0972.jpg
I will tell people what they will be facing before we go out but I find it easier to be ready to provide them help if needed than to argue with them before hand. I hate having trips cut short because people I go with are unprepared so I plan to provide them help and convince them later on the trail when it becomes obvious even to them they need help. I know a young man that recently died in Slana because his brother got tired of listening to his sniveling and left him behind on the trail telling him to just follow his tracks. His younger brother started following some moose tracks, got lost and froze to death. You have an obligation to take care of those you go out with not just yourself. Do you prepare for that? How?
