Should You Add a Gas Mask to Your Survival Kit?

My first experience with a gas mask was on Parris Island, when I entered United States Marine Corps boot camp. We had gone through various classes on how to operate our gas masks and were properly fitted before we were issued our personal mask. We also received instruction on other issued gear in order to have better protection against various NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) attacks.

-This post was originally published on Gun Carrier and has been shared with permission-

Do You Have A Gas Mask in Your Survival Kit?

Once we completed hours of instruction, as well as practice with our NBC gear, it was time to put our equipment to the test. I heard about the dreaded “gas chamber” well before I ever stepped off the bus that brought me to where U.S. Marines are made. None of us mentioned the gas chamber in detail, but we all held in that bit of fear from the tales that we were told about the infamous gas chamber.

We were taken to a location that looked like most of the other buildings on Parris Island. I remember lining up in formation with my gas mask, alongside my fellow recruits. One of my drill instructor’s began to brief us on what was expected, once we entered the gas chamber.

Nerves began to set in as I realized that… This Was It!

We were instructed to don our gas masks as we began to enter the building in a single file. At this point… We filled in the gaps as we faced the center of the room, with our backs against the wall. We could see clearly as the gas began to fill the room. Then, we were told by our instructors to begin performing side-straddle hops (jumping jacks.) As my heart rate began to climb, I was told to get on the ground and begin performing pushups.

Besides being nervous, I was able to breathe quite effectively and even wondered if the CS gas in this chamber was actually working correctly. I certainly didn’t have to wait much longer to find out how effective CS gas really was. The next command from my drill instructor was…

Remove your gas mask Now… MOVE!

As you can imagine, we were all quite reluctant to remove our masks… but let’s just say that we really didn’t have a choice. One by one we began removing our masks. It was probably the slowest movement that I had seen from my fellow recruits up to that point. I heard one recruit cough followed by a symphony of other coughs. Some recruits were doing their very best to hold in their breath, but it was just a matter of time until the exposure to the gas set in.

Our drill instructor was still wearing his mask when his next command was for us to begin singing The Marines’ Hymn. Some of us began to murmur the lyrics as our D.I., screamed, for us to Sound-Off or we would be repeating this process all over again. As we began belting out The Marines’ Hymn, at the top of our lungs… That’s when all HELL broke loose.

Some of us were coughing while others were vomiting. It felt as if there were streams of mucus coming from every orifice on my face. At this point, none of us could see due to the irritation the CS gas was causing our eyes. Everyone was having trouble breathing and the sounds of panic and pain drained out the further instruction from our D.I. We began pushing at the recruit in front of us, in shear panic, nudging them closer and closer to the exit.

Finally, the door to the gas chamber flung opened and we all came charging out. We were told not to rub our eyes with our hands but unfortunately… Some recruits did; Just out of mere anxiety. This made things worse because we were transferring the CS gas, that had landed on our hands, back onto our eyes. Some Marines were hunched over and gagging, while others were dousing their eyes with the water from their canteens.

I gained a lot of respect for the gas mask and it’s capabilities, within that training session. Once again, experience seems to have been the best teacher. I realized that if I were ever caught in a situation, where I needed to operate in an area where tear gas was being dispersed… Donning a gas mask, first, was a must!

There are a lot of falsehoods when it comes to gas masks. Learning the proper uses for the gas mask, as well as its limitations, is crucial if you plan on using your gas mask during an emergency. Your mask can easily become a liability and cause you serious harm if your understanding and experience with the mask is limited.

As I previously stated, there are countless options when it comes to choosing a gas mask. Prices range from inexpensive military surplus, to others that can cost you a small fortune. As always, there is never a one-size-fits-all. You need to find what works best for you and if adding a gas mask to your kit… Is even something that you should consider.

Everyone has an opinion on the subject. It is up to you to gather the information to make a proper decision for both you and your family.

Let’s get into a few considerations when adding a gas mask to your kit.

Fitting Your Gas Mask:

I have a gas mask as part of my survival kit. However… I currently have a beard. What that means to me is that if I don my mask while having a beard, there won’t be a proper seal formed between the mask and my face. This will render the mask useless during an emergency scenario. This is something that anyone with facial hair needs to be aware of. My current go-to mask is the MSA Millennium. MSA states that any beard, longer than ½ inch, is a no-go. Other manufacturers have even more stringent requirements.

A mask needs to fit properly in order for it to be effective. Many of the SWAT police officers that I work with state that they have to get fitted (certified) twice per year when it comes to their gas masks. If this wasn’t such a great concern, I’m sure that allotted time and money would be invested in other, more pertinent, trainings.

Gas masks are generally useless when it comes to fitting well on children. I have come across various models that are designed for children but the more research that I did, the more that those claims became debunked.

What Will Your Gas Mask Protect Against?

Unfortunately, the protection offered by your gas mask is more limited than most are aware of. Depending on the filter that you use with your mask, not all types of attacks will be covered. Some filters only protect against tear gas while other, very expensive filters, can protect against nuclear, biological, radiological and chemical attacks. But you must keep in mind that even the expensive filters are only protecting your eyes and lungs. When nerve gas such as Sarin, leaches onto other parts of your body, you will still be exposed to it’s harmful effects.

When it comes to biological concerns such as Anthrax, you can be exposed to it for days without even being aware of it’s presence. So unless you are donning your mask 24/7, you are still exposed to the threat.

There are plenty of reasons where I feel that my gas mask will serve me well. If you have followed the news in recent times and see how governments around the world are reacting to their citizens. Whether it’s a public demonstration or march, CS and other tear gas are utilized in order to control the public.

Keeping that in mind, my gas mask will still allow me to operate effectively in those conditions. In addition, during a crisis others may try to get into my home in order to gain supplies. Attempting to clear my home by utilizing tear gas, which is easily gathered these days, may be a threat that my gas mask will protect me against.

Staying Hydrated:

You may not think much about hydration while donning a gas mask. But if you have spent extended time, wearing a gas mask, you will quickly realize that this is a concern. Not only does the labored breathing contribute to dehydration but it also causes me to sweat. If you are performing work while wearing your mask… Having access to water is something that has to be factored into your plan.

Luckily, many of the quality masks available in today’s market come with a hydration hose. The hose is designed to be affixed to a canteen or other water container. The water containers need to be designed for this specific purpose but even my old, military issued canteens, can fill this niche. I can fasten the hose on my mask, to my water container, and drink through a water spout contained inside my mask. It is similar to the process used when drinking out of a hose from a hydration reservoir.

Effective Communications:

Another facet of wearing a gas mask, that is often overlooked, is the ability to communicate effectively. If you have heard someone speak through a typical gas mask, it is a cross between listening to someone talk underwater and Darth Vader giving a speech.

In an emergency, there will be plenty of noise that will prevent your communication from being effectively understood. Add in the labored breathing caused from doing work as well as struggling to get air through your filter… And verbal communication may be impossible.

Luckily, there are voice amplifiers that can be easily affixed to your gas mask. The downside is that these amplifiers cost as much, if not more than, the actual gas mask. Working with your team on hand signals as well as other body-language communications is something that needs to be addressed sooner than later.

Where To Stage Your Gas Mask:

As with any other piece of survival gear, if you do not have immediate access to your mask during an emergency, it is basically useless. Where we stage our gas masks is half the battle if we hope to bode well during the crisis. Many suggest that having multiple gas masks staged with your go bags is ideal. I would certainly agree with that if you have an endless budget.

Today’s quality gas masks are expensive. When we add in filters, amplifiers and other components, we can easily exceed our budget. If we need to replicate the process with additional masks… Well that may not be an option for most of us. You can also get a great deal on military surplus masks but please keep in mind that you will get what you pay for.

I keep my gas mask attached to the molle webbing on my main go bag. If an emergency were to occur, I can easily gain access to my mask. If I have ample warning, I will keep my gas mask fastened to my leg, where it will be, At The Ready.

Practice Often With Your Mask:

There is a small percentage of people that will feel claustrophobic when donning a gas mask. The one way to best see how you will react when wearing a gas mask is to practice various emergency scenarios while wearing a gas mask. Just sitting on your couch and watching tv with your gas mask on will tell you a lot about your comfort level with your mask. Taking it up a notch by performing real work while donning your mask, will give you a better grasp on how you will operate during an emergency.

Every task will become that much more difficult while wearing a gas mask. You need to train with your firearms as well as any other self defense tools that you plan on using in an emergency situation. If you wait until the actual crisis to experiment with your gas mask, or any other piece of survival gear for that matter… you are not only putting yourself at risk but also deterring from your family’s chances of surviving when SHTF.

Bottom Line:

The gas mask is a piece of gear that I feel will add to my chances of performing well during an emergency. It is not the answer for every type of NBCR attack that we have the potential of facing. But as the guy that my friends and family will look to for help during a crisis, I will take any advantage that I can possibly get. If it is an extra hour or even just an extra minute… The added benefit of having a quality gas mask is well worth the price and effort, at least for my needs.

Will you add a gas mask to your survival kit? Let us know in the comment section below.

Up Next: How To Skin A Deer Correctly

If you’re looking for useful survival gear that you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/add-gas-mask-survival-kit-survival-life/

Companion Plants To Benefit Your Survival Garden [Survival Life]

Companion planting is a technique that has been used for centuries by gardeners and farmers worldwide. Companion plants are basically different plants planted together – plants that are beneficial to each other.

-This post was originally published on Homesteading and has been shared with permission-

Here’s a great example! The Native Americans used a technique called The Three Sisters in which they would plant corn, beans, and squash together. The corn provided a structure for the beans to climb, the beans provided nitrogen for the soil that the other plants would utilize, and the squash would spread along the ground to prevent weeds.

Other great benefits of companion planting include:

• Deterrence of various pests
• Attraction of beneficial insects
• Great for overall plant growth and flavor

In this article, I’ll cover the best companion plants for your survival garden so you and your family can have the healthiest garden yet! Let’s get started!

Companion Plants For Your Survival Garden

There are many combinations of companion plants for your survival garden. Let’s go over the most common combinations used by gardeners and farmers worldwide.

1. Tomatoes

Companion plants: Thyme and peppermint

Benefit: Deters whiteflies.

Companion plant: Marigolds

Benefit: Improves overall growth for the tomato plant.

Companion plant: Basil

Benefit: Encourages better flavor.

2. Carrots

Companion plant: Dill

Benefit: A chemical produced by the dill plant improves the overall health of carrots.

3. Lettuce

Companion plant: Chervil

Benefit: Deters aphids and snails. Also, provides protection against mildew.

4. Broccoli

Companion plants: Mint and Dill

Benefit: Improves overall growth for the broccoli plant.

5. Cabbage

Companion plants: Sage and Rosemary

Benefit: Deters cabbage butterflies.

Companion plant: Celery

Benefit: Deters grubs.

6. Radishes

Companion plant: Beans

Benefit: Both of these plants improve the overall health of each other.

7. Celery

Companion plant: Bush beans

Benefit: Both of these plants improve the overall growth of each other.

8. Potatoes

Companion plant: Beans

Benefit: Helps deter beetles which can cause a fair amount of damage to potatoes.

9. Eggplant

Companion plant: Nasturtium

Benefit: Deters insects such as various types of beetles and spider mites.

10. Sweetcorn

Companion plant: Sunflower

Benefit: Provides additional nitrogen to the soil which improves the overall health of sweetcorn.

11. Beans

Companion plants: Marigolds and Petunias

Benefit: Deters beetles.

12. Grapes

Companion plants: Clovers and Lupins

Benefit: Improves the overall fertility of the soil.

Now, you may be wondering if there are bad companion plants for some of your vegetables. The answer is yes!

Here is a list of plants that are not recommended to be garden buddies aka companion plants!

• Tomatoes should not be planted with apricots, red cabbage, dill, brussels sprouts, beetroot, or sweetcorn.
• Beans should not be planted with chives, beetroot, fennel, or onions.
• Rue should not be planted with sage, basil, or cabbage.
• Cabbage should not be planted with tomatoes, grapes, rue, or onions.
• Potatoes should not be planted with onions or apricots.
• Carrots should not be planted with wormwood nor anise.
• Fennel should not be planted with peppers, coriander, or beans.

Have you had success with companion gardening? Tell us in the comment section below!

Up Next: Composting For Beginners | The Building Blocks To A Better Harvest

If you’re looking for useful survival gear that you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Check out these other great articles for more information on how you can achieve the perfect survival garden this season!

Composting For Beginners | The Building Blocks To A Better Harvest

Beginner’s Guide To Having an Outdoor Herb Garden | Survival Gardening

8 Baking Soda Uses For Your Survival Garden To Try

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/companion-plants-benefit-survival-garden/

Bugout Bag Spring Cleaning | Revising Your Bug Out Bag Is A Must

As the ground starts to thaw and the world starts to become green again, it is time to review your bugout bag.  I suggest that you inventory the contents of your bag with each season as different weather will require different contents.  During your bugout bag spring cleaning, your focus should be all about moisture.

Bugout Bag Spring Cleaning

In most parts of the world, spring means rain.  This additional moisture along with warmer temperatures brings new challenges and opportunities.  By dropping some of your cold weather gear and adding some additional items, you can be sure that you have the best possible chance for survival in a bugout situation.

Moisture

In the springtime, moisture is your enemy.  This means that you must have items in your bag to help combat that moisture.  Having a compact poncho or rain suit is an absolute must.  Remember that you can die from hypothermia in temperatures as high as 60F is your clothes are wet.  Between the two, I prefer a rain suit over a poncho.

Pack as much wool as you can.  Wool is one of the only fibers on earth that can keep you warm even when wet.  This is a huge advantage in the spring.  I always like to pack at least one extra pair of wool socks.

Any clothes you can pack that are water resistant are a good idea.  Pay special attention to footwear.  Your boots must stay dry under any circumstances. A good springtime boot is able to walk through water at least six inches deep.  This will allow you to cross any shallow creeks or overflows.  In a recent long distance challenge I was able to traverse 34 miles along a creek which had to be crossed several times, and I never got my feet wet.

Fire

When moisture is present, getting a fire starting or keeping it going can be much more difficult.  This means you want to stock up on fire starters and fire assistance products.  Bring Zippos, Bic lighters, waterproof matches, ferro rods, and fire lenses.  Also bring char cloth, WetFire cubes, FireSticks, and cotton balls rubbed in petroleum jelly.  If you have a pocket butane stove, it is a good idea to bring it with you. You might even want to pack dry firewood if you find some before the rains start.

Food

As temperatures warm up, there are several food sources that become available.  Things are tough during the winter, but animals start to move in the spring.  Fish become more active, so bringing a fishing kit or a pocket fisherman is a good idea.  Mammals also become more active in the springtime.  This opens up opportunities for trapping and hunting.  Cordage becomes vital, and bringing professional snares or copper wire can help greatly with trapping. You also might want to bring nuts, jerky, or dried fruit for baiting your traps.

Shelter

One of the biggest challenges during spring showers is having a waterproof shelter.  In my first survival challenge I built a completely waterproof roof, but built it too high.  The 30 mph winds blew the rain in on me and it soaked me to the bone.  To ensure your shelter is waterproof, you really need an emergency blanket or a tarp.  These additions will ensure that rain will not be the reason your clothes get wet.

In Conclusion

To best prepare your bugout bag for spring, you should first think about any scenario in which you could get wet.  If you make a few minor adjustments, you will be prepared for the worst Mother Nature has to offer. Be diligent in this area, and you will have the best opportunity for success.

Up Next: 8 Baking Soda Uses For Your Survival Garden To Try

If you’re looking for useful survival gear that you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/bugout-bag-spring-cleaning/

Cyber Attacks | Survival Life’s ‘How To’ Tips

‘Full-scale terror attack drill’ planned in Washington D.C.

Local government officials in the Washington, D.C. region are planning a 'full-scale' terror attack drill for Wednesday, April 25th [...]

The post ‘Full-scale terror attack drill’ planned in Washington D.C. appeared first on Off Grid Survival - Wilderness & Urban Survival Skills.

from Off Grid Survival – Wilderness & Urban Survival Skills https://offgridsurvival.com/fullscale-terrorattackdrill-dc/

7 Military Disaster Survival Tips | Survival Life

10 Must Have Items You Need When Hiking With Your Dog

Whenever I am on a local hike, there is a good chance that you will find my dogs at my side. It has gotten to a point that when I am out of the trail without my dogs… Serious guilt sets in. I use the excuse that hiking with my dogs is imperative for their optimal health; But deep inside, I just want my boys with me on my adventures! Read on to learn the 10 must have items when hiking with your dog.

Hiking With Your Dog

My dogs add a lot to my hikes. At times, they give me purpose to be out there. They have an abundance of energy and tend to keep me hiking a little further than I would on my own. In addition, if I need to hit the trail for work purposes, I have 2 buddies that I can always count on to accompany me. Luckily, their schedules are usually clear.

Another benefit of bringing Bruno, (my Pit Bull) and Manchester, (my Jack Russell Terrier), is that they alert me to wildlife that I would otherwise be oblivious to. From a safety standpoint, they are an early warning system when a stranger is approaching our path. I’d be lying to you if I said that I didn’t feel added protection when my boys are part of my team.

There are certainly more positives than negatives when it comes to having my dogs out on the trail. But in all honesty… It’s not always fun and games.

For Starters:

• They take my focus away when I am working.
• I need to carry extra gear.
• They scare the fish away with all of their water play.
• They tend to ruin my video reviews & briefings with their random barks.

Having my dogs with me adds much more responsibility to the outing. Over the years of hiking with my furry kids, covering countless miles, there are a few items that I found that make the mission much more enjoyable. At times, I have saddlebags for my dogs so that we can share the extra weight. But in warmer weather, I opt for carrying the gear myself ensuring greater safety for my boys.

I’d like to share with you 10 of the items that I bring along when I am hiking with my dogs. I approach their gear the same way that I do my own. The weight and multi-purpose applications of their equipment, certainly plays a role in my decision making.

So Let’s Get Started…

1. Ripstop Blanket:

Me and my dogs hike on varied terrain when we hit the trails. Sometimes it’s sandy, other times it’s rocky and everything else in between. On extended rest breaks, I lay out the blanket in order to give them a bit more comfort. No… they aren’t being fancy, they are getting as much R&R as possible so that they could keep up on the longer humps.

By adding this barrier it also keeps the nasty ticks, fleas and ants from annoying my dogs. Even with the best insect repellant, these critters still tend to bother the shit out of my dogs… so any preventive measure is helpful.

The blanket can also serve varied purposes for my dogs. It can be used to provide shade from the hot sun. It can also be used as a rain fly for those unexpected downpours. Due to the construction of the blanket, it can also provide much needed warmth for my dogs in certain scenarios.

2. Leash & Harness:

Keeping my dogs on a leash is not only the law where I live… but it is also the right thing to do. Not only will it be more comfortable for other people that are sharing the trail with us but it is also the safest measure for my dogs. With a leash I always know where my dogs are. There are many trigger-happy morons in the world. If they see a Pit Bull coming at them for whatever reason… It may not bode well for my boy Bruno.

I keep the leash affixed to their standard collar while hiking. But when we take our extended breaks, I put a harness on my dogs to give their necks a break. Between me accidentally pulling on them for many miles and their own natural movements, their collars can cause irritation. I replace their collars with harnesses and fasten their leashes to them. This gives their necks a much needed break from their collars.

3. Paracord:

I tend to have a decent amount of cordage with me whether solo or with my dogs. The versatility of paracord goes without say. But when it comes to my dogs, they need to be leashed as we previously discussed. When moving on the trail, a standard leash will suffice. But when I take an extended break to work or for chow… I want to extend that short leash to give my dogs more roaming room.

Trees are usually abundant when I’m out in the field. I tie an extended leader made of paracord, to the existing leash; The other end gets fastened to a tree. This allows my dogs much more leeway so that they can do their thing. In return, since they are entertained, I can focus on the task at hand without having to tend to my dogs every few minutes.

4. Water Purifier:

When I am hiking by myself, I have a personal water purifier in my pack. When my dogs are with me, I opt for a water purifier that can provide for all of us. Water is something that I address before we ever get on the trail. However, my dogs tend to drain every drop of water that I bring well before our mission is complete. I can either bring a 5 gallon container with me or a good water purifier; I choose the latter.

There are plenty of water sources around most of the routes that I chose when I am with my pets. Unfortunately, those sources aren’t always operable when we get to them. Having a water purifier that can get our water potable quickly is crucial. Be responsible for you but especially for your pets. They have no choice but to rely on your preparedness.

5. LED Collars:

An LED collar is a newer addition to my gear. I had a few sent to me to review a little over a year ago. I put the LED collars through my review process and found them to be very useful. There are plenty of times that we are on the trail as the sun begins to set. Having an LED collar, that allows me to keep track of my dogs, makes my life much easier.

In overnight scenarios, the convenience of an LED dog collar multiplies. Instead of turning my flashlight on every few minutes, and/or calling my dogs’ names… I can basically use my peripheral vision and know the exact position of my dogs. These collars attach to the molle webbing on the outside of my pack and barely add any weight. They are not only good for the safety of my dogs but they also add peace of mind to my experience while I’m in the field.

6. Dog Bowl:

Whether I’m using their bowls for water or for their chow, a quality water bowl is a must. I found that collapsible bowls work the best for me. They are durable, BPA-free, inexpensive and collapse to a very thin profile. I wouldn’t use them for home use but they are extremely convenient at basecamp or when on the trail.

Having a good bowl also extends the life of the food and water that I have with me. I have seen people give water to their dogs out of a standard bottle; spilling half of it with each gulp. If you have continual access to water, this isn’t an issue besides the waste… Of course. But when you are on the trail, you need to conserve both food and water.

Give them small portions of both water and food in the bowl. Keep refilling the bowl until they are satisfied. This will keep the water loss at a minimum and their food can remain packed, fresh and slobber free.

7. Dog Food & Snacks:

This one may seem obvious but many people plan to be back home before their dog’s chow time. Keep in mind that just like us, our dogs are burning lots of extra calories on these longer hikes. We need to keep their energy up and supplemental snacks seem to do the job quite well for me.

I bring varied treats from dog bars to regular dry food… And even some homemade dog cookies that are packed with nutrition. Homemade treats always contain less garbage than the store bought snacks because we control the ingredients.

Stick with what you generally reward or feed your dog on a regular basis. The trail is not a good place to experiment with new food. Diarrhea and vomiting is something that you want to avoid at all costs. Dehydration is one thing to deal with while at home but on the trail, things can get bad very quickly.

8. Shemagh:

A bandana or shemagh is something that I generally keep with me in my go bag. It has countless applications and is easy to pack. When it comes to my dogs, I find that placing a water soaked shemagh around their necks, keeps them comfortable, especially in the warmer months.

When I’m confident that I have ample water for our hike, I use the water that I have with me to douse the shemagh. If water conservation is a concern, I use water from a stream, lake or pond to fulfill the task. The pups seem to appreciate it and when they’re good… I’m Good!

9. D-Ring Or Carabiner:

I keep a quality D-ring clipped to my backpack. It’s a real deal D-ring used for mountaineering. The cheap smaller ones, that seem to be attached to everything these days, will not serve my intended purpose.

I attach my D-ring to the shoulder strap on my rucksack. My ruck contains molle webbing on the shoulder straps, so it’s a simple task. I place the handle of the dog leash in the D-ring and fasten the ring. This allows me to operate hands-free while performing a certain task or even for the duration of the hike.

Keep in mind that this method is not for everyone. The size and discipline of both you and your dog needs to be addressed. Your strength and fitness level also comes into play. Let’s not forget that your gear, especially your backpack, needs to be able to accommodate all of the strain that will be put on it.

10. Insect Repellent:

Insects can ruin the party when you are on the trail. They are extremely annoying to us but we can easily swat them away. When it comes to our dogs, they don’t have that luxury. Besides the obvious annoyance, critters can wreak havoc on your dog’s nervous system. They carry nasty diseases that can easily be transmitted to your dog.

I carry a concoction that I make myself out of 3 simple ingredients. It has served both me and my dogs very well for the past 7 years. When it comes to any chemicals that I put on me or my dogs, I want them to be as clean and non-toxic as possible. Be careful in what you apply to yourself and even more importantly, what chemicals that you introduce to your dog’s nervous system.

Bottom Line:

I have used most of the items that I mentioned in this articles for quite a few years. They have served me and my dogs quite well. I shared this list with you in hopes that you can use these ideas to make life, for both you and your dogs, more comfortable while you are on the trail.

There is never a one-size-fits-all so tweak the list to what will assimilate best for you and your dog. In an emergency situation, what you practice with your dogs while on the trail, may be what will save your life. Take nothing for granted and always strive to be as prepared as you can be for both you and your dogs.

Our dogs love us unconditionally… Do whatever you can to keep them happy and comfortable for the very short timespan that we are graced with their presence.

Up Next: 6 Benefits Of Using Vinegar In Your Survival Garden

If you’re looking for useful survival gear that you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

What do you think of this post on the 10 Must Have Items You Need When Hiking With Your Dog? Let us know in the comment section below.

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/items-when-hiking-with-your-dog/

Handling Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies go far beyond straightforward fractures, sprains and breaks; would you know what to do in the case of an asthma attack, fever or dehydration? These things can happen to anyone and at any time, and when they do strike you might find yourself far away from emergency medical care. Then what?

By Alex Coyne, a contributing author of SurvivalCache and SHTFBlog.com

Here are some common (and not so common) medical emergencies you should be prepared for and what to do…

#1: An asthma attack.

Chronic asthma sufferers should always have their medication on hand or within reach, especially when they plan on travelling. When they don’t, the first step is to keep the person calm and breathing deeply. Panic only causes the airways to close up further. Caffeinated beverages – coffee and energy drinks – are good in an emergency and can stop an asthma attack in its tracks; they’re always part of the emergency kit for good reason.

#2: Handling a fever.

A fever is the body’s way of altering its temperature to kill any pathogens in the body. Symptoms include shivering, sweating and the sensation of feeling hot or cold – sometimes both interchangeably. The worst thing you can possibly do with someone who has a fever is to throw them into an ice bath. Yes, it’s one of those things you saw in the movies that can kill someone. A fever puts way too much strain on the heart, and your best bet for cooling down someone with a fever is to keep them hydrated, cool them down slowly with a cold cloth and try medication like paracetamol before seeking medical attention.

#3: Seeing (and stopping) advanced hypothermia.

Hypothermia is what happens when the body’s core temperature drops below 35°C; frostbite and hypothermia go hand in hand. The symptoms of hypothermia starts with shivering, then goes on to worse symptoms like drowsiness and confusion, which eventually leads to coma and death. With hypothermia, do not resort to alcohol or quickly warming the person: Both will do more damage. Remove the person from the cold environment, get them into dry, warm clothes and warm them up slowly.

#5: Dehydration.

By the time your body tells you you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated: It pays to remember this fact on a daily basis and when camping or hiking. Make sure you drink plenty of (clean) water. Replace the fluid your body puts out (through sweat, for example) and then some more. Also pack drinks specifically for treating dehydration, which contain much-needed salts and electrolytes. In an emergency, a mixture of water, sugar and salt replaces the most necessary minerals. Remember that sugar, salt and alcohol all have dehydrating effects on the body.

Keep in mind that coconut water, intravenously, will also replace electrolytes.

#6: How to stop bleeding.

Maybe it’s a small cut, or maybe the emergency is a little more severe – and spurting blood. You’ll encounter both in your lifetime, and it’s vital that you know how to handle it. For severe bleeding, apply firm pressure with a compress. Remember to wear gloves, and do not use a tourniquet. This cuts off blood circulation and will lead to tissue damage pretty quickly. For slight bleeding, both salt and sugar have antibacterial  properties and will help the blood to clot sooner.

#7: Slowing an infection.

The biggest danger with most wounds, even small ones, is often not the wound itself but the resulting infection that can occur. When an injury occurs, the first priority after stopping the bleeding should be cleaning the wound with sterilized water or alcohol – trace amounts of dirt can be enough to cause a serious infection and should be removed. Sugar and salt, as mentioned above, have fantastic antibacterial properties. Yes, this will hurt, but what would you rather have in this situation?

If severe infection has already set in and medical help is not available for a long time (say, if you are stranded on a boat in the middle of the ocean), learn to look upon maggots as a good sign: They clean dead and infected skin out of the wounds, and should be allowed to do their thing before being removed – carefully, of course.

#8: Demystifying fainting spells.

The technical term for fainting, if you’ve ever wondered, is syncope. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including (but not limited to) blood pressure or lack of oxygen to the brain. Fainting at the site of blood we now know is a neurological condition. It’s never anything less than a medical emergency, and should always be treated with care – and examined on a case-by-case basis. First, check if the person is breathing and their heart is beating the way it should. Make sure that their airways are not obstructed and that they are away from danger. Then, try to revive them. Fluids – sugar water or fruit juice – should be given immediately.

#9: Spotting a stroke.

The cause of most strokes are a lack of blood supply to the brain.

The symptoms of a stroke are varied and can include the feeling of pins and needles, fatigue, a loss of balance, paralysis – especially on one side of the body, double vision and difficulty speaking or slurred speech. Look for signs of confusion, and ask the patient to lift their arms above their head or touch their tongue to the roof of their mouth: If they can’t, you might be dealing with the symptoms of a stroke.

Like most other emergencies, keep the patient calm and stay calm yourself. Check their responses by asking some simple questions and seeing how they respond to physical stimuli. (Someone who has just had a stroke might be unconscious. In this case, resort to checking eyelid response.) If they are unconscious, you want to check their airways and heart rate and administer CPR before seeking help.

It is not recommended to give someone having a stroke something to eat or drink.

Share your medical emergency tips or stories with our readers in the comments.

Visit Sponsors of SurvivalCache.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

from SurvivalCache http://survivalcache.com/handling-medical-emergencies/