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Breakdown of Survival Situations by LengthBreakdown or categorization of Survival Situations |
We are often asked at BWI how we breakdown or categorize Survival Situations. We have used this breakdown for over a decade and believe it the most appropriate in use. Survival Situations in the modern world can be broken down into three groups; Short-Term Survival Situations (1 to 4 Days), Medium-Term Survival Situations (4 to 40 Days), and Long-Term Survival Situations (40 Days Plus).
Ninety nine percent of Survival Situations are over in the short-term period, while most others end during the medium-term. This can be caused either by rescue or the death of the individuals involved. Either way training and the choice of equipment should concentrate on getting an individual or group stranded in the wilderness through those first few days and them giving them the knowledge they need to survive through the medium-term.
Modern Wilderness Survival in general does not delve into Long-Term Survival Techniques (40 Days Plus), we leave that to the practisers of primitive technology to discuss. It must be remembered survival for periods of over 40 days are almost always a lifestyle choice or the result of a specific decision to live in the 'wilderness'. In the Canadian wilderness individuals rarely survive over the long term without the support of a family group. Read Jon Krakauer's excellent book Into the Wild for more information on Christopher McCandless attempt to survive alone in the Transitional Boreal Forest and his resulting death. It will be basic skills which allow us to survive, not the ability to brain tan, make baskets or even light a fire by friction.
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