Basic Survival Medicine - Wilderness Survival

Foremost among the many problems that can compromise a survivor's ability to return to safety are medical problems resulting from parachute descent and landing, extreme climates, ground combat, evasion, and illnesses contracted in captivity.

Many evaders and survivors have reported difficulty in treating injuries and illness due to the lack of training and medical supplies. For some, this led to capture or surrender.

Survivors have related feeling of apathy and helplessness because they could not treat themselves in this environment. The ability to treat themselves increased their morale and cohesion and aided in their survival and eventual return to friendly forces.

One man with a fair amount of basic medical knowledge can make a difference in the lives of many. Without qualified medical personnel available, it is you who must know what to do to stay alive.

• Requirement for Maintenance of Health - To survive, you need water and food. You must also have and apply high personal hygiene standards.

• Medical Emergencies - Medical problems and emergencies you may be faced with include breathing problems, severe bleeding, and shock.

• Lifesaving Steps - Control panic, both your own and the victim's. Reassure him and try to keep him quiet.

• Bone & Joint Injury - You could face bone and joint injuries that include fractures, dislocations, and sprains.

• Bites & Stings - Insects and related pests are hazards in a survival situation.

• Wounds - An interruption of the skin's integrity characterizes wounds.

• Environmental Injuries - Heatstroke, hypothermia, diarrhea, and intestinal parasites are environmental injuries you could face.

• Herbal Medicines - In fact, many modern medications come from refined herbs.