Survival Guide [4/8]: First Aid and Health in a Crisis Situation

Here comes Chapter 4 of our survival guide, focusing on first aid and health.

In a survival or crisis situation, maintaining good health and proper hygiene goes far beyond simple comfort—it’s a vital necessity. Facing the unexpected challenges of nature or emergencies, both our body and mind are put to the test. It becomes essential to know and apply basic principles to stay healthy and preserve our well-being.

In this fourth chapter of our survival guide (the list of 8 chapters can be found at the end of this article), we will explore essential strategies for maintaining good personal hygiene and mastering first aid, fundamental skills for anyone facing a crisis situation

Prevention and Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene plays a crucial role in a survival situation, not only for comfort but especially for disease prevention. In harsh environments, the risk of contamination and infection increases significantly. Here’s how to maintain good hygiene.

In situations with limited water, it is essential to use it wisely. Use wet wipes or cloths to clean areas of the body most susceptible to bacteria, such as the armpits and groin. Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent illness. Use water and soap, or, if necessary, hand sanitizers, especially before eating or after using the toilet.

For oral hygiene, dry brushing can be an alternative when water is scarce. Additionally, dental floss doesn’t take up much space in a survival kit but is essential for maintaining dental hygiene. For hair, use dry shampoo or natural methods like ashes or fine sand to absorb excess oil. For the body, protect your skin with sunscreen and moisturizing balms to prevent chapping and sunburn.

Finally, avoid bathing or washing your items in stagnant or questionable water sources.

First Aid
A first aid kit and basic knowledge are very useful, even in non-emergency situations. But in a crisis, they are often highly sought after and essential. You need to have some basic skills—knowing how to stop bleeding, disinfect and treat wounds is vital. Learn how to revive a person and the Heimlich maneuver, which helps clear airways in both adults and children over one year old. Practice using an automatic defibrillator. Once you have the basics, you can address 90% of situations requiring medical attention.

There are also more advanced skills to learn to be even better prepared: stabilizing a fracture, suturing and closing wounds, or helping in medical triage during large-scale accidents. For your first aid kit, you can buy a pre-assembled kit or build your own. If you have the skills, we recommend adding a mini surgical kit or even some dental tools. Start with the basics, then customize according to your needs.

Cleanliness
Managing the cleanliness of your environment in a survival situation is just as crucial as personal hygiene. A clean camp reduces the risk of disease and makes the survival experience more bearable. Choosing the right campsite is the first essential step. It’s recommended to select a dry location, away from damp or marshy areas and water sources, to minimize the risk of insects and wildlife. Once settled, regular cleaning of the camp is necessary. Sweeping to remove debris and cleaning surfaces with disinfectant solutions or boiled water helps maintain a healthy environment.

Waste management, especially food scraps, is another important aspect. It’s essential to keep food waste in closed containers and away from the living area to avoid attracting animals. For natural needs, it’s advisable to dig latrines at a safe distance from any water source and cover the waste with dirt, which helps reduce odors and health risks.

Safe storage of food and water is also crucial. Ensure that food and water are stored in clean, sealed containers to prevent contamination. Additionally, dishes and cooking utensils should be thoroughly cleaned after each use. If possible, use hot water and soap for effective cleaning.

Finally, controlling insects and pests is an important part of managing your environment. Using repellents, whether natural or commercial, can help keep insects at bay. In some cases, traps may be necessary to control the presence of rodents or other small animals. Setting up physical barriers, such as mosquito nets or tarps, is an effective measure to protect your living and sleeping areas.

In summary, a clean and well-managed environment is essential for a safe and comfortable survival experience. A well-maintained camp not only preserves health but also improves the quality of life in difficult conditions, contributing to a better mindset and more efficient management of resources and daily challenges.