Survival Skills

What's the single most important thing you need to survive in the wild?

• food

• warmth

• water

Answer explanation

The human body needs a minimum of 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of water per day for good health. One day without water is cause for serious concern, and three days without water will lead to almost certain death.

If you're looking for insects to eat, which ones should you avoid?

• big ones

• bright ones

• ugly ones

Answer explanation

Although most insects are edible, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of brightly colored ones as well as those that are hairy or pungent.

 

Why should you try to avoid sleeping directly on the ground?

• to avoid bugs

• to keep from losing body heat

• to eliminate the risk of contracting disease

Answer explanation

Sleeping on the ground can lead to loss of body heat. You'll retain more warmth by piling grass or pine needles on the ground to sleep on.

Which symptom below does NOT indicate hypothermia?

• stiff joints

• cough

• loss of bladder control

Answer explanation

When in extremely cold conditions, watch out for stiff joints, loss of bladder control, puffy face, mental confusion, shivering, slow pulse, loss of coordination, and slurred speech to indicate an onset of hypothermia, but not a cough.

What type of food or beverages should you avoid in cases of hypothermia?

• Hot chocolate

• Caffeine

• Sparkling water

Answer explanation

Warm sweet liquids such as hot chocolate will give the body energy to produce heat. Caffeine is not good because it actually draws body heat to the extremities and away from the core.