DEHYDRATION, THE SECOND SURVIVAL RISK: Dehydration is the nex | Guerrilla Warfare School

DEHYDRATION, THE SECOND SURVIVAL RISK:

Dehydration is the next most immediate survival risk after death from exposure. In general, humans can survive no longer than about three days without replenishing lost liquids, although exertion and high temperatures can rapidly increase the rate of loss. The effects of dehydration can be felt in less than a day, as headaches, nausea, confusion and lack of energy set in. The first important step to staying hydrated in a survival situation, is to maintain hydration levels to begin with. Hydration is important to every day health, and beginning an emergency situation already dehydrated puts one at a severe disadvantage. Even when water can be located and collected in the field, it almost always carries the secondary risk of bacterial, parasitical and viral infection from agents such a dysentery and giardia. However, if purification or filtration isn’t possible, suffering the effects of a water-borne illness is always preferable to outright death by dehydration.

FINDING WATER

Locating, collecting and purifying water is a critical survival task. Depending on the environment, there are many ways to find water, whether it be running water or water stored in plants.

PRECIPITATION – Rainwater is the easiest source of clean water available, seeing that it falls from the sky. Unfortunately, it’s also hard to predict, and in some environments, almost non-existent. Rain water can be collected with whatever one has available, including waterproof bags, tarps, ponchos, cups etc. and generally doesn’t need to be treated before drinking. Snow can also be collected and boiled, but keep in mind that the volume of snow is very deceptive and once melted it doesn’t yeild as much liquid water as one might think.

RUNNING STREAMS AND RIVERS – Streams and rivers are another common source of water. When looking at the landscape, it’s clear to see erosion from running water has created draws and valleys, and its presence will always be marked by increased vegetation and animal activity. Game trails will typically not be far from water, and birds typically fly towards water in the early morning and evening. However, due to the high amount of animal activity along an entire stream, it is very likely to be contaminated, and should not be consumed without treatment.

CONDENSATION – As air cools during the night, condensation or dew collects on the surfaces of leaves and other plant anatomy. Collecting dew is inefficient, but can be made a less daunting task by tying absorbent material around one’s ankles and shins while walking, and periodically wringing out the collected water into a container.

PLANTS – Plants are natural water collectors. Fruits and roots can be excellent sources of water. However, it is imperative that one research how to collect water from the specific plants in their own environment, particularly because some water-bearing plants are poisonous. Plants also “respire” through their leaves and needles, and expel water vapor much like animals do, so one way of collecting water is to tie plastic bags around a branch or clump of leaves in order to collect this water vapor over time.

IN THE GROUND – Even when there is no standing or running water on the surface of the ground, there often is below it. Digging a hole in damp or muddy soil and allowing it to fill with water is one way of accessing this source. Building a “solar still” is another. To build a solar still, dig a hole several feet wide and 1-2’ deep and place your collection container in the center. Cover the hole with a sheet of waterproof material such as plastic or treated nylon, secure the edges of the sheet and weigh down the center of it with a rock. As condensation collects on the sheet, it will roll down toward the lowered center portion and drip into the container.

POOLS AND CREVICES – Any concave surface may collect water, such as crevices in rocks or joints and forks in large tree limbs. If necessary this water can be collected with an absorbent cloth and wrung into a container.