Survival myths have been around for as long as humans have told stories. From dramatic movie scenes to well-meaning advice handed down through generations, these myths are pervasive. However, when it comes to actual survival situations, distinguishing fact from fiction could mean the difference between life and death. Let's explore and debunk some of the most common survival myths, replacing them with accurate, life-saving information.
Myth 1: Drinking Your Urine Can Save You from Dehydration
The Truth: While survival stories and certain reality TV stars have popularized the idea of drinking urine to prevent dehydration, this is, in fact, harmful advice. Urine contains waste products and salts eliminated from the body. Consuming it can actually increase your body's dehydration level, forcing your kidneys to work harder to remove the excess waste, and can lead to a worsening of your condition. Instead, focus on finding a water source and using methods like solar distillation to purify it.
Myth 2: Sucking the Venom Out of a Snakebite
The Truth: This old advice is not just ineffective; it's dangerous. Trying to suck venom out of a snakebite can lead to the venom entering the bloodstream of the person attempting to suck it out, especially if they have any sores or cuts in their mouth. Furthermore, this action could potentially harm the bite area or delay medical treatment. The best course of action is to keep the bitten person calm and still to slow the spread of venom and seek professional medical help immediately.
Myth 3: Moss Only Grows on the North Side of Trees
The Truth: This myth is based on the premise that moss prefers shady, damp areas, which are theoretically more common on the northern side of objects in the Northern Hemisphere. However, moss can grow on all sides of trees, depending on environmental conditions like humidity, soil quality, and sunlight exposure in the area. Relying on this method for navigation can be misleading. It's better to use a compass or GPS device for direction.
Myth 4: You Can Outrun a Bear
The Truth: Bears, both grizzlies and black bears, can run up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour) and are excellent climbers and swimmers. Attempting to outrun a bear is a dangerous mistake. Instead, if you encounter a bear, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Speak softly to make the bear aware of your presence, and slowly back away while facing the bear. Never turn your back to it or run.
Myth 5: Eating Snow for Hydration
The Truth: While snow is indeed water in solid form, consuming it directly can lower your body temperature, leading to hypothermia. Additionally, eating snow requires your body to burn valuable calories to melt it. If you're in a situation where snow is your only water source, melt it first before drinking to avoid these risks.
Myth 6: Finding Food Should Be Your First Priority
The Truth: In most survival situations, finding food is less critical than maintaining body temperature (shelter), staying hydrated (water), and being able to call for help (rescue signals). The human body can survive without food for weeks, but only a few days without water, and potentially only hours without proper shelter in harsh conditions.
Myth 7: Rubbing Frostbitten Skin to Warm it Up
The Truth: While it might seem intuitive to rub frostbitten areas to warm them, doing so can actually cause more damage. Frostbite causes ice crystals to form in the tissue, and rubbing these areas can lead to cellular damage. Instead, the best approach to treating frostbite is gradual rewarming. If you’re in a survival situation, seek shelter and slowly warm the frostbitten areas by immersing them in warm (not hot) water or using body heat.
Myth 8: Alcohol Helps to Warm You Up
The Truth: Consuming alcohol may give a temporary feeling of warmth because it causes blood vessels to dilate, moving warm blood closer to the skin. However, this actually cools the body down faster, as it increases heat loss through the skin. In cold environments, drinking alcohol can speed up the onset of hypothermia. It's better to stay hydrated with water and use appropriate thermal protection to conserve body heat.
Myth 9: If You’re Lost, Stay Put Until Help Comes
The Truth: This advice can be appropriate in certain situations but detrimental in others. Staying put might be best if you've informed someone of your whereabouts and they expect you back at a certain time. However, if no one knows you’re missing or you’re lost in a rarely traveled area, it might be necessary to try to self-rescue by finding a way back or moving to an area where you’re more likely to be seen. Assess your situation, consider the resources and information you have, and then make an informed decision.
Myth 10: You Can Always Start a Fire with Two Sticks
The Truth: Starting a fire by friction, such as with a hand drill or bow drill, is extremely difficult and requires specific conditions to be successful. The wood must be dry and soft enough to catch fire easily, and the person must have the technique down pat — which requires practice and patience. Relying solely on this method in a survival situation without prior practice is not advisable. Always carry multiple means of starting a fire, such as a lighter, matches, or a ferrocerium rod.
Myth 11: Boiled Water is Always Safe to Drink
The Truth: Boiling water is effective for killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making it one of the safest methods for purifying water. However, boiling cannot remove chemical contaminants, heavy metals, or pollutants that might be present in the water. In areas with heavy industrial or agricultural runoff, additional filtration or chemical treatment methods may be necessary to make the water safe for drinking.
Myth 12: Shelter Means Building a Structure
The Truth: When we think of shelter, the image of a constructed shelter often comes to mind. However, the primary purpose of shelter in a survival situation is to protect from the elements and conserve body heat. Sometimes, natural features like caves, overhangs, or even a densely foliated tree can provide immediate shelter without the energy expenditure required to build a structure. Evaluate your surroundings and conditions before deciding the best way to seek shelter.
Survival situations demand clear-headed thinking and a strong reliance on proven survival techniques. By debunking these survival myths and spreading accurate information, we can prepare ourselves better for the unpredictability of nature. Always prioritize learning from credible sources, taking survival courses if possible, and preparing thoroughly before embarking on wilderness adventures. Remember, knowledge is the most invaluable tool in survival, far surpassing any myth or misconceived survival trick.
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