I teach survival so I touch upon most of my subject matter from that perspective. However I am also a realist in that I like to teach a number of skills that will KEEP you out of survival situations. I would rather that my students never need the “survival” skills that I teach them but rather just pull out the nature awareness and fun skills and use them daily.
Today is one of those days where we consider some basic pre-emptive “skills” and gear that can keep you out of trouble. I spend a great deal of time in the woods making videos, hunting, nature/wildlife observation and study and also wildlife habitat improvement. I enjoy doing what I can to help others learn more about their surroundings. In that regard I spend a fair amount of time clearing remote trails with a chainsaw. Since I am not part of a particular volunteer group or organization, I often do this alone. Probably not the greatest of things to do, but it is simply the way it must be for certain work to get done.
There are certain things that I do, and certain things I take with me (on a hot day particularly) that help me from getting in trouble from both the chainsaw, or heat related illness (HRI).
Here are the things I do:
- Tell my spouse where I am going and when I expect to return. If I do not return, she then knows to send someone for me.
- Check for cell service along the way. In this manner, I know whether I can call for my own help.
- Know directions (including my cardinal directions) of my location.
- I use a chainsaw wisely and do not take undue risks (cutting over my head, allowing logs to roll or fall on me)
- Before I even start I have plenty of water in my belly (a SF SERE instructor told me once that the best place to store water before an operation was in your belly, I apply that to my work as well)
- I leave sign along the trails that I am walking so SAR trackers have easier time finding me.
Here are the things I take with me:
- Chainsaw chaps. If you are not familiar with these, they stop chainsaws blades upon contact so they do not cut through your legs
- Sturdy boots with good tread.
- A SHARP chainsaw. Chainsaws are like knives..the most dangerous ones are the dull ones, because they make you use them improperly.
- Water..I carry water with me throughout the day, so I can continue to hydrate.
- Inividual First Aid Kit (IFAK), I carry a few things in mine. In this video I discuss the things I carry that pertain to use of a chainsaw.
- Safety glasses
- Survival Kit (you never know)…which brings up a good point. How cool would it be to find yourself lost and have a chainsaw with you?…LOL.
Check out this video where I discuss these ideas and a few more before heading back out to clear some trails at a local Girl Scout Camp. As always..come on, join in, let’s learn together!
