When you are in a survival situation, there are many things that go through your head. However, it is very important that you remember the first thing. That’s PRWF for Protection, Rescue, Water and Food.
-Protection-
Your first goal should always be to ensure adequate protection. Even in 50-degree weather, you can get hypothermia, especially if it’s wet and windy. Sun protection is also essential in hotter climates. Using paracord that you must have in your survival kit and what you can find in your immediate vicinity, build some form of shelter and protection from the elements.
When building a shelter to keep warm, remember that one layer of insulation at the bottom is as good as two at the top. Much of their body heat leaks into the ground at night. Also, keep your head covered as most of your body heat is dissipated through your head. If possible, build on dry, well-drained, flat land. Choose a place that is close to water and firewood. Build a shelter in a place that is easy to see and spot.
Clean and dress wounds with alcohol pads and bandages, another key item to have in your survival kit. Infections can pose a serious danger in survival situations. Use safety pins to secure bandages in place.
-Bailing out-
Once you’ve set up protection, your next job is to draw attention to yourself so you can be rescued. Use a whistle, a piece of aluminum foil as a signaling mirror, or a flashlight to signal search parties. The sound of a whistle can carry 1-2 miles in the wild and requires very little energy to use. A human voice can only transmit 100 to 200 meters at best. A smoky fire is also a good way to draw attention from afar.
3 of any kind of signal is the international distress signal. 3 flashes of a flashlight, 3 blasts of a whistle, 3 sticks, or even 3 shots in a triangle will tell any search party that you are in danger.
If you must travel, leave obvious markers along your path for rescuers to follow and also to keep you from backing up. Three stones stacked on top of each other is an excellent method of leaving markers when nothing else is available.
-Water-
Water is the next most essential element for survival. Conserve your water by not breathing heavily, avoid sweating, keep out of direct sunlight. The best place to store water is in the stomach. Drink as much as you need and as often as you can. Store extra water in a ziploc bag, canteen, or water bottle. If no fire is available, it can drink from clear flowing streams. Never drink stagnant water! If possible, purify your water by boiling it. A neatly folded piece of aluminum foil makes a good cup for boiling water (another handy survival kit item). Do not place aluminum foil directly on the fire, but close to the heat on a hot rock. Drop some bullion cube into water to replace lost electrolytes and improve flavor.
Trees and vegetation contain large amounts of moisture and water. A clear plastic bag or bottle can be wrapped around a leafy branch, or filled with leafy material, sealed with a rubber band or string, and placed in the sun. Over time, direct sunlight will evaporate the liquid from the vegetation and reconstitute it into drinking water.
-Food-
Food is your last concern after protection, rescue and water. Eating a glucose candy can temporarily raise your blood sugar level and give you much-needed energy to complete a task. If there is a stream nearby, a small fishing line and hook or safety pin with a bit of bait on the end can work. Traps can be set using paracord. A rubber band can be used to improvise a harpoon or a slingshot to catch other types of small animals. The knife or razor blade that should also be in your survival kit can be used to prepare meat for cooking.
If you remember these steps in this order, you will have a much better chance of surviving your emergency situation. So always: please remember what comes first.