Section 4 EO M190.04 – DISCUSS SURVIVAL PSYCHOLOGY

The objective of this activity is to have the cadets think about things they could be afraid of in a survival situation.

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1.Have the cadets brainstorm things they may be afraid of in a survival situation.

2.Discuss how equipment, knowledge, and task focus can help reduce fear.

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Taking immediate action when lost in the wilderness is critical to dealing with fear. In such a situation, the STOP acronym should be employed.

When lost, stopping prevents the person from moving further away from the area a search crew may cover. It is also important to stop, to think effectively, and not make errors due to hasty decisions.

It is critical to think about what actions should be taken once a person realizes they are lost. Consider the danger and consequences of either staying or moving on. Consider the possible dangers that could occur and analyze the weather, terrain and available resources when deciding on the actions to be taken.

Conduct a self-analysis to identify symptoms of any physical ailments such as fatigue, increased heart rate, or shivering. Check for psychological ailments such as extreme stress or fear. Observe surroundings for resources, weather potential, terrain, and landmarks that may provide information on the current location.

After thinking and observing all aspects of the situation, plan a course of action that best utilizes the available resources.

The survival pattern is a procedure used in a survival situation. It is a method of prioritizing tasks.

The pattern is presented in a particular sequence during this lesson; however, the pattern can vary depending on the situation and changes in priority. For example, if lost while hiking with a group, the first procedure in the pattern done should be to signal (blow the whistle) because there are people near by.

The most important thing to address in a survival situation is any injury. Treating injuries can prevent them from worsening, reduce pain and allows for more involvement in survival activities.

Fire serves many purposes in a survival situation. It can provide warmth, boost morale, and a sense of security. It is also a method for creating signals, purify water and cook food.

Shelter allows a person to be warm and dry from the elements. Even if the current weather conditions are favourable, it is not always possible to know when and how the weather conditions may change. Therefore, building a shelter early is very important. It also provides the psychological comfort of having a home base.

Signals should be constructed to attract search teams and can take many different forms. Signal fires with a heavy amount of dark smoke are visible from a long distance during the day or night. Other ground to air signals should be large and stand out from the surroundings, or be placed in nearby open areas. A mirror or other reflecting object is an excellent tool for signalling.

Survival without water only last a few days. A lack of water can lead to dehydration, which reduces the ability to concentrate. This is dangerous as clear thinking is essential in a survival situation. Water from any ground source should be purified before drinking.

A person can live for weeks without food. Excessive hunger can cause confusion and a lack of judgement. Prolonged starvation results in loss of energy, loss of mental clarity, increased susceptibility to disease, difficulty maintaining body temperature, and eventually death. A balanced and varied diet can improve morale in a survival situation.

The objective of this activity is to have cadets apply STOP and the survival pattern in a provided scenario.

One copy of a survival scenario per group, found in Attachment A (laminated, if possible).

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1.Divide the cadets into two groups.

2.Provide each group with a survival scenario.

3.Give the cadets five minutes to read the scenario and answer the questions provided.

4.Have one cadet from each group share their answers with the class.

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Pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, boredom, and loneliness are enemies of survival. In a survival situation, these feelings are more severe and more dangerous than in normal situations. Having knowledge of these feelings and their effects can assist in overcoming and controlling them.

Pain is nature’s way of identifying problems. However, pain can subside if an individual is pre-occupied. Pain may go unnoticed if an individual’s mind is occupied with plans of survival. Once a person gives into pain, it weakens the drive to survive. A special effort should be made to keep an individual’s hopes up and keep working.

Cold lowers the ability to think and to complete necessary tasks for survival. Focusing on being cold can interfere with the goal of survival. Cold can numb both the mind and body. It can also lead to serious medical problems. Find ways to get and stay warm, like building a fire, getting dry, layering clothes, and keeping busy.

Water is vital for survival. Dehydration can lead to serious medical problems, and can eventually be fatal. Even when thirst is not extreme, it can dull the mind. Drink regularly, and try to find sources of water.

Hunger is dangerous because it can lessen the ability for rational thought. Both thirst and hunger increase a person’s susceptibility to the weakening effects of cold, pain and fear. Prolonged hunger can lead to serious medical problems and can eventually be fatal. Manage food supplies, set snares, fish, and collect edible plants.

Even a moderate amount of fatigue can reduce mental ability. Fatigue can make people careless as it becomes increasingly easy to adopt the feeling of just not caring. This is one of the biggest dangers in survival. While fatigue can be caused by over-exertion, it may also be caused by hopelessness, losing sight of goals, dissatisfaction, frustration or boredom. Fatigue may represent an escape from a situation that has become too difficult. Recognizing the dangers of a situation can provide the strength to go on. Watch exertion levels, set goals, and stay busy.

Boredom and loneliness represent the final two enemies of survival. They are perhaps two of the toughest enemies of survival, mainly because they are unexpected. When nothing happens, when something is expected and does not happen, or when a person must stay still, quiet, and alone, these feelings develop. They can cause discouragement and a lack of will to go on. Invent games, stay active, and create projects.

The objective of this activity is to have the cadets act out the seven enemies of survival.

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1.Randomly select a cadet to draw the first slip.

2.Have the cadet silently act out the enemy of survival shown on their slip.

3.Have the rest of the cadets guess which enemy is being acted out.

4.Select another cadet, until all the enemies have been portrayed.

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