Survival is the most basic and important human instinct that has evolved over hundreds of years. Right from the time we were hunter-gatherers, humans have learned a lot of tricks to survive and remain at the top of the food chain.
But the internet is a weird place and you cannot believe everything that you see here. A lot of websites talk about survival techniques that might actually get you killed. Let’s talk about some of these that you shouldn’t use when you are marooned on an island.
Related: Cardi B Tests Her Outdoor Survival Skills In All New ‘Cardi Tries’
Survival Myths To Not Rely On
1. Eating Raw Meat Is Safe
This myth has been perpetuated by pop culture and shows like Man vs Wild, where we see people eating any form of raw meat. However, it is not safe as these meats may contain pathogens that are harmful. What about seafood then? Some saltwater sea foods are safe because their pathogens aren’t very compatible with our bodies. Do it safely, cook it before you eat it.
2. Eat Anything An Animal Can
This is potentially dangerous because our metabolism is very different from animals. They can eat most of the fruits and plants and survive. But we can’t. Birds and squirrels eat berries and plants that might seem edible but can turn lethal for us in no time. No it’s better to be double sure before you put anything in your mouth.
3. Sucking A Snakebite
Another thing perpetuated from pop culture is that we can cure a snakebite by sucking the toxic blood out of it. But in reality, this technique opens the victim up to a larger risk of infection by creating a bigger wound that is laden with bacteria and human spit inside. Call a doctor and don’t try this.
4. If A Bear Attacks, Play Dead
This is an age-old myth but there might be some truth to it. The fact is that it depends on the bear. Grizzly bears attack during the daytime and are prompted by an invasion of territory. They will leave you if you don’t pose a threat. In contrast, black bear attacks are a predatory response. So leaving the area is a better option.
5. Drink Water From A Cactus In The Desert
The pulp in the prickly pear and various barrel cacti contains fluid that is non-toxic. But its chemical can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration. That’s something you might want to avoid in a desert. So it’s much safer to find water in other places like oases or rock crevasses.
6. Drinking Urine Is Safe
Dilute or pale urine might be safe in the sense it contains 95 percent water. But the more you pass it through your system the adverse effect it will have on your kidney. Drinking it on more than one occasion is considered harmful. Drink it only if there is no other choice and your life depends on it.
7. Rub Frostbitten Skin
Frostbite happens when ice crystals form in our skin and other tissues. Rubbing it will cause more damage as the ice crystals will create new cells. It’s better to use body heat without rubbing or immersing that part in warm water. Using painkillers can also help as frostbite really hurts.
8. Build A Fire In A Cave
Neanderthals and cave people didn’t know any better. If you do that today, heat will cause the rock to expand. The rock expansion will lead to breakage which will lead to the collapse of the entire cave. Which will lead to death. So, long story short, don’t light a fire inside a cave like our ancestors did.
9. Eat Snow For Water
Snow contains water but that’s not it as they contain more cold air than frozen water. In any volume of snow, the air-to-water ratio is about 9:1. This means that one needs to eat about 10 quarts of snow to get just one quart of water in. It can cause hypothermia. So it’s best to always melt snow before drinking.
10. Drink Alcohol To Warm Up
Unlike depicted in so many cartoons, liquor is the last thing to drink in a cold weather scene. One may actually feel warmer, but the alcohol dilates skin-surface blood vessels and capillaries. This will chill our core faster. So it’s better to drink hot tea, coffee or cocoa.
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