Regarding survival situations, there are many myths that people believe can save their lives. However, not all commonly accepted advice is accurate. Here are some wrong survival myths that you should keep in mind.
You Can Suck the Venom Out of a Snakebite
One of the greatest myths that concerns survival is that sucking the venom out of the snakebite wound is an effective way to treat it. But the fact is that attempts to remove venom orally can lead to even greater harm than if they had left it alone. Not only that, you cannot even completely get rid of the venom inside you thus exposing you and the victim. Thus, the first signs and measures should be to reassure the victim and call for an ambulance.
If You’re Cold, Drinking Alcohol Will Warm You Up
It is quite widespread that drinking alcohol will warm them up when they are cold. Alcohol warms people up because, among other effects, it widens the blood vessels and brings warm blood closer to the skin’s surface though it might not be as warm as it feels. Alcohol is known to lead to rapid heat loss from the body or heat hypothermia in other words.
Moss Always Grows on the North Side of Trees
One of those misconceptions that people still believe is that moss always grows on the north side of trees as a form of compass. However, moss does not necessarily stick to only one side of a tree, it can grow on the other side depending on factors. Depending on this process may mislead you in the direction you need to pursue. So other navigation methods are recommended
You Can Eat Anything Animals Eat
One might think that if an animal is capable of consuming a definite kind of food, then humans can consume it. However, this is not correct. For example, different animals have different gastrointestinal tracts and can handle toxins that are lethal to humans. For instance, some birds consume berries that are lethal to human beings. They should always be careful before eating them.
You Should Play Dead During a Shark Attack
While playing dead might work with some land predators, it’s not advisable during a shark attack. Sharks are inclined to attack if they think that you will be an easy target. You should simply attempt to avoid getting attacked and, if attacked, try to swim toward the attacker’s extremities such as its eyes or gills, its snout then slowly get out of the water.
If You’re Lost, Just Follow the Water
Following a river or stream might seem like a good idea because it will eventually lead to civilization, but this is not always the case. It is because waterways can guide you to some complicated areas, for instance, large gorges or falls that you cannot cross before you even realize it, thus complicating your escape. However, it’s more helpful to evaluate your environment, stay still, if needed, and develop a strategy depending on environmental conditions and location.
Shelter Should Be Your First Priority
Shelter is important, but it’s not always the top priority in a survival situation. In specific conditions, there is a need to concentrate on issues like searching for water, issuing a call for help, or making a fire to warm before finding shelter. Evaluating your resources based on the circumstances that are present around is the most important thing one can do. As it enables one to decide what is important around them, especially as they seek to survive.
Eating Snow is a Good Way to Stay Hydrated
In a cold environment, such as an ice-bound continent, one may be tempted to think that snow is a good way of taking fluids. However, eating snow cools your body temperature and can be fatal as it causes hypothermia. However, it is safer to melt the snow into the water first before drinking it. Thus, you can maintain adequate fluid intake and still keep warm in cold weather conditions.
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