Tag: safety

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August Heat

It’s been hot here in Portland and there has been an uptick in aggression and erratic behavior in people. It seems like everyone I talk to feels like life is throwing them a lot of unexpected challenges of all kinds. I myself have encountered a lot of erratic and aggressive drivers. I’m bringing this up because it got me thinking about self-regulation in stressful situations, like a natural disaster, a mass shooting, or economic collapse. When we experience stress our body releases the stress hormone cortisol, and the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This can evoke the fight, flight, or freeze response. This can be useful if you can regulate it. That is because you will start losing some of your brain’s function and that won’t do anyone good. I’m going to list below a few techniques I like to use to manage my nervous system and at the end, I will describe a possible real-world emergency and how you can incorporate these techniques. 

First, breathe. And I’m not talking about those shallow chest breaths most of us do when we aren’t being aware of our breathing. I’m talking about slow and deep belly breaths. You know you are doing it right if you are keeping your shoulders relaxed and you can watch your belly expand and contract with each breath. This breath uses your diaphragm, the muscle between your lungs and your intestines, to pull air into the lower part of your lungs. This fills your lungs more completely and is much more effective at calming your nervous system. I find it helpful to visualize it, so here’s a picture. By focusing on your breath, you are bringing yourself back into your body and lessening the negative effects of a stress response.

breathe-fully

Second, take a break. If it is possible, step away for a moment and collect yourself and take a few breaths. If you are stressed, it is very easy to get fixated on the situation at hand and often it can do more harm than good. If you are becoming overwhelmed, do yourself and everyone else a favor and step back, even if it’s for 5 minutes. This action alone can significantly improve your problem-solving abilities.

Third, tune into your five senses. Tune in to each of your senses, one at a time, and identify 3-5 things that you are experiencing. This can be done at any point. Tune in and start with whatever sense you’d like. For example, say I have PTSD and I am triggered by something in my environment. I know there is no threat but now my body is pumping cortisol into my bloodstream, my thoughts are becoming scattered, and my hands start to shake. I’m able to recognize what is happening and I start with the first thing in the environment I notice. Mmmm, I smell cookies… the wood stove, and pine. I hear the piano, laughter, and crackling wood. I could taste the cookies, the wine, or the roast. I can feel the hardwood floor, the heat from the fire, and the soft blanket. I can see my favorite ornament, presents, and the cat curled up under the tree. This quick exercise quickly reduces your fight, flight, or freeze response and calms your nervous system. If it doesn’t work right away, keep trying, remember to breathe, or change your environment.

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There are many ways that you can calm yourself down. These are just a few of them that are effective with my clients, and community. Next, I am going to walk through a possible scenario.

Let’s say I hear a gunshot come from my neighbors’ house. My nervous system is now on high alert. Instead of panicking, the first thing I’m going to do is take a few deep breaths as I assess the scene. I can safely observe with my eyes 3 things: their kitchen light is on, the front door is wide open, and their children ran across the street to the neighbors. Next, I don’t hear anything coming from the house, I hear the children crying, and I hear the neighbor say that they are calling 911. Then I remind myself, breathe. Next, I smell gasoline, the lavender bush I’m standing next to, and smoke. Breathe. Taste doesn’t apply to this situation. So next, touch. I can feel the sweat on my brow, my shaking hands, and my 9mm. Breathe. Before I act, I make sure I am grounded and regulated. Breathe. Now that I’m managing and aware of my nervous system I can continue with the next steps, all while continuing to regulate my nervous system and assess the scene. Breathe. In this moment I have been able to regulate without taking a break so I continue. However, after the event when there is no immediate danger and everyone is safe, one of the police officers asks me to debrief. At this moment, I realize I’m having a difficult time forming words because my nervous system is still on high alert. So, before I try to dive in, I take a break. I ask for some water, I step back, and I focus on my breathing. Then, when I am calm and feel that I can communicate more clearly, I approach the officer.

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Using these techniques means the difference between being helpful or harmful. Breathing helps you physically regulate your nervous system, by focusing on what you sense in your environment, you are interrupting your erratic thoughts, and by taking a break you are creating an environment in which you can do those things. We can not control our bodies automatic responses but we can attempt to manage them, allowing us to make safer, and more effective decisions. So, instead of laying on your horn because someone didn’t see your blinker and let you into their lane, take a deep breath, assess the situation, and try again. 😉

Sam

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Happy Independence Day

Good Morning Citizens

I beg of you one thing on this Independence Day. Please take a few minutes to consider this.

It was on this day, or close to it, 243 years ago that the wealthiest and most educated men of the colonies, if not the world, pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to embark on the most audacious of endeavors.

They made a conscious and calculated decision to rise and stand against the most powerful government and military in the world. They did this at the greatest of personal peril and some paid the ultimate price for this decision. Most paid with their fortunes as well, but none paid with their honor.
The reasons for this seemingly sacrificial act are diligently listed in The Declaration of Independence. If you haven’t read it recently or at all, today is a great day to do so. http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/document/

We live in the country generated by this audacious act of treason against the empire. But, it is not the country they dreamed of. It has been perverted and distorted by greed and avarice. Our Federal government is bloated and unconstitutional. You may find that it is now the very same tyrannical, over-reaching, self-serving empire these men deemed a sufficient catalyst to risk everything and start anew.

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

Thomas Paine, December 1776

Happy Independence Day!

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared


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Are you ready for the road?

We are headed into the time of year when travel reaches its peak level, especially by passenger and/or recreational vehicles. That means it is time to get them in tip-top road ready condition. This includes making certain that we have emergency supplies that are congruent with our travel plans. We don’t want to be the ones in the news that fell prey to an unforeseen incident that left us unprepared and vulnerable. We don’t want to be lost, stuck or disabled without the tools and supplies that will help us prevail in whatever situation we find ourselves. That being said it is untenable to prepare for every situation, but we can prepare for most.

Frequent traveler

As an instructor, I travel year round all around the NW. Often times I find that I am the only vehicle on the road. That is actually my favorite time to travel. I have a keen sense that most times the only thing separating me and the oncoming traffic is a painted line. You are at the mercy of every other driver out there when you travel. You can be doing everything right and pay the price for the mistake or indiscretion of someone else at any time. I often see debris on the roadways from storms, improperly secured loads, and accidents. These hazards can and will cause problems for you, the recreational traveler if you are not careful and prepared.

Unprepared travelers

All too often we hear of someone who was caught unprepared while traveling. Whether it was weather related, mechanical failure, poor planning, or just bad luck the result is the same. They are forced into survival mode trying to improvise for shelter, food, and water occasionally resulting in death or severe injury. Something I say in all my classes is, “It costs us very little to be prepared and safe, but could cost us a great deal if we are not”, it is relevant to almost all aspects of our lives.

How do we prepare?

Skills first

As an instructor, I will always start by developing your skills. The skills that are relevant to this topic are easily attainable. The key is to learn the skills before you need them.

  • Learn how to check your tire pressure
  • Learn how to change a tire
  • Learn how to check your oil
  • Learn how to check your coolant level
  • Learn how to check your transmission fluid
  • Learn how to check and change fuses in your vehicle(s)
  • Learn how to use a weather radio
  • Learn how to read a paper map (not google maps)
  • Learn how to use a compass
  • Learn how to properly place flares
  • Learn how to use your fire extinguisher
  • Learn how to use jumper cables
  • Learn how to use a water filter
  • Learn how to use a portable stove

Tools and Supplies

Now that we have an idea of what skills we need, lets put together the tools and supplies to compliment those skills.

For your vehicle

  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Ice scraper
  • Tire gauge
  • Carjack
  • Spare tire (preferably full size)
  • Tire repair kit with a compressor
  • Shop towels
  • Quart of oil
  • Gallon of coolant
  • Quart of transmission fluid
  • Long funnel
  • Basic toolset (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc…)
  • Solar or crank powered weather radio
  • Maps and compass
  • Flares (preferably electronic to avoid combustion hazard)
  • Fire extinguisher (ABC)
  • Jumper cables
  • Portable Battery Jump Starter
  • Small shovel
  • Tow Rope

For the people

  • Candles
  • Lighters
  • Matches
  • Duct tape (we like Gorilla tape)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Well-stocked first aid kit (with any prescription meds you may be dependant on, such as an EpiPen, insulin, etc…)
  • Solar blankets
  • Wool blankets
  • Warm socks
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Good all-weather coat
  • Cash (small bills and coins)
  • Stocking cap
  • Sun hat
  • Umbrella
  • Heavy gloves (work gloves)
  • Sleeping bag for the current season
  • Tent
  • Sleeping pads (one for each person)
  • Paper and pencils
  • Whistle
  • List of important phone numbers (on paper)
  • Can opener
  • Knife
  • Scissors
  • Garbage bags in various sizes
  • Sewing kit
  • Baby wipes
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand soap
  • Comb
  • Hairbrush
  • Toothbrush
  • Change of clothes (season appropriate)
  • Towels in a waterproof bag
  • Water (preferably one gallon per person or more)
  • Water filter (such as a Sawyer mini)
  • Backpack (small, for carrying supplies during excursions i.e. getting water, etc…)
  • Good walking shoes or boots
  • Portable camp stove (we like Jetboils)
  • Freeze Dried food (preferably 3 days per person)
  • 100 feet of Paracord
  • 25 feet of 3/8 inch rope
  • Pocket survival guide
  • A container for all your supplies

Important things to note

  • In cold weather, your water containers should have space to allow room for expansion when the contents freeze.
  • Always have a backpack for each person. If you are forced by circumstances to leave your vehicle on foot, you will want to be able to carry as much of your gear as possible. Always choose to stay with your vehicle if you can.
  • Your kit should change with the seasons, winter gear won’t do you much good in the heat of summer, but extra water will be invaluable.
  • When taking a longer trip, add extra food and water to your kit.
  • Don’t forget about communications: you can summon help with a cell phone or a two-way radio.
  • Depending on the laws where you live and your personal preferences, weapons and ammunition can be a useful addition to your vehicle kit.

Urban vs. Remote

This article is focused on remote travel where you would not be able to depend on services like AAA or other roadside assistance. Although these skills, tools, and supplies will benefit you wherever you travel you may not need to prepare for the extremes that I have. Not everybody needs everything on this list.  Pick the items that are relevant to your situation, your environment, and your disaster scenarios. No list can be comprehensive for everyone, but this has done well by me. As I said before,
“It costs us very little to be prepared and safe, but could cost us a great deal if we are not”

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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The Myth of rising to the occasion

Prepare for summer

It is important that we deliberately choose how we spend our time. After all, it is our most valuable resource. No matter what we do, we can never get it back once it is spent. Each morning we have 1,440 minutes deposited in our accounts, that we must spend, there is no saving it. We can choose to waste it or use it, it is all up to us.

There is a myth that is commonly perpetuated, but is no less a myth. It is the myth that when bad things happen to us we will rise to the occasion. This is a dangerous idea, as it could not be further from the truth. It has been proven time and time again that you or I will not rise to the occasion, we will fall to the highest level of training we have mastered.

It behoovs us to train and develop the skills we need to meet our needs during a potential disaster. This is anything from a natural disaster like a cataclysmic earthquake (The Big One) to a man-made disaster such as the next depression. These events will need an entirely different set of skills then most of us have and use on a regular basis.

Make no mistake, these skills will be needed, it is only a matter of when not if. We all need to prepare for the eventuality choosing, not to can and probably will prove to be a fatal mistake. These are skills that our ancestors used on a daily basis, yet we have lost them through lack of need. We have been spoiled by the technology of the new world. It has made us dependent on it, and we will suffer if we do not take steps to break that dependence. we need to bring back the skills of our predecessors.

Water

We need to be self-sufficient and secure our own water sources whether it be through collection or retrieval. Water is life and we will not survive more than 3 days without it. If you are on city water, what happens when you cannot pay anymore, or the lines are broken due to liquefaction? How will you provide water for yourself and your family? Do you have the tools, skills and knowledge to overcome this crisis?

Shelter

We need to have safe and secure shelter, Is your current dwelling sufficient to provide you with this need should the big one hit? Do you have the tools, supplies, and skills to repair your house to a point where it will provide the needed shelter? What happens to you and yours when you can’t pay the rent? Will you survive without shelter? Unfortunately, you will not survive without shelter for more than 3 weeks, and those will be miserable.

Food

Do you grow your own food? Do you hunt and know how to dress an animal? How will you provide food for your family when the stores are empty? In the event of a disaster there will be a run on the stores. We see it every time there is some perceived threat, remember what happened this winter? Imagine it lasting 6 months, a year, or longer. Are you ready?

Security

Now let’s just assume, even though that is a bad idea, that you have all those bases covered. What about security? How will you protect yourself and your loved ones when disaster strikes? Because most of us now live in high-density cities we will feel the sting of not being prepared much more than the rural areas, let’s face it there are a lot of rates in the cage. When the shelves and bank accounts go empty those that have not prepared are coming for what you have. It is human nature to preserve yourself and the ones you love, you will only be an obstacle to them. Are you prepared for this eventuality? What tools do you have? What skills do you have?

Conclusion

I know this may sound alarmist or apocalyptic to some. But, let me ask this question, will it harm you in any way to be prepared? Knowledge is the easiest tool to carry! Always remember, the more you know, the less you need to carry. There is no harm in preparing yourself and your family for a possible disaster, but it may prove fatal if you don’t.

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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Don’t be a taco sauce hero

I hope it has been long enough to be sensitive, but not so long that you don’t remember. I have to say it angered me greatly to listen to the news about the man and his dog that survived 5 days in the wilderness on nothing more than 3 packets of taco sauce. They not only completely misrepresented what it takes to survive, they essentially made the idiot a hero. The media going to the extreme and Taco Bell stepping up to salute the young man for being so resourceful and rewarding him is ridiculous and dangerous.

This is probably the worst thing that could have happened. It sets up a lot of ignorant albeit well-meaning people to fail in a survival situation. The facts are that this young man failed at everything but death. His situational awareness was non-existent, had he even the slightest bit he would have recognized that he was getting in over his head. He would have seen all the warning flags that were flying around his head. If he had any sense at all he would not have gotten in the bad situation in the first place. It is not as if some exigent circumstances caused the problem, it was sheer carelessness, and we paid for it. Who do you think paid for the search efforts?

Don’t get me wrong I’m happy he and his dog survived, but it wasn’t because of taco sauce. He did enough things right after the fact, that he survived, and he would have without the taco sauce! What is being missed here by the media, and all those watching it yet ignorant of reality is the rule of threes and how it relates to survival.

The rule of threes

  • You will not survive for longer than 3 seconds without staying calm
  • You will not survive for longer than 3 minutes without air
  • You will not survive for longer than 3 hours without shelter
  • You will not survive for longer than 3 days without water
  • You will not survive for longer than 3 weeks without food
  • You will not survive for longer than 3 months without community

As you can see from the list above he would have survived an additional two weeks without any food, let alone the taco sauce. It was completely irrelevant. We need to take our survival and preparedness seriously and not propagate these aggrandized misconceptions about survival, that helps no one.

I am an advocate of getting out there and exploring, pushing your limits, and expanding your skill sets. But I am wholeheartedly against being foolish and reckless, let alone the media making a circus out of such foolishness.

Remember, Knowledge is the easiest tool to carry!

  • Know where you are going.
  • Know who you are going with.
  • Know what you are taking with you.
  • Know the limits of your own skills.
  • Know when to turn around.
  • Know better than to foolishly put yourself at risk.

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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Being prepared is a journey, not a destination

Winter storms

Here in the Northwest we recently experienced an extreme weather event. One that is unusual for this neck of the woods. We received a large amount of heavy wet snow in a short period of time. This caused a myriad of issues with our roads, the power, and even our railways. The impact of the storm was mostly felt in the Southern Willamette Valley and the Cascades in the same region.

I know of several people caught unprepared. They were without power and water for an extended period. Their house is on well water and the pump doesn’t run without power. Some friends and family were without needed medications with no way to get them due to road closures. Neighbors helping neighbors, as well as the young and strong coming to the aid of those less capable, was a normal day.

I myself was in Klamath Falls when the storm hit, 6 hours from home and on the wrong side of the Cascades. With multiple passes closed and another front moving in that threatened to close the remaining passes, I made my move.

 

Being Prepared

Don’t take this lightly, I travel in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with traction tires and chains. In my rig, I carry the tools, equipment, and supplies to survive for a week or longer without aid of any sort. I also have my General class Ham license and have a radio in my rig. I am prepared to take those kinds of risks. There were many times, in fact, most of the journey through the mountains, when there was not another vehicle in sight, I was mostly on my own.

 

Staying Vigilant

But, this is nothing new to me, I am constantly assessing my level of readiness and making improvements as needed. Seasonal adjustments are constantly being made to my equipment and supplies. Always erring on the side of being overly safe. I have the training and equipment (in my vehicle) to hike out, in any weather, if necessary. Do not attempt anything that you have not been trained to do or do not have the proper equipment.

As is very common, most don’t consider the threat going without until it hits them in the face, because of this we have a run on the store for supplies. Be responsible for your safety and security. Plan for the inevitable disaster. Get your supplies, equipment, and training before a disaster strikes. One second after the disaster strikes is too late.

 

Staying Calm

The most important consideration aside from physical training and equipment is mental preparation. You must spend the time and energy to train your mind. It is imperative that we are able to remain calm in the face of adversity. Remember the rule of threes, you will not survive for more than 3 seconds without staying calm, I can not put enough stress on this. It is vital to your survival that you develop this skill. Without it all else is worthless.

 

As Always,

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

 

 

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Extended/Prolonged Field Care

If you are injured exploring the wilderness there likely won’t be EMS available

Extended/Prolonged Field Care as a topic is extremely broad in nature, but simply being aware of Key/basic concepts will go a long way. As with anything starting at the ground floor and gaining a firm grasp on the fundamentals will give you a solid foundation to build upon. I’m going to touch on a couple of key points, by no means is this a comprehensive list. So I may not touch on certain points, but feel free to ask questions in the comments. So what are some good things to keep in mind with Extended Field Care:

Ask them questions –

If the patients LOC permits them to be a credible reporter of their condition, ask them how they’re doing. For the sake of establishing trends, you can compare their answer to how they were feeling before you started their treatment. Ask yourself “has there been an improvement or are they deteriorating, what’s the trend? Have you noticed any additional symptoms, has their pain radiated to a different area than before?

Fluids going in and fluids moving out-

I&Os should NEVER be overlooked, you must monitor the patients fluid intake and urine output stringently. It goes without saying hydration is incredibly important; it’s not unheard of for patients to die of dehydration post initial injury in remote environments. So traditionally most of us have been taught to adopt the mindset of not giving the patient/casualty anything to drink. The way I see it is unless we’re dealing with an instance where the patient is in hypovolemic shock that way of thinking should be ignored at all costs in remote environments. You as the provider will make the call as to what is needed:

⚠️ If the casualty is saying they are thirsty, they aren’t friggen lying to you, they’re thirsty, but you should encourage small sips at a time. No tippin it back like it’s a Friday night at happy hour.

⚠️ You give small sips to watch and see if the patient vomits, this is a clear indication their body is saying it doesn’t want it or simply can’t tolerate it.

Hydration status of patient –

As the care provider, ensure the patients’ hydration is maintained to produce a urine output of approximately 0.5-1ml / kg/hour. Hydrating with water will work but a rehydration solution is preferred by the World Health Organization and they recommend :

⚠️ 30g (approx. 6 teaspoons) sugar
⚠️ 2.5g (approx. half teaspoon) salt.
⚠️ 1 Litre clean water

So if your patient isn’t able to tolerate hydration by the oral route, you could always consider rehydration rectally unless contraindicated.

Risk/Signs for Infection-

Any and all wounds should be appropriately cleansed, properly dressed and monitored for signs of infection (which I’ll cover in detail next month), such as:

⚠️ expanding redness around the wound.
⚠️ yellow or greenish-colored pus or cloudy wound drainage.
⚠️ red streaking spreading from the wound.
⚠️ increased swelling, tenderness, or pain around the wound.
⚠️ fever.

Secure ALL equipment and continually reassess –

Some procedures, such as airways, IV tubes, catheters, chest drains or needle decompression, must be assessed frequently to ensure they are still patent, firmly fixed, and clean. Any of the aforementioned equipment should be taped to the patient to ensure they are not dislodged, especially in the event the patient needs to be transported

Analgesics and Pain relief –

Modalities of pain relief are more often than not thought of as drugs, but there are so many other, and effective, ways to help your patient achieve a degree of comfort, such as:

⚠️ Being present for emotional support and reassurance with an injured patient should NEVER be underestimated.
⚠️ Ensure that all dressings are assessed frequently and changed when they need to be
⚠️ Temperature modalities such as heat or cold can be utilized to treat sprains and strains
⚠️ You can unbeknownst to the patient distract them by continuously engaging the patient in their treatment. Be sure to splint injuries that require it, therefore, avoiding unnecessary movement.
⚠️ OTC medications can also provide some relief if accessible and not contraindicated

DOCUMENTING!!! –

Earlier I mentioned noticing “trends” in your patients’ condition. By documenting your initial findings; history, Signs & Symptoms, baseline vital signs and all of your interventions. A sharpie should be an essential carry item for you so you can continue to record your observations, assessments, and any interventions/treatments administered, you WILL forget and you will not be prepared for the end game.

Overall Sanitation Standards –

Hygiene practices such as hand washing, disinfecting if applicable, water collection and treatment, food storage, cooking and washing-up processes, waste disposal should be at the top of your priority list.

Be aware of the Elements and their Impact on the Patient-

The casualty must be protected from the environment. If they are immobile they will have reduced peripheral circulation. Any immobilized patient who’s on a stretcher will be more susceptible to heat or cold and should be they “packaged” appropriately. Something as simple as routine monitoring of the patients’ temperature in the armpit will go a long way. Remember don’t forget to document your findings, because if it isn’t documented, it never happened.

This article is reposted from The Medical Survivalist Facebook page

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared
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Why is November 11th so important?

November 11th

It was not so long ago that I have forgotten, though many of you may have never been told. But the origin of the world’s celebration on November 11th is not what most think it is. And yes, I said the world, November 11th is celebrated in several countries around the world. Belgium, France, The United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and many more. On November 11th, most of the world celebrates Armistice Day, the end of World War One!

Celebrating our veterans

In the United States, Veterans Day was originally celebrated on the 4th Monday of October. On this day we honor all of our veterans, living and dead, for their sacrifices and service to our country and its citizens. This should never change! It was moved to coincide with Armistice day in 1975. Many people mistakenly blame the men and women of the armed services for the decisions made by our government. The truth is that most of them have or had the noblest of intentions when they chose to take on the largely thankless mantle of a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

They chose to put others before themselves and be the ones to go, when asked, into the fray to secure freedom and security for all the citizens of their country. With only one wish, If we must fight, let it be our generation so that our children will not have too.

The World celebrates Nov. 11th on its 100th anniversary

The rest of the world still celebrates Nov. 11th for the original reason. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, one hundred years ago today. It is with a solemn heart and clear mind that I write this article. I am hoping to remind us all, especially in the U.S.! That on this most significant of all days, after years of brutal and inhuman fighting in the trenches on all fronts, the world as a whole had the collective mind to say enough is enough and ended all hostilities! There was peace on earth, we all stopped fighting!

Remember their sacrifice

If we fail to celebrate this day for its most important aspect we fail to remember that the world can exist in peace. We can stop the fighting, we can choose a different path! That is why most veterans serve, to be the one of many that stand against tyranny and those that would force their will on others for whatever reason. They stand against the wolves that would have their way with the flock if it were not for them. They shield us from the evils of the world. They sacrifice their peace and security for ours!

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared
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You will become proficient at whatever you practice

Open your mind

It is important to remember that in a crisis you will fall to your highest level of skill. The myth that you will rise to the occasion can have dire consequences. With that in mind, we must always practice with a purpose to avoid becoming proficient at doing it, dare I say wrong. What I mean by wrong, is not black and white, there are many ways to skin a cat. Many of which could be considered correct. The test is, does the method provide an efficient and effective solution to the problem. One could argue ad nauseam as to which one is more effective or efficient, just pick one that passes the basic test and suits you. But always keep your mind open and ready to learn.

Empty Your Cup

There’s a tale that every martial arts student knows about the Samurai Master and the prospective student; this tale is as relevant in the world of the firearm as it is in any martial art.

It was in the seventeenth century during Japan’s Tokugawa era that there was a prestigious school dedicated to the art of the sword. The school was headed by a Master sword fighter who accepted only one student every year. When the time came to bring a new student into the fold, prospective hopefuls from around Japan would make the pilgrimage to the school in the hopes of being accepted, but before this could happen, the potential student must present himself alone to the school’s Master during the tea ceremony.

In one of these interviews a prospective student presented himself to the Master and after formalities were exchanged, the Master asked his guest to tell him about himself and his experience. The student went on to share his experience with the master, the schools he had attended, the techniques he’d perfected and the recognitions he’d received. As the student continued, the Master poured tea from the pot into the student’s cup and continued to pour until the cup was full. Despite this, he poured the tea until it spilled out onto the ground and continued to pour. The student seeing this admonished, “But Master, you’re wasting tea, the cup is full.” The Master responded, “As is yours”. Accepting you as a student would be a mistake because teaching you would be almost impossible; your cup is full and you are not open to new concepts; my knowledge would be wasted. The ceremony ended.

Our friends at High Desert Training Group LLC shared this ancient wisdom in their latest newsletter. It is from a long time ago but stands the test of time.

Practice often, practice well

Once you have found a set of practices that suit your individual needs and pass the basic tests. You must practice them to the point where they become a habit. If you can perform the task you are practicing under stress and chaos without conscious thought, you have developed a skill. Skills are what we will fall to when the adversity demands their application.

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

 

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Your enemies are not always obvious

Often times we think that our enemies will be self-evident, and usually, they are, but not always.

Sometimes we will find it necessary to fight an enemy that we failed to plan for. It is important for us to plan for as many adversaries as possible, even though it may be impossible to cover them all.

When putting together our kits for survival we tend to focus on the root needs, those determined by the rule of threes, at least we should. One thing all of us need to consider is the personalization of our kits to address any specific needs we may have. Often times it is overlooked or sparsely addressed when discussing the contents of our kits.

Factors to consider when personalizing your kit include medical conditions, environment, and special needs to name the most obvious.

Medical conditions

Probably the least forgotten because those with them are acutely aware, but none the less, it is critical to include whatever medicines are necessary for you to deal with your individual conditions. Unfortunately, a large number of us are on antidepressants, can you go 3 days without them?

Environment

In the NW we have a diverse set of ecosystems ranging from the high deserts of central Oregon to the coastal regions to the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula. These various regions will require different areas of additional preparations. They present their own specific weather, flora and fauna issues. Do you need to consider bears or rattlesnakes?

Special needs

This is definitely on an individual basis, these will include eyeglasses (contacts), hearing aids, knee braces, and orthotics. These may seem benign to some but to those that depend on them, life without them will be miserable if not dangerous.

Sometimes the simplest omission can spell disaster. For example this last weekend we were out in the Santiam Wilderness doing long-range dead reckoning exercises, something everyone should practice.

We stopped for lunch and picked a spot near a downed tree to settle in and eat. One of us dropped our pack directly on a yellow jacket nest, needless to say, they were pretty upset and I was stung a number of times clearing the area. Four times on my hand and twice on my eyelid. Now I am not allergic to bees or yellow jackets specifically so there wasn’t any immediate threat to me and no one else was stung thankfully. But, this doesn’t mean I didn’t pay for the encounter. Even if you are not allergic it is still quite painful and you will still have to deal with the effects of the stings.

This is one example, of many,  of a not so obvious enemy. If I were in a bug out or get home scenario and didn’t have the appropriate medicines to deal with the swelling and pain associated with this encounter it could be very dangerous, notwithstanding if I were allergic.

In closing, when planning your kit you must go beyond the guidelines developed to fit the masses and take the time to consider your specific needs based on your medical conditions, environment and special needs.

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared
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