TOUR GUIDING NOTES

3.1. Safety and Bush Craft In The Wild

Safety And Bush Craft In The Wild
(i) Managing or avoiding risky situations in the wild
Different areas have different animals, but animals are not too excited about getting near humans. 
Yelling or blowing the whistle is usually enough to chase an animal away, if one even has the guts 
to come near you! 
Do avoid snakes – never try to handle them or pick them up or scare them. 
Above all, don’t panic. Understand that shortly after you realize you are lost, so will the groups 
you are with. They will tell the ranger, or call the police and all sorts of people will begin to look 
for you. 
Basic Survival Skills
1. Fire making 
It is a core survival skill
Survival techniques are plentiful, but there are five basic survival skills that everyone who ventures 
into the outdoors should understand, and be fully aware of their potential need and use. One of the 
most important elements of survival is between your ears – your brain. Of all survival techniques,the most important is DO NOT PANIC, use your wits and practice all elements of the five basic 
survival skills before you may need to rely on them.
Fire is the king of survival techniques! Fire can purify water, cook food, signal rescuers, provide 
warmth, light, and comfort. It can also help keep predators at a distance and can be a most welcome 
friend and companion. As a survival technique, it is one that is essential. Each and every person 
who ventures into the outdoors should have a minimum of two ways to start a fire with them – one 
on their person at all times, and the other with their gear. A few small fires provide more heat than 
one large fire. Collect firewood you think you will need for the night and then collect the same 
amount again, experience shows you will need it. Conserve fuel by making a “star fire”; where the 
ends of large logs meet in the fire only, push inward as more fuel is needed. Make a reflector from 
your space blanket on the back wall of a shelter to reflect the heat from your survival fire to your 
back, sit between the fire and the back of your shelter wall..
2. Shelter
Shelter is the survival technique by which you protect your body from excess exposure from the 
sun, cold, wind, rain, or snow. Anything that takes away or adds to your overall body temperature 
can be your enemy. Clothing is the first line of shelter protection, have the right clothes for the 
right environment. Always have a hat. Do whatever you can to keep the layer closest to your body 
dry. Layers trap air and are warmer than wearing one thick garment. Do not expend energy making 
a shelter if nature provides one. Practice building a quick lean-to shelter in case you cannot find 
your campsite, do not wait until you need to make one. Use a space blanket to prevent dampness, 
to insulate your shelter, or to wrap yourself up in a sitting or squatting position to concentrate your 
body core heat. 
3. Signaling
Signaling is unique among survival techniques in that it gives you the means and ability to alert 
any and all potential rescuers that you are in need of help. Fire, flashing light, bright color markers, 
flags, mirrors, whistles can all help you be found. Three fires in a triangular form are a recognized 
distress signal. Carefully bank your signal fires to prevent the igniting of your surrounding area. 
Use regular signal mirrors only when you can see a plane, or people in the distance. Use an 
emergency strobe light at night to help attract attention from those that may be in the area. Make 
smoky fire with organic material over the fire during the day to attract attention.