Mistakes of survivalists, or life-threatening advice (16 photos)

Recommendations on behavior in emergency situations are one of the popular genres on the Internet. But it turns out that not all recommendations are equally useful. Experts explain which of the popular tips in case of emergency not only will not help, but will also endanger your life.







“It is believed that if a drowning person is pulled out of the water and he starts breathing, then the job is done and he can go home. But that's not true. If you save someone from drowning, they still need medical attention. The lungs are coated with a slippery, mucus-like substance called surfactant. This is what prevents them from sticking together. If a lot of water gets into your lungs, it most likely washed away the surfactant. The lungs of a drowning person can collapse at any moment, and their ability to absorb oxygen is reduced. To avoid this, it is better to send the victim to the hospital and keep him on oxygen.”





“It’s not true that you have to ration water when you’re in a survival situation. No. Drink what you have until it's gone. Use this well-hydrated time to assess the situation and make the right choice. When you're dehydrated, your decision-making abilities decline as quickly as your physical capabilities. Meanwhile, it is the first decisions that you make to save your life that are decisive.”



“It’s not true that bears don’t know how to run down a mountain. They can, and faster than you.”



"It is not true that jumping from a high cliff into the water can save you. Without experience in this kind of jumping, you will simply break bones."



“It is not true that you have to wait for a car that has fallen into a pond to fill with water in order to get out of it. No. Immediately open or kick out the window and get out as quickly as possible. If you wait, you could be carried to a depth of 50 meters, pinned to the floor by the flow of water, or turned upside down. And it will only take a few seconds.”



“It’s not true that you have to run in a zigzag to get away from an alligator. Alligators turn well, but they can only maintain speed for a short distance. So just run as fast as you can.”



“Don’t listen to those who laugh when, going into nature for a short time, you take with you everything you need to survive in the forest. Things like an all-weather lighter or matches, a filter or water purification tablets, or spare flashlight batteries don't weigh much or take up much space. But they can save lives. People get lost on short trips or suffer injuries that prevent them from reaching people, even when they are close to them. You don’t need taiga or jungle to get lost.”



“If you're driving somewhere and suddenly hear a tornado warning, don't get out of your car or take cover under a bridge. This myth came to light after a viral video showing a man and his daughter hiding under an overpass. But that overpass had an unusual design that gave them protection that most bridges don't provide. Wind speed increases with distance from the ground, and narrow passages can create a wind tunnel effect, where a hurricane will throw flying debris at a speed of at least 300 km/h.”



“If, as a result of a shipwreck, you find yourself on an uninhabited island, no matter how close to the shore it is, do not try to leave it at any cost! The chances of dying in this case are much higher than the chances of getting out. Moreover, in such wrecks, the arrival of rescuers is rather a question time".



“It’s not true that before you go to the doctor after a snake bite, you need to catch the snake that bit you. Anti-snake serum is universal, otherwise you will only waste time.”



"You should not drink cactus juice to quench your thirst in the desert. It is likely to cause vomiting or diarrhea, which will contribute to further dehydration."



“It’s not true that to find water you have to follow the birds. They can fly in the other direction, and for quite a long time, even waterfowl.”



“It’s not true that when driving away a shark in the water, you have to hit it on the nose. Have you seen the shark's nose? It is slippery and goes into three rows of teeth very quickly! As a last resort, aim for her eyes, but it’s better to just try not to act like a wounded seal from the very beginning.”



“It is not true that a rope tied around your waist will save you from falling even on a simple mountain walk. It may prevent you from hitting the ground, but it can also damage your internal organs and break your back. a professional harness goes through the hips, not the waist.”



“It’s not true that alcohol warms you up in the cold. “You feel warm because it dilates your blood vessels, primarily in your face and extremities, but it makes you lose more heat, make you feel colder, and therefore risk dying faster from hypothermia.”