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The Rule of Threes
In survival there aren’t really any rules. The very nature of survival means that doing whatever one can to survive is what matters most. However, there are numerous tried and tested methods and techniques that, if employed, dramatically increase one’s chances of survival.
The Rule of Threes is one of these. It gives an order of priority to what should be done when in a survival situation. The name comes from the fact that time periods, for going without certain requirements, are stated in units of threes.
Strictly speaking, the Rule of Threes is a guideline as different conditions and abilities will always have an influence on the time stated.
What are the ‘rules’?
As previously stated, the Rule of Threes prioritises what must be done, or avoided, in order to survive. The order is:
- Three minutes without air/oxygen
- Three hours without shelter
- Three days without water
- Three weeks without food
Air/oxygen
Generally, humans cannot survive without breathable air or oxygen for more than three minutes. Usually this is something that isn’t a concern but it’s a massive issue in, for example, a house or forest fire.
Smoke inhalation is a major killer so it’s imperative that the ‘survivor’ extracts him/herself from such a setting. If considering swimming through a water filled underground tunnel, determine how long it would take. Can you hold your breath for that length of time?
People’s lung capacities vary and some can hold their breath longer than others. Smokers may struggle to hold their breath as long as non-smokers. The case may be similar for asthmatics and non-asthmatics etc.
Shelter
When finding breathable air is not an issue, the priority is to find shelter. In harsh conditions or environments one should have this organised within three hours.
Shelter could be something that already exists such as a cave, a shed or barn etc. Alternatively it could be something that has to be constructed quickly such as a snow hole or a debris shelter. A tent, tarp or bivi bag would be ideal and take much less energy to sort out.
Conditions and environments vary considerable. One may need to gain protection from heavy rain, sleet, snow or wind in sub zero temperatures. Alternatively it may be a case of protecting oneself from blazing heat in arid conditions. Both hypothermia and hyperthermia can be fatal.
Shelter also includes such things as clothing. It’s often been said that “There’s no such thing as inclement weather, only inappropriate clothing!” In other words, clothing that protects one from the weather or climatic conditions are vital. Fire gives warmth and therefore shelters one from the cold.
Water
Humans generally cannot survive without water for more than three weeks. Unfortunately, not all water is safe! Drinking contaminated water will hasten illness and could even have fatal consequences. Water must therefore be safe to drink. In a survival situation, one may not have the means to purify water. It is therefore a case of finding water that is in a generally clean and safe location and looks and smells clean. A spring in a remote, uninhabited area is a much safer bet than a dirty pond in a disused mining area!
Food
Three weeks is how long we can survive without food, assuming we already have met the previous priorities. Maintaining a balanced diet and meeting your nutritional requirements is likely to be very difficult, if not impossible. Foraging for food may be your only option. If you’re able to hunt and trap then you have a great advantage.
Additions to the ‘rule’
In keeping with the idea of priorities being represented in threes, some people have made some additions. These include:
Three seconds to make a decision. Some decisions do need to be made very quickly, such as ‘Do I jump off the cliff into the river below to avoid certain death from an attacking bear?’ Other decisions can be made more leisurely and may even need careful consideration. For example, ‘Which route should I take?’
Three months without companionship or hope. Being alone for a considerable length of time does have a detrimental psychological impact on most people. However it’s not always a threat to one’s survival. For example, Alexander Selkirk, regarded as an inspiration for the book, Robinson Crusoe, was marooned alone for over four years. What’s more, he was very close to making a decision to remain alone rather than being rescued. Then again, he did have the companionship of cats and goats!
Other considerations
Ultimately, the ‘survivor’ must base decisions on what to do on the individual circumstances. For example, a soldier being pursued by hostile forces has different concerns to someone whose car broke down out in the Australian Bush. Similarly, the threat of a chemical attack poses a different consideration to someone who is able to enjoy fresh, clean air.
Preparing for survival situations
Usually, survival situations take us by surprise. Stocking up at home, in preparation for a SHTF situation is great idea. But it doesn’t help if you break your leg while hiking across Antarctica on a solo, unsupported expedition!
Many survivalists and preppers have a Bug Out Bag, or Grab Bag, prepared. This contains equipment to help survive for usually 24 or up to 72 hours. These focus on extraction situations rather than long-term survival. A survival kit would include more to help for surviving longer term. It may be worthwhile creating your own customised bug out/survival bag that is always close at hand. The extras that such a bag contain can make survival a lot more comfortable than starting with absolutely nothing.
Developing your knowledge is always a good thing. For survival purposes you should focus on shelter, water and for procurement. It’s a very big subject but learn a few of the basics. Can you build a shelter quickly? Are you able to source water and make it safe? Can you procure food?
Hopefully you won’t find yourself in such a situation but, if you do, good luck.
You may also be interested in:
Water Filtration And Purification by Rupert Brown
Springtime Foraging by Renuka Russell
Tua Sponte Superstes: Do You Have A Survivalist Mindset by EJ Snyder
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