Survival of jungle

FIRST DECISIONS

If you are stuck in the jungle due to a plane crash, stay at the site of the plane to see if rescue arrives and only start moving once you are certain no one is coming to the rescue.

If you are on foot and you know you are not far from a village or trail try to figure out where you came from and get back to a point you recognize. This could be a stream or a high point or a jungle trail.

Go through in your mind the last hour or so of walking and picture it in your head. What did you see? What landmarks did you pass? Which direction was the sun in? Any memory will help.

Look around you carefully and see if there is any evidence of where you came from, for example broken branches. This may help you decide which direction to start moving in.

WALK IN ONE GENERAL DIRECTION

Focus on something ahead of you to aim for and something behind you to walk away in order to stay in a straight line and stop yourself walking in circles. Jungle travel can be very disorientating and the fear factor creeps up if you are not confident in your movements. Always feel you are in control of where you are going and justify it loudly to yourself.

The jungle canopy can make things quite dark and difficult to get your bearings so also look for some high ground where you might see a depression where there could be a river.

FOLLOW ANIMAL TRAILS

Look for animal trails left by animals in the jungle, and follow them if they are heading in the same direction as you. They might lead to water sources or open areas where you might more easily be seen by rescue parties. Carry a stick to push away any plants in your way and as an aid for balance.

Clambering over fallen tree trunks is a very common way to have an accident. Try to avoid using your hands, many plants will sting or prick you.

ESTABLISH YOUR PRIORITIES TO STAY ALIVE

These priorities are:

  1. Find drinking water
  2. Build a shelter before nightfall
  3. Create a weapon or tool for making things
  4. Find a source of food