FACTS

Hazards to consider when using survival gear:

1. Survival gear, such as knives, fire starters, or tools, can be dangerous if not used correctly. Improper handling or misuse can result in injuries or accidents.
2. Many survival tools and gear, such as knives, axes, or saws, have sharp edges that lead to cuts/injuries.
3. Fire-starting tools like matches, lighters, or fire starters can be fire hazards if not used safely. Careless handling or leaving fire sources unattended can lead to unintended fires, endangering yourself and others.
4. Failure to maintain and clean the water filtration system can result in contaminated water.
5. Some survival gear, such as emergency food rations or first aid supplies, may contain allergens or substances that can cause sensitivities.
6. Navigation tools like compasses, maps, or GPS devices can be invaluable in survival situations. It’s important to learn basic navigation skills and have a backup plan in case your navigation tools fail.
7. Relying solely on gear without proper training of survival techniques can create a false sense of security.

STATS

• According to a study by the BC injury research and prevention unit. 6.1 out of every 1000 hikers receives an injury. For other activities, their findings reported 4.7 injuries per 1000 backpackers and 2 injuries per 1000 people for day hiking.
• A different report shows injuries based on how many hours you spend outside and found that there are 0.56 injuries per 1000 hours. More worrying, there are 0.13 deaths per 1000 hours spent outside.
• Of the 50 surveys distributed, 37 were returned (72%). A majority of respondents (70%) reported wearing incomplete gear. Those who reported injury were more likely to have omitted gear (81% vs 45%). For all respondents, the items most commonly omitted were hood (58%), gloves (22%), and earflaps (22%). Regular cleaning of gear was not practiced by 39% of burned respondents and 46% had not had their gear sized within 2 years. Serious burns were reported by 41% of respondents. Mean burn size was 7% total body surface area (TBSA), and 11% reported self-treating their burns, including 63.5% who continued to work despite suffering a 2nd or 3rd degree burn injury. Only 17% were treated at a burn center, and this group missed anywhere from two shifts to 8 months of work.
• The most common actions Americans took to prepare for disaster in 2020 were:
  • Gathering supplies (81 percent of respondents)
  • Seeking preparedness information (65 percent of respondents)
  • Creating an emergency plan (48 percent of respondents)