Today I had a chat with a person who was explaining some incredibly simple concepts to me however was doing a really bad job at it. I didn't have the heart to tell him he was botching the job and that I, in fact, have intimate knowledge and understanding of those concepts. I sat and listened and I think he walked away feeling good about having educated me about the topic. It made me think though, about the way a person absorbs information and how, these days with information readily at our fingertips, we can very easily become misinformed.
Inspired by the guy who had no idea that his information was incorrect I decided to share a few common conceptions that, are in actual fact, simply myths. I have focused on emergency or survival-type myths tonight but may elaborate on some others down the track. So here goes.
Myth one: Eating snow or ice when stranded in cold weather will help sustain your life. Eating snow or ice will lower your body temperature forcing your body to work harder at keeping warm which will in turn expend more energy. The snow could also be contaminated. (Look out for yellow snow). Instead the snow or ice should be melted and if possible the resulting water should be boiled prior to drinking. Drinking alcohol to keep warm is also a myth.
Myth two: In an appliance electrical fire unplug the appliance immediately. Ok, so not a god idea. Unplugging it or touching it, (or throwing water on it) are definitely not suggested. Instead go to your circuit box and and trip the correct breaker or even turn the mains switch off completely to totally isolate the power prior to touching the offending appliance.
Myth three: If stranded in the desert you can get water from a cactus. So yes, you may get a few drops of water however it is likely to taste very bitter and could well lead to cramps and vomiting costing you precious fluids. Collecting morning dew, using transpirations bags and looking for small springs will serve you better. Better still have a ready supply of fresh water with you at all times.
Myth four: Punch a shark in the nose if you are attacked. Ok, so if you have enough presence of mind to start giving a shark the old one two in the nose during an attack you're doing great but you're more likely to hurt your hand than deter the shark. You're better off to attach the eyes and gill area, preferably with a sharp object. The animal is likely to give up if you're vigorous enough with your attack.
- Myth five: If you get bitten by a poisonous snake suck the venom out. Wrong on so many levels. The venom will enter your blood stream so quickly any amount of sucking would not slow the spread. Also by sucking venom into your mouth you're simply creating another way for it to enter your system. Instead, stay calm, call the authorities (if possible) and cleanse the wound. Keep as still as possible and the limb below the level of your heart. Apply constricting bands above and below the wound and splint the limb. Make sure you keep movement to a bare minimum. Image source
These are just a few myths I've heard over the years. Unfortunately many people get their survival or emergency information from the movies and they neglect to recall that the movies are not necessarily true and correct. I
guess the biggest issue is people's level of preparedness, or lack thereof. Many people are woefully unprepared for emergencies in the home and in the greater world around them. They lack even the most basic understanding of first aid and haven't put any thought into their emotional reaction to an emergency. Often panic will freeze a person from being able to act or will cause them to act rashly exacerbating the problems.
It is not difficult to have some awareness and with the advent of the interwebs you can get on-the-line and find out a lot of information quite easily. I urge you to do so as well. It could save your life, or someone else's. Some quick googling will uncover many resources and a little further research will identify the ones that are most relevant to you. Sure, you don't have to; I'm not the boss of you, however a little understanding can save a lot of heartache later down the line.
Get prepared people. Lives depend on it.
[- Design and create your ideal life, don’t live it by default -]