Re O-week is kind of like re-entering the wilds of the jungle. There are predators stalking their prey into dark corners, watching for signs of acknowledgment of destiny or preparation to flee. To survive that wild world out there, we have prepared 20 ways to survive Re O-week to give you the best chance of coming out the other side in one piece.
FINDING FOOD AND WATER aka FINDING HANGOVER CURES ON A BUDGET
1) We require two to three cups of water are required each day to stay healthy. It is wise to carry a water purification pump with you. This will allow you to make use of stagnant water in any situation.
2) Remember that hard-packed snow will yield more water than light, fluffy snow. Do not eat snow as it tends to dehydrate the body. Do not eat yellow snow because it means someone has recently urinated there.
3) If water is not readily available try to limit your food consumption to carbohydrates, as proteins use more water to digest. Keep in mind that all fur-bearing animals and grass seeds are edible and that there is more food value in the roots of plants than the greens.
4) Animal tracks offer information pertaining to the type of animal, its size and the direction it was headed. Following these tracks will often lead to water-holes and feeding grounds where you may use your traps or snares or dance moves to entrap the prey.
NAVIGATION aka DRUNKEN STUMBLING
5) If you do become lost, stay where you are. Build a fire and carefully assess the situation. Do not use precious energy by wandering aimlessly.
6) First, decide which direction you want to follow, then aim over the centre of your compass to the bearing you want to follow and find a landmark on this sighting. After arriving at this landmark repeat the process. Using this pattern you will follow a relatively straight line. Note that people or cars or other movable objects do not make good landmarks.
WHAT TO DO IF LOST aka WHAT TO DO IF YOUR STUMBLE TOOK YOU ON A SHORT CUT THOUGH DARGAVILLE
7) The most important thing to remember if you find yourself in this situation is not to panic. First, treat any injuries within your party. Next, establish that your basic needs are met. These include heat, shelter, water and food. Then consult your map and compass and try to recognize or remember landmarks you may have passed. Hint: check your pockets and clothing as you may have traces of a Big Mac combo, or fish and one scoop tucked away somewhere. This may help with jogging your memory, and may also provide some nourishment.
To determine how many hours of daylight are left, face the sun and extend your arm towards it. Bend your wrist inwards and place your fingers just below the sun. Disregarding your thumb, count how many fingers separate the sun from the horizon. Each finger will represent fifteen minutes. If it is early morning the exercise works the other way.
9) If it is nearing dark, build a shelter and fire that is on high ground and out of the wind. Have a snack and a hot drink and get some rest. Don’t waste precious energy by trying to find your way in the dark.
FIRST AID aka WHEN YOU FUCK UP REAL BAD
10) Signs that a fracture is present include:
1. Pain at the affected area.
2. The area may or may not be deformed.
3. The victim is unable to place weight on the area without experiencing pain.
4. A grating sensation or sound may be present during any motion of the injured area.
Treatment is as follows:
1. If in doubt, treat the injury as a fracture.
2. Splint the joints above and below the fracture.
3. If the fracture penetrates the skin, it could be necessary to apply traction to straighten the deformity.
4. Be sure to pad your splints.
5. Check the splint ties frequently to be sure they do not hinder circulation.
6. Cover all open wound with a clean dressing before splinting.
11) Concussions or other head injuries are often accompanied by a leakage of watery blood from the nose or ears. Other symptoms may include convulsions, an unresponsiveness of the pupils or headache and vomiting. Keep the injured party warm, dispense a pain killer regularly and allow time for the body to rest and repair. Like a hangover with blood.
12) Heat exhaustion is not uncommon when water is not sufficient. The body becomes dehydrated and salt-depleted, resulting in nausea, faintness, a weak, rapid pulse and/or cold and clammy skin. Treatment includes plenty of rest, liquid and salt tablets.
13) Symptoms of snow blindness include scratchy or burning eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, headache, halos around light and temporary loss of vision. Bandage the victim’s eyes and use cold compresses and a painkiller to control the pain. Vision will generally be restored after 18 hours without the help of a doctor. Always wear snow goggles or sunglasses in snowy areas to prevent snowblindness. We sometimes call this a really really bad hangover.
ADDITIONAL TIPS aka WE NEEDED TO FILL IN 15 THINGS AND ONLY HAD 13
14) Take a survival kit with you everywhere you go during Re o-week. Pack water bottle, taxi fare, panadol, a fresh set of undies and make sure you write your address in vivid on your arm.
15) That should do. Drink responsibly, look after each other and don