Substituting Toilet Paper While in the Wilderness

Well, in my experiences there is no true substitute for toilet paper while in the wilderness!  When packing out remember to put some in a baggie and in another baggie some wet wipes.  However, if you run out or forget the “magic tickets” you can use other items.

One item is moss.  Some people will use wet moss first followed up by dry moss.

Other people will use dry moss first then followed by the wet moss.  This gives them the feeling of being fresher when they are done.

Another way to go is using fresh green leaves then followed by some more dead leaves.  Always make sure the leaves you use aren’t poisonous or irritating to the skin.

Some folks have said that using the inner bark from trees can be used, but that is a lot of work to do.

When I was in the Army I found that using cut strips from the lowest end of my T shirt worked well.  But if you are in a survival situation this may be your last resort.  Try not to mutilate your clothing.  You may need that cloth of your T shirt for a bandage for wounds later or straining water for filtration purposes.

Keep in mind that you need to ALWAYS wash your hands and clean under your finger nails after you have defecated or urinated.

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How to treat bowel problems in the wilderness

If you have had the unfortunate episode of diarrhea it is bad enough when you can get to the “facilities”.  Not only can it be very bad while in the wilderness for several different reasons, but it can wind up being deadly due to dehydration. 

 This is what you can do to treat it if you don’t have any anti-diarrhea medication with you. 

 When your camp fire is burning or after it has stopped, pull out a thumb nail size of black charcoal.  Crush it up and mix it with purified water.  About two cups will do.  The charcoal will actually absorb the bacteria in your stomach which is causing the diarrhea.

 If you are constipated, use the gray ash and mix it into two cups purified drinking water.  It will loosen you up. 

 Be careful not to use too much of the charcoal or gray ash at once.  Use small doses the size of your thumb nail so your body will adjust as you need it to without harshness one way or the other. 

 

So remember: 

 Charcoal to stop you up. Remember clumpy when handling. That’s the result of the bowel movement you want.

 Gray ash to loosen you up. Remember thin and flowing when handling.  If that’s the desired effect of the bowel movement you want.

 

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Hygiene of Skin and Hair While in the Bush

Cleanliness is essential to prevent infection.  Not only will good personal hygiene protect the survivor against disease germs that are present in the individual’s surroundings but will also protect the group by reducing the spread of the germs.

Areas most prone to small scratches and abrasions are the face, hands and feet.  Keep these areas clean to reduce the chance of infection.

If no shower is available the body should be cleaned with a cloth and soapy water, paying particular attention to the body creases (armpits, groin, etc.), face, ears, hands and feet.  After this type of bath the body should be rinsed thoroughly with clear water to remove all traces of soap which could cause irritation.

If you don’t have any soap available then field expedient substitutes can be used such as ashes, sand and loamy soils can be used to clean the body along with cooking utensils.

If water is in short supply the survivor can take an “air bath”.  This is simply removing all your clothes and exposing your body to the air which allows the body to dry out of moisture which has been trapped on your body by your clothes or creases on your body.  Exposure to sunshine is best but even on an overcast day or indoors, a 2 hour exposure of the naked body to the air will refresh the body.  Take care to avoid sunburn if outdoors.  Exposure in the shade, shelter, sleeping bag, etc. will help if the weather conditions do not permit direct exposure.

Hair should be kept trimmed.  Preferably two inches or less in length and the face should be clean shaven.  Keeping the hair short and the face clean shaven will provide less habitat for the growth of bacteria and parasites.  Wash hair at least once a week with soap and water.  Comb or brush hair daily and inspect it weekly for fleas, lice and or other parasites.  Keep hair covered to avoid set up of parasites and fleas.

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Red Cross Recommended Disaster Kit

(This is the very bare minimum for one person!)

Flashlight with extra batteries

Use the flashlight to find your way if the power is out.  Do not use candles or any other open flame for emergency lighting.

Battery-powered radio

News about the emergency may change rapidely as events unfold.  You also will be concerned about family and friends in the area.  Radio reports will give information about the areas most affected.

Food

Enough nonperishable food to sustain you for at least one day (three meals), is suggested.  Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and little or no water.  The following items are suggested:

Ready-to-eat canned meals, meats, fruits and vegetables.

Canned juices.

High-energy foods (granola bars, energy bars, etc.).

Water

Keep at least one gallon of water available, or more if you are on medications that require water or that increase thirst.  Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.  Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.

Medications

Include usual nonprescription medications that you take, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, etc.

If you use prescription medications, keep at least a three day supply of these medications at your workplace.  Consult with your physician or pharmacist on how these medications should be stored, and your employer about storage concerns.

First aid supplies

If your employer does not provide first aid supplies, have the following essentials:

(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes

(1) 5” x 9” sterile dressing

(1) conforming roller gauze bandage

(2) triangular bandages

(2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads

(2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads

(1) roll 3” cohesive bandage

(2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer

(6) antiseptic wipes

(2) pair of large medical-grade nonlatex gloves

Adhesive tape, 2” width

Antibacterial ointment

Cold pack

Scissors (small, personal)

Tweezers

CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield

Tools and Supplies

Emergency “space” blanket (Mylar)

Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils.

Non electric can opener.

Personal hygiene items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, soap, contact lens supplies, and feminine supplies, personal hygiene wipes.

Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses).

Toilet tissue paper.

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear, including a long-sleeved shirt and long pants as well as closed-toed shoes or boots.

If you wear glasses keep an extra pair with your workplace disaster supplies.

Information from this blog was obtained from the Red Cross and the book:  Homeland Security, a Complete Guide to Understanding, Preventing and Surviving Terrorism by Mark Sauter and James Carafano

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about our homeland and its security.  I personally chose this book for the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Program.

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Quick Fire Building with Vaseline and Cotton Ball

One of the best and cheapest methods to carrying fire tender with you and having a dual purpose for skin protection in the wind is impregnating cotton balls with Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly.

Difficulty: Easy

Items Needed:
5-8 Cotton Balls
–  Petroleum Jelly or Vaseline
–  Used Medicine Bottle/Container or a film container or zip lock bag

Steps:

1. Rub/massage the Vaseline throughout the cotton ball, but don’t over soak it so it’s too wet with Vaseline.

2. Place the Vaseline soaked cotton ball in the medicine bottle or film container. You will be able to get more cotton balls in the medicine container or zip lock bag.

3. When needing a fire simply gather your fuel.

A. tinder (size of a pencil lead)
B. Kindling (size of a pencil)
C. Fuel (size of your thumb then larger)

4. Pick your fire site.

A. Make sure there are no overhanging tree branches or other fuels nearby that can catch fire accidentally.
B. Clear an area and place a rock or sticks on the ground to build your fire on. This is called a shelf or a mantle. This keeps ground moisture from soaking into your tinder and helps the air move into the fire.
C. Pick an area where there is a natural “wall” in front of your fire site. this is called a reflector. It will reflect the heat back towards you. If there is not a natural “wall” then build one with rocks and logs or dirt mound.

5. Open the container with the cotton balls and pull one out. (Tip, pull one out with a twig or knife/tool)

A. You’ll need to pull the cotton ball apart a bit to expose the individual fibers. (Fluff it out)

B. When using a lighter or matches light the cotton ball and place about a handful of tinder on the flame being sure not to smother the flame.

C. Add Kindling (wood size of a pencil)

D. Add Fuel (size of your thumb)

Overall Tips:

-  If using a fire starter then hold the fire starter above the cotton ball and slide the striker plate down the magnesium rod producing sparks onto the cotton ball or your wood tinder. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it catches fire. The burn time depends on the size of the cotton ball. I have found the burn time to be about 4 minutes. Give or take a few seconds. This is a great project for scout troops as well. Transport your Vaseline pre-soaked cotton balls and keep it with your lighter/matches or MAGNESIUM FIRE STARTER.

Overall Warnings:

Pull out a cotton ball with a stick to keep your fingers clean from the petroleum jelly.
–  Fluff out the cotton ball prior to striking, once lit it burns hot.
–  When using MAGNESIUM FIRE STARTER you may need to pull the magnesium rod upward away from the tinder so you don’t accidentally slap the cotton ball and tinder with the striking plate.

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Disaster Supply Kits

Fundamental to any personal response is the establishment of an emergency cache of supplies.  These are items that will allow individuals to limit the potential for injury or illness.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends maintaining sufficient supplies to survive for three days.  Items should be kept together in an easy-to-carry container, such as a trash bag, backpack, or duffle bag, not just so they are easy to find in at the event of an emergency, but also to ensure that they are easily transportable in case evacuation is required.  Disaster preparedness kits should be prepared for the workplace as well as the home.  In addition, individuals should include a smaller disaster supply kit in the trunk of their cars.  The six basics recommended for home disaster kits include water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools, emergency supplies and special items.

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How to use a Signal Mirror

The signal mirror is one of the most effective signal devices a survivor can use.

First of all, if you are in a situation where you need to signal for help you don’t actually have to have a signal mirror.  A mirror from your vehicle, makeup compact mirror, a CD/DVD, even tin foil stretched out taught over a surface backing will work.

Do the following to attract rescuers to your location.

1. Reflect sunlight from the mirror onto a nearby surface such as your hand or a spot on the ground.
2. We call that sun spot the “fire ball”.
3. Once you have the fireball located, open your index and middle fingers on the opposite hand not holding the mirror.
4. Move the “V” of your opened index and middle finger to the fire ball.
5. You will see the fire ball now on the edges of your “V” your open fingers have created.
6. When there is an aircraft or vehicle (target) you have spotted in the distance, just raise the mirror and “V” and bounce the fire ball between the edges of the “V”.
7. Place the target in the middle of the “V” and bounce the fireball on the edges of the “V”.

If there isn’t a target located, just sweep the horizon with this method. Be sure to do this for several minutes at least.  The more you can do this the better your chances of rescue. You may not be able to see rescuers, but they may be able to see you.

At 50,000 ft altitude an aircraft can see the signal mirror 100 miles away.