Wednesday, December 15, 2021
The rescue team called it "truly a miracle" that the hiker survived so long without food or water.
A hiker named Scott A. Hern, who had been missing for two weeks in Kentucky's Red River Gorge, was found alive after search teams heard his cries for help.
Hern, 48, had gone hiking and was last seen on July 5; his family reported him missing when he didn't return on his designated date. A search effort began, which included tracking his footprints and using dogs to locate him. Despite initial fears that the operation would turn into a recovery mission, rescuers were able to find him on July 20. He was hoisted to safety by helicopter and required medical attention but was in relatively good spirits when rescued.
The rescue team described the successful extraction as a miracle, noting Hern had survived without food or water for 12-14 days.
There are 3 items humans need to survive: oxygen, food and water. This is known as the triangle of life.
The average human can only survive without oxygen for 3-5 minutes before brain damage occurs. After about 10 minutes, the chances of survival decrease significantly, and permanent damage or death can occur. While there have been rare cases of people surviving past that, especially when in cold environments, this is not the norm.
A person can typically survive without water for about 3 to 7 days, depending on various factors such as age, health, activity level, and environmental conditions. In extreme temperatures or if a person is physically active, survival time may be shorter. Hydration is crucial for maintaining bodily functions, so it's important to have access to fresh water and drink water regularly.
The length of time a person can survive without food varies significantly based on several factors, including their overall health, hydration levels, and body fat reserves. Generally, a person can survive without food for about 1 to 2 months, provided they have access to water. It's important to note that while survival without food is possible for some time, the body will suffer from nutrient deficiencies, leading to serious health issues and eventually death if food intake is not restored.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist for solo campers and hikers to prepare for unexpected situations like injury or getting lost:
The steps you take before exploring the wilderness alone, or with a partner, can prove just as important as what you do while you are out and about.
Weather and temperatures can change on a dime. Knowing where you are going is only the first step. Make sure you have all the right clothing to accommodate any potential weather changes in your region.
2 of the 3 sides of the life triangle. In overall survival, food & water are the top 2 priorities needed to survive in even everyday life. Make sure you have enough for your planned trip, as well as additional rations incase your trip must be extended due to injury, getting lost, or any another accident.
Whether in the woods, mountains, flat lands or even on the ocean, protection from the elements is the next primary concern after food & water. Exposure to animals, sun, snow, and other extreme weather conditions kill hundreds of people a year. A shelter, of even the most basic kind, can be lifesaving, especially if you have food and water to last.
Injuries can strike anyone at any time. No matter how physically fit or muscled you may be, accidents leading to minor or serious injuries can happen to anyone. Having the supplied to make it until rescue teams arrive or patch yourself enough to find your way out yourself is vital.
When lost or injured too badly to move, having some of these emergency supplies could allow you to be able to signal any potential rescuers or passersby.
Unless you are a true native to the land, everyone could benefit from some navigational aids. These tools can help you get out of a bind if you get lost or feel you are off course.
Here is a list of some miscellaneous items that are small enough and could prove useful to explorers in remote areas.
If you find yourself lost or injured in a way where you feel you cannot get back on track or are too injured to travel, remember the general rule - stay put. Here are some more tips.
By preparing thoroughly and packing these essentials, solo campers and hikers can improve their chances of staying safe and managing unexpected challenges in the wilderness.
Disasters strike the United States with alarming frequency, ranging from natural calamities like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires to human-induced crises such as mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and industrial accidents. The geographical diversity of the U.S. exposes different regions to various types of disasters, making preparedness a critical concern for communities nationwide. The unpredictability of disasters underscores the importance of being vigilant and proactive in mitigating risks and enhancing resilience.
Each year, the U.S. experiences a significant number of disasters that result in loss of life, property damage, and disruption of essential services. Climate change has contributed to an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, including hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, wildfires in the West, and flooding in various regions. Moreover, the country faces ongoing threats from pandemics, cyber-attacks, and other complex emergencies that require a robust and adaptive response to safeguard public safety and security.
Despite efforts to mitigate risks and enhance preparedness at the federal, state, and local levels, disasters continue to pose a significant challenge for communities across the U.S. The need for effective emergency response systems, infrastructure resilience, and community engagement is paramount in building a more resilient nation capable of weathering the impact of disasters. By acknowledging the reality of frequent disaster occurrences and investing in proactive measures to enhance preparedness and response capabilities, the U.S. can better protect its population and infrastructure from the devastating effects of disasters.
