Under direct sunlight, even without physical activity, a person consumes three times more water than under shadows. If people reduce water consumption to the lowest possible level, the likelihood of survival increases accordingly. Experts have a warning: “Don’t work against the desert, adapt to it.”
A British pilot, who made an emergency landing in the Western Sahara Desert, was rescued after walking 224 kilometers within 11 days. The secret was to stay overnight. If you walk during the day, the water he carries is definitely not enough. Looking at the desert experiences of American Viriel and his wife Rona may be enlightening for you.
Experts not only teach people how to preserve water in their bodies, but also how to find underground water sources in places where there seems to be no dripping water on the surface. Many people who have escaped from the desert have found that the various cacti are actually natural reservoirs.
After escaping danger, an American pilot said, “After tasting numerous cactus plants, I found that a bottle shaped cactus has the highest water content, and can be enjoyed with just a squeeze.” In the desert, there is a cactus that is said to be able to squeeze out 4 liters of water at once. Many people just missed out in the shadow of cacti and died of thirst. In addition, there are many animal blood and insect sap that can be used to quench thirst.
There are six principles for survival in the desert:
1. Drink enough water, bring enough water, and learn to find water;
2. To stay overnight and never act under the scorching sun;
3. Before departure, be sure to inform yourself of your route, departure and arrival dates;
4. Leave a mark during the forward process for rescue personnel to search for;
5. Learn how to find food;
6. Learn various methods to send out distress signals.
