Learn essential survival skills including shelter building, fire lighting, navigation, first aid, outdoor safety and practical skills to survive in the wilderness.
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST If you lose your compass, don’t panic and don’t immediately try to navigate using guesses. If you aren’t certain of your location or direction, stop and reassess rather than continuing deeper into unfamiliar terrain. If you’re with a Scout group, tell your leader. If you’re alone and the situation is becoming unsafe,…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST If you lose your map, don’t simply carry on and hope you recognise the route. Stop and work out what you know before moving. If you don’t know where you are, don’t take unnecessary risks trying to find your way. Stay safe, contact your group or get appropriate help if necessary. What…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST If you become separated from your group outdoors, your first priority is to stay safe — not to find everyone as quickly as possible. In many situations, stopping where you are is safer than wandering around looking for the group. If you’re in immediate danger, injured, lost in hazardous terrain or unable…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Panic can look frightening, but staying calm and creating a safe environment can make a big difference. Don’t assume that every episode of distress is a panic attack. Chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, confusion or other unusual or severe symptoms may have another cause and can require urgent medical attention. If…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Dehydration can become serious if it isn’t recognised and treated. If someone is severely unwell, confused, very drowsy, unable to drink, has collapsed, or isn’t improving, seek urgent medical help. In hot conditions, dehydration can occur alongside heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be medical emergencies. How to Recognise Dehydration Dehydration happens…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Boiling water can cause serious burns and scalds. Use stable equipment, keep people away from the cooking area and take particular care around children. Never leave boiling water unattended. If you’re using a fire or camping stove, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you have a safe way to extinguish the…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Knots are useful outdoor skills, but a knot should never be used beyond what it is designed for. Always use appropriate equipment and follow manufacturer guidance when ropes are being used for climbing, lifting, rescue or supporting a person’s weight. The knots below are intended for general Scout activities, camping and campcraft…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST A burn can be more serious than it initially appears. If someone has been badly burned, is having difficulty breathing, has extensive or deep burns, or the burn involves the face, hands, genitals or major joints, seek urgent medical help. For a fresh burn, the priority is generally to remove the person…
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. ⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Wet clothing can become dangerous in cold, windy or exposed conditions. Water conducts heat away from the body much faster than dry air, and wind can…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Kindling is designed to catch fire relatively easily, so it should always be handled with care. Only light fires where they are permitted and where conditions are suitable. Keep flammable materials away from unintended ignition sources, never leave a fire unattended, and make sure you have a safe way to extinguish it…
