OUT THERE WITH JASE ANDREWS
MOST ‘STICKY’ RECOVERIES!
SEEK SHADE AND REST UP
Depending on what’s in your vehicle, you’ll either
be setting up your own shade or seeking the best
of what nature has to offer. Be it an awning or
gumtree, staying shady is the best way to keep the
body temp down and facilitate a cool head. Avoid
strenuous exercise and preserve your energy for
important jobs like searching for food or water.
YOUR NEXT DRINK
A healthy person can go for up to three weeks
without food. Without water, it’s four days, so
it’s pretty bloody important you get this part of
your involuntary stay in the bush sorted. What
you’ll want to do is set up a rain trap. A tarp is
best; however, any non-absorbent material could
work. Use cable ties or rope to sling it up and make
sure there's a bucket or receptacle underneath to
collect the rainwater.
TIME TO GET HELP
Assuming you’ve done the smart thing and let
people know when and where you’re going,
people will soon start searching for you when
you don’t return on time. You’ll want to help them
out. Reflective surfaces such as aluminium foil,
mirrors, and even CDs are effective ways to hail
help. Post these items strategically around your
campsite and vehicle to increase your ‘findability’,
making sure you’re covering a 360 o perimeter.
Failing this, and pending appropriate weather
conditions (you don’t want to start a bushfire), a
big ol’ burning campfire is another way to catch
the attention of helicopters.
PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BEST
The best way to stay alive in the outback is to
be prepared and prevent where possible. Invest
in a satphone, purchase a solar-powered water-
purifying device and solar-powered lights for
night-time visibility. Bring plenty of non-perishable
food, a jerry can of fuel and stacks of water. With
any luck, you’ll be so well stocked your emergency
will almost feel like quality family time!
Follow the above guide, guys, and keep you and
the family safe. Australia is a marvellous place;
however, she can be very unforgiving — don’t
give her the chance, and stay vigilant out there.
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