What if the event that inspired The Snow Society would it take place today? Fortunately, there are more means to detect missing people in remote places. New technologies would make it possible to find them, for example, through satellites. But, leaving that aside, what would they have to do to survive in the mountains The missing? In reality, what would any mountaineer or injured person have to do to stay alive in such an extreme place?
Generally, the recommendations for surviving in the mountains are aimed at mountaineers. That is, people who know that they may find themselves in a situation of disappearance in extreme places. The survivors of The Snow Society They didn’t know it. Therefore, one of the main recommendations is to go climbing with water and food plenty, in case this circumstance arises. Also exercise beforehand, to be ready in case you have to survive low temperatures.
But let’s assume that none of this is possible. What would we have to do to survive in the mountains if we have found ourselves there by accident like the protagonists of The Snow Society?
Tips to survive in the mountains
Before seeing some tips to survive in the mountains, it is important to keep in mind that nothing is infallible. The luck, good or bad, plays a decisive role, unfortunately. But there are some tips that can be taken into account to try to stay calm and make the best use of available resources.
What happens if we have little water and food?
The first tip to survive in the mountains is usually to stay hydrated and eat foods that give us enough energy. But what happens if we have suffered an accident like the one in The Snow Society and we have practically no supplies?
Regarding water, the experts’ advice is not very far from what the guys from The Snow Society: melt ice. Unfortunately, and despite the amount of snow around them, the temperatures prevented it from melting enough to keep them as well hydrated as they should, hence the black urine. Even so, they were able to stay alive for two months thanks to this way of obtaining water.
Experts also recommend avoiding losing water, sweating as little as possible. You have to maintain a balance here, as doing some exercise also helps to stay warm in extreme temperatures.
Regarding food, there is little to do beyond trying to hunt animals or collect plants in the area. Unfortunately, if we need to survive in the mountains, at very high altitudes, there are usually few edible animals and plants available, as the young people of the Uruguayan flight confirmed. In fact, the most ingenious thing was the terrible decision they made. Now how long could they have held out without eating anything?
This is a complicated question. Theoretically, a human being has enough calories to stay alive. during three months. However, people who have gone on voluntary hunger strikes usually die within a period of time. from 45 to 61 days. There are no more experiments in this regard, for ethical reasons, so it is clear that there are more factors that influence it. The hydration It is one of the essential points to extend the period that someone can remain without eating. But, if there is not enough water, measures must be taken as soon as possible.
PWS
Mountaineering experts recommend people have accidents in high mountains follow the acronym PWSwhich in English refer to the words protect, warn and help.
The first step is protect the injured and ourselves of the dangers that have caused the accident or that could cause another. For example, if there are landslides, we should not stay there unless we are motionless, in which case we would have to find a way to protect ourselves. The injured must also be accommodated and evaluated. If there is something urgent, such as a possible hemorrhage, action must be taken on the spot, because by the time help arrives it could be too late. That is why it is important for anyone who may be in this type of danger to have basic first aid knowledge.
The warning phase consists of notify emergency services, even if that means leaving the injured alone. Start an expedition, like the boys from The Snow Society did, although it is not always easy, as was their case. Fortunately, today it is simpler, everything is more connected and they probably would have found help more quickly. Some experts also advise look for ways to light a fire that can be used to keep warm, but also to warn of the presence of people through smoke.
Finally, there is the relief phase. That is to say, help the wounded in a more conscientious way. Maybe it would be the first thing we would try to do. However, you should always protect and alert first. If not, relief may be of little help.
Beyond The Snow Society
The event of The Snow Society It is something totally exceptional. Generally, when someone has to survive in the mountains it is because they have gone there voluntarily, doing mountaineering.
In this case, the main recommendation is Notify other people of what our route will be. This way, if we have an accident or get lost, they will be able to find us more easily. Of course, in that case, we should not deviate too much from where we are. On the other hand, if that is not the case and we also do not find food, it is recommended, if possible, try to descend. Lower down the symptoms of altitude sickness are minimized and, in addition, it will be easier to find life, as the last expeditioners of The Snow Society. Those who managed to find help.
In short, it is not easy to survive in the mountains in a situation like the one narrated in the film. Luckily, today technology could work on our side.