Forest Survival Course

Lesson 1 • Psychology of Survival Situations

Examines how stress, fear, and panic impair decision-making in emergencies. Establishes mental frameworks that underpin every subsequent survival skill.

Lesson 2 • Risk Assessment Before Departure

Covers pre-trip hazard identification, route planning, and communication protocols. Connects preparedness to reduced on-ground emergencies.

Lesson 3 • Decision-Making Under Pressure

Introduces structured decision models applicable when resources and time are limited. Prepares students to act rationally before learning technical skills.

Lesson 1 • Compass Use and Orienteering

Covers compass components, declination adjustment, and bearing travel. Students integrate compass skills with map reading for accurate field navigation.

Lesson 2 • Topographic Map Fundamentals

Teaches contour interpretation, map scale, and grid systems. Map literacy is the baseline skill for all navigation methods covered in this chapter.

Lesson 3 • Navigation in Low Visibility

Addresses navigation challenges in darkness, fog, and dense canopy. Builds confidence for conditions where visual landmarks are unreliable.

Lesson 4 • Route Planning and Terrain Reading

Applies map and compass skills to select safe, efficient routes through varied terrain. Students practice identifying obstacles and planning detours.

Lesson 1 • Snow and Cold-Weather Shelters

Introduces quinzhee and snow trench construction for sub-freezing environments. Cold-weather shelters require distinct techniques not covered in temperate designs.

Lesson 2 • Debris Hut Construction

Teaches the debris hut as a primary no-tool shelter using leaf litter and branches. Mastery of this technique provides a foundation for all other natural shelters.

Lesson 3 • Shelter Improvement and Maintenance

Addresses weatherproofing upgrades, repair after storms, and adapting shelters over multiple nights. Ongoing maintenance extends shelter effectiveness significantly.

Lesson 4 • Lean-To and A-Frame Shelters

Covers lashing, tarp rigging, and branch framework for quick-build shelters. These designs balance speed and protection in varied weather conditions.

Lesson 1 • Fire Lay Designs and Applications

Compares log cabin, star, trench, and signal fire configurations for specific purposes. Matching fire lay to function maximizes heat, cooking, or signaling efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Primitive Fire-Starting Techniques

Introduces bow drill, hand drill, and flint-and-steel methods for tool-free ignition. These techniques serve as last-resort skills when modern tools fail.

Lesson 3 • Modern Ignition Methods

Teaches ferrocerium strikers, waterproof matches, and lighters under adverse conditions. Modern tools are the primary ignition method before primitive techniques are introduced.

Lesson 4 • Tinder, Kindling, and Fuel Preparation

Covers identification, collection, and processing of natural fire materials by combustion stage. Proper material preparation is the most critical factor in fire success.

Lesson 1 • Water Collection Methods

Teaches transpiration bags, solar stills, and rain catchment for low-source environments. Collection methods supplement natural sources when streams are absent.

Lesson 2 • Locating Water in the Forest

Covers terrain reading, vegetation indicators, and animal trails as water-finding cues. These skills reduce search time and energy expenditure in the field.

Lesson 3 • Water Storage and Conservation

Addresses container improvisation, rationing strategies, and reducing water loss. Conservation extends safe water supply between procurement opportunities.

Lesson 4 • Hydration Physiology and Priorities

Explains dehydration stages, daily water requirements, and survival priority ranking. Understanding physiology motivates correct water-seeking behavior in the field.

Lesson 1 • Caloric Needs and Foraging Priorities

Establishes energy requirements during survival exertion and the risk-benefit logic of foraging. Students learn when food procurement is worth the energy cost.

Lesson 2 • Edible Plant Identification

Covers universal edibility testing and identification of common edible forest plants. Accurate identification prevents poisoning from look-alike species.

Lesson 3 • Trapping and Snaring Techniques

Teaches deadfall and snare construction for small game procurement. Passive trapping conserves energy compared to active hunting methods.

Lesson 4 • Field Processing and Cooking

Covers gutting, skinning, and cooking wild game and plants to safe internal temperatures. Proper processing prevents foodborne illness from wild-caught food.

Lesson 1 • Fractures, Sprains, and Immobilization

Teaches splinting principles and improvised materials for musculoskeletal injuries. Proper immobilization reduces pain and prevents secondary tissue damage.

Lesson 2 • Bites, Stings, and Toxic Exposures

Covers identification and field management of venomous animal encounters and plant contact. Prompt correct response limits systemic effects in remote settings.

Lesson 3 • Wound Care and Bleeding Control

Covers direct pressure, wound irrigation, and improvised bandaging for lacerations. Effective hemorrhage control is the highest-priority trauma intervention.

Lesson 4 • Patient Assessment in the Field

Introduces the primary and secondary survey for rapid injury identification. Systematic assessment prevents missed injuries that worsen during evacuation.

Lesson 1 • Rescue Priority and Self-Rescue Logic

Establishes when to stay put versus self-evacuate based on injury, resources, and rescuer knowledge. This decision framework governs all signaling and movement choices.

Lesson 2 • Visual Signaling Techniques

Covers mirror flashes, ground-to-air symbols, and fire smoke for aerial detection. Visual signals are the primary contact method with search aircraft.

Lesson 3 • Coordinating with Rescue Teams

Prepares students to communicate location, condition, and needs to rescuers effectively. Clear coordination reduces rescue time and prevents secondary incidents.

Lesson 4 • Auditory Signaling Methods

Teaches whistle patterns, improvised noise makers, and voice projection for ground rescuers. Auditory signals penetrate dense canopy where visual signals fail.