thelmawallton

[thelmawallton]

Moose Attack: 10 Dangerous Signs You’re About to See Aggressive Charging

Usually, moose won’t attack unless they’re attacked.

However, sometimes they can be quite aggressive depending on the circumstance.

For instance, more moose attacks are reported during the mating season which falls between the months of September and October, and in early spring when the females are shielding their calves.

Still, moose can attack anytime which is why you should know the 10 signs you’re about to see dangerous, aggressive charging.

10 Signs: Quick Reference Guide

Tossing the head upwards (similar to a horse)

Licking or smacking its lips and clacking its teeth

Raising the hair around its neck, hump, or hips

If the moose was eating, it could suddenly stop and stare at you

Urinating

Lowering the head and walking towards your direction

Displaying the white parts of its eyes

Stomping its feet

Laying its ears back

Grunting

What Should You do if You Encounter a Moose?

It you’re out in wilderness, make sure and carry an outdoor survival kit with you.

It��s important to know that a wild moose is more aggressive than those that dwell near resorts and camping areas.

This is because the latter is used to seeing people, often tourists staring at them and taking photos.

These will hardly ever attack unless they’re provoked.

If you encounter a moose during a drive through Yellowstone National Park or other areas like, the best thing to do is watch them from a distance and observe their body language.

You need to be extra cautious even as you view the animals and take photos.

Moose attack video

Are Moose Aggressive Towards Humans?

As mentioned, moose are hardly aggressive until you disturb their peace.

One thing to note however is that moose hate dogs – especially because they bark and chase them.

You may be more susceptible to moose attacks if you have dogs and the moose may attempt to kick them even when the canines are in restricted areas.

Don’t allow your dog to chase after a moose.

They also get uncomfortable when there’s traffic, when they’re tired (especially during the winter season when they have to navigate through heavy snow), or when they’re hungry.

Often times people may get too close to the moose or throw things at them which this can anger them.

How Else are Moose Dangerous?

Whenever you see moose along the driveway, on a trail, along the road, or when they’re lying against a house or under a deck, chances are they’re taking a rest and the last thing you want to do is disturb them.

However, many people will take that chance to hit them or attempt to chase them away.

You can easily trigger a moose attack by doing so.

Remember, moose get agitated and stressed when they’re provoked.

Still, different moose have varying tolerance levels but all of them will react aggressively when provoked.

Remain calm and quiet whenever you approach a moose in any of the situations mentioned above.

Can I Feed Moose?

Feeding moose is not only dangerous, but it’s illegal – and moose can get accustomed to being fed by humans.

If the feeding situation changes and the animals aren’t fed appropriately, the moose will become agitated.

For instance, when a moose that’s accustomed to being hand fed sees a human, they may approach them hoping to be fed in the same way.

If the person doesn’t seem to understand what the animal wants, it can charge at them and eventually attack.

This why you shouldn’t feed moose even when you encounter them during your national park drives.

If you live in an area where moose often roam, caution your neighbors from feeding the animals.

Is a Moose Dangerous to Kids

Yes. if moose are used to being fed, they will expect every human being whether adult or children they encounter to feed them.

If they don’t get food, they will even attack children.

Administration officers will often shoot down moose that execute unprovoked attacks.

To avoid unnecessary moose deaths, desist from feeding them.

What Should I do when Moose Block my Way?

You need to be patient. Stay still and calm.

With time, the moose will move away – but, don’t expect it to move quickly.

Sometimes it may take up to an hour before it finally moves away and allows you to continue with your journey.

The waiting will always be better than having to provoke the animal.

While a loud noise may trigger the moose into moving, know that moose that are used to seeing people may not make way easily.

If you’re inside a vehicle, however, you can move with ease but if you’re walking, you may want to find something to act as a barrier between you and the animal just to be safe.

What You Shouldn’t Do

Never go near a moose when there’s no escape route other than towards your direction.

You want to leave at least two or more escape routes where you can easily navigate through in the event of an unlikely attack.

If you suspect you may encounter moose, pepper spray can either force them to move or protect you if they attempt to attack you.

Before letting your dogs out at night, inspect your backyard to rule out a moose’s presence.

You also may want to turn your security lights at night to avoid blind encounters between your dog and a moose.

What Should I do if a Moose Charges?

Often, moose charges are demonstrations –  or a way of warning you to stay away from them.

Still, you should exercise caution, knowing well that even a young calf weighing approximately 400 pounds can cause you massive injury.

When a moose attacks, it uses its front hooves to kick forward.

In such a case, running would be the best option because they’re unlikely to chase you far.

Hide behind a compact and solid object such as a tree.

If by any chance the moose knocks you down, you want to curl yourself up in a ball to shield your head using your hands and stay still.

Remain in that position until you’re sure the moose have moved to a safer distance. You don’t want to provoke the animal into charging back at you.

What Moose Attack Warning Signs Should You Look Out for?

If you’re out on an adventurous trip and are sure you’ll encounter a moose, there are various warning signs you should beware of.

Remember, this could be the only way to avoid danger. Here are the signs:

Tossing the head upwards (like you would see a horse do)

Licking or smacking its lips and clacking its teeth

Raising the hair around its neck, hump, or hips

If the moose was eating, it could suddenly stop and stare at you

Urinating

Lowering the head and walking towards your direction

Displaying the white parts of its eyes

Stomping its feet

Laying its ears back

Grunting

Remember, the moose’s behavior can change abruptly. Don’t be fooled by its calmness. Walk away slowly while focusing on the animal until you’re at a safe place.

How to be Safe

Moose dwell in forests close to ponds, streams, or ponds in the Northern Hemisphere of the United States.

Tourists who enjoy the outdoors often travel around these places.

If you are along the moose trail region of the US, you want to be extra careful just to stay safe.

Though it’s not always possible, you may want to avoid placing yourself in a situation which can irritate the moose.

The following tips will come in handy for you if you’re encountering moose for the first time.

The Moose Love their Space. Give it to them

Don’t get too close to a moose and watch them from a safe distance.

If you happen to encounter one along the trail or road, it may be best to either back off or change your direction.

Moose are naturally nervous and will become stressed to a point of aggression when people approach them too closely.

Kristine Rines, a wildlife biologist says: “if you realize that moose are changing behavior, chances are your closeness is making them uncomfortable and should consider moving to a safer place.”

Never Feed Moose

As mentioned above, and according to the Washington Department of Fish and wildlife, you shouldn’t feed moose.

This is because they will attack other people who don’t offer them food as they expect.

Some states have actually made it illegal to feed a moose because when they attack people, they’ll often be shot down needlessly.

Never get Between a Moose and it’s Calf

A lactating moose is very protective of her calves and will charge at anybody who attempts to get near or even between them.

Should you find yourself anywhere between, the best thing to do is to back off immediately and walk to safety.

Allow Moose to Cross the Road

What’s the best action to take if moose blocks your way while driving?

You can only let it cross because if you attempt to move it, chances are it will attach your vehicle.

If you’re driving around moose inhabited places, drive at a slow speed to avoid fatal accidents.

Moose attacks car

Remain Quiet and Calm when You Encounter a Moose

Remain calm and avoid making noise if you encounter a moose.

Noise disturbs them and could easily provoke them to attack.

Finally

Learning moose attack signs and taking the appropriate safety measures is an ideal way of protecting yourself before going for an adventurous trip in moose inhabited regions.

These tips will help you survive your trip and maximize your experience in the wild.

More helpful reading:

6 Signs a Tornado is Coming

How to Escape a Sinking Car

How to Create a Disaster Plan for Your Home

How to Choose the Best Survival Kit

Wilderness Survival Kits: 10 Essentials You Should Always Bring With You Outdoors

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

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[thelmawallton]

Signs of a Tornado Coming: 6 Warning Signals That Forming Weather is Approaching

While tornado season is said to fall between March and June, tornadoes can happen anytime depending on where you reside. It’s for this reason that you should know the signs a tornado is coming.

Quick Reference Guide

A dark, often greenish, sky

Wall clouds

Large hail often without any rain

A sudden die down of wind – also the air may become very still

A loud roar similar to a freight train may be heard

A cloud of debris approaching, with or without a visible funnel

Tornado or Hurricane Survival Kit

Video: Tornado Spotting – What to Look For

What’s a Tornado?

A tornado is a fast-spinning platoon of air that’s in association with a cumulonimbus cloud and the surface of the earth.

Sometimes it can even be in contact with the foundation of a cumulus cloud – though this is rare.

Many times, the windstorm is called a cyclone, whirlwind, or twister. It’s worth noting though that the term cyclone is usually used in meteorology to define a weather system that has a low-pressure area along the center.

If someone was looking towards the earth’s surface they would likely see the winds blowing clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counter clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tornadoes come in various sizes and shapes and many of them come with wind speeds of up to 180 km/hr and are approximately 80 feet across.

Where are Tornadoes Most Prevalent?

Tornadoes occur more often in Northern America than the southeastern and central regions in the United States, and is commonly known as tornado alley.

They are also likely to occur in southeast and northwestern Europe, southern Africa, Southeastern and Western Australia, Southeastern America, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Eastern India.

Meteorologists are experienced enough to detect the warning signs of a tornado and utilize a Pulse-Doppler radar which monitors reflectivity data and velocity patterns – such as debris balls or hook echoes.

They also leverage storm spotters to watch for signs of a tornado approaching.

What Causes Tornadoes?

Some of the most aggressive tornadoes originate from supercells.

These can be defined as big thunderstorms with revolving winds. Approximately one in one thousand storms will become a supercell, and one in every five or six supercells generates a tornado.

Often, the states lying near the Gulf of Mexico will experience the tornado season at the onset of spring.

More tornadoes usually occur during the month of May even though April has the most turbulent twisters. Tornadoes can occur both during the day or night but many of them form in the afternoon when the ground is sufficiently hot to generate thunderstorms.

What are the Signs of a Tornado Coming?

We’ll look at the signs of a tornado forming more comprehensively later in this article.

First, let’s look at how they begin.

Tornadoes occur when humid and warm air crashes with dry and cold air. The solid cold air is thrust through the warm air often resulting in thunderstorms. The warm air then advances over the cold air and triggers an updraft.

The updraft then starts to revolve in cases where winds sharply differ in terms of direction and speed. The revolving updraft is known as a mesocyclone, and the revolving speed accelerates as it gathers more warm air from the advancing thunderstorm.

Watch out for these Signs of a Tornado Forming

Cool air delivered by a strong line of wind in the air supplies more energy. The moist air from the mesocyclone forms water droplets which eventually results in a funnel cloud.

The funnel grows continuously and later descends from the cloud. The moment it gets into contact with the ground, a tornado is likely to occur.

Types of Tornadoes

Two types of thunderstorms usually trigger tornadoes.

They are:

Non-supercell

Supercell

The most common (and typically dangerous) tornadoes originate from a supercell.

A revolving updraft, also is known as a mesocyclone, plays a major role in the occurrence of a supercell and ultimately a tornado.

There are various ways within which rotation can occur. The first one involves a wind shear.

This occurs when winds from two varying levels aloft the ground blow in varying directions and at varying speeds.

How a Wind Shear can Trigger the Warning Signs of a Tornado

Wind shear is likely to trigger a tornado if the winds at the ground level, usually moderated by irritation with the surface of the earth, originate from the southwest side at 5mph.

If at 500 feet high above the same area the winds are storming from the southeast at approximately 25 mph, a microscopic line of air starts to revolve horizontally.

Ascending air in the thunderstorm raises the rotating air to a vertical position and eventually, the rotation area develops throughout a large portion of the storm.

A tornado is likely to form when the updraft is rotating and receiving warm and moist air at ground level.

What do Scientists think?

If you asked any scientist: what are the signs of a tornado? They probably will tell you they’re still studying the occurrence.

Many scientists have yet to feel they truly understand tornadoes and have lingering questions – especially since 20% of all supercell thunderstorms are highly likely to trigger tornadoes.

Some of the lingering questions include:

How is it possible that one supercell thunderstorm can trigger a tornado while a similar storm doesn’t?

Could there be other circulation causes for tornadoes?

What triggers winds moving in varying directions or speeds that trigger the rotation?

What’s the function of downdrafts and the circulation of moisture and temperature in tornado genesis?

Now that we understand that all tornadoes don’t result from supercells, what are the warning signs of tornadoes which occur in non-supercell thunderstorms?

Understanding Non-Supercell Tornadoes

Non-supercell tornadoes don’t occur from coordinated storm-scale rotation.

They form from a vertically rotating pack of air presently occurring close to the ground triggered by wind shear from a cold, warm, or even sea breeze front, and sometimes a dry line.

In the event that an updraft maneuvers across the rotation to expand it, a tornado is highly likely to occur.

Often, non-supercell tornadoes occur in scarcely populated areas – which is why scientists can’t tell their magnitude.

However, they’re often small.

Establishing the Signs of a Tornado

As we’ve already mentioned above, tornadoes often occur during the day and many times in the afternoon.

But, they can happen both during the day and night which is why you should beware of the signs of a tornado at night.

Often, tornadoes will move swiftly from the southwest towards the northeast.

However, they can still move in any other direction.

A tornado can linger in the ground for approximately 20 minutes and may also make contact with the ground at various times – often in different areas.

Here are warning signs of a tornado you should look out for.

1. A Funnel-shaped cloud

A funnel-shaped cloud is probably one of the surest signs of a tornado.

It’s important to note that the could won’t resemble a normal cloud you would see in the sky on a typical day.

The funnel-shaped cloud is usually very large and looks like the image below.

And, if you take a closer look you’re likely to see it rotating and escalating from a prevailing storm you can see approaching the ground.

Perhaps you’re already aware that tornadoes originate or even form in one place and how you’re likely to spot a funnel-shaped cloud forming.

During a tornado, the weather is likely to get rough – and strong – causing the sky to grow extremely dark.

If you’re caught in the melee unexpectedly, keeping your eyes focused in the sky will help save you from injury.

2. A Huge Cloud of debris

One of the signs of a tornado coming at night is a big cloud of debris which often hides the funnel cloud.

If you notice a cloud of debris even when the funnel cloud isn’t visible, it may be wise to find an escape route as fast as possible – this is one of the biggest signs of a tornado approaching.

3. A Loud Blast in the Sky

If you hear an unusual blast in the sky, it’s  another one of the common warning signs of a tornado.

The blast can be tremendous and frightening to both adults and children.

Unlike thunderstorms, a tornado blast is continuous and emanates from the sky.

Listen to see if the sounds of the loud blast increase as the tornado approaches.

Often, this noise will be accompanied by strong winds which can indicate a robust and dangerous disaster.

Video: Clear sound of a large roaring Tornado

4. Calmness After a Thunderstorm

If you notice an unusual calmness preceding a storm, that could also be signs of a tornado approaching.

In this case, you may want to prepare yourself accordingly and stay in a safe place.

While it’s normal for skies to clear after a storm, you should be alert when there’s a strange serenity in the atmosphere.

5. A Blackish Green Colored Sky

During a storm, the sky often becomes blackish.

However, one of the common signs of a tornado at night is when the sky changes to a blackish green color.

This can indicate a huge storm accompanied by strong winds from where a tornado could occur – especially at night.

You can see the hue in this picture below.

6. Debris Falling from the Sky

Another of the warning signs of a tornado is debris falling from the sky.

Usually, a tornado comes with strong winds which pick up debris and deposit it miles away.

Sometimes the strong winds generate strange roaring sounds.

If you notice falling debris from the sky, you need to look for a safe hiding place.

Finally

When the weather is favorable for a tornado to occur,  the meteorological and weather service department in various tornado-prone areas usually release a tornado watch.

Once the tornado shows up on the radar, they issue a warning.

If you live in areas where tornadoes occur frequently, you should beware of the signs of a tornado just to be safe.

More helpful reading:

How to Create a Disaster Plan for Your Home

How to Choose the Best Survival Kit

Wilderness Survival Kits: 10 Essentials You Should Always Bring With You Outdoors

How to Escape a Sinking Car

Tornado Safety.Gov

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source https://survivalistgear.co/signs-of-a-tornado-coming/

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[thelmawallton]

How to Escape a Sinking Car (& Get Out While Underwater with a Window Break)

Several months ago 2 cousins, just 19 years old, drowned when their car plunged into a pond.

The driver was traveling from her workplace at Amazon to a nursing home where the other cousin worked.

Medical examiners say both women died of accidental drowning and that no foul play is suspected. This was a tragic and devastating incident for the community – and it doesn’t happen to just adults.

Children and babies are frequently victims in water related accidents.

I was even more surprising to find out that over 10,000 auto accidents like this happen each year.

Some survive, others don’t.

And it made me think, “would I know what to do in a situation like this?”

“How would I save children or other passengers in a drowning car?”

We all like to think that we’d be able to escape a car crash in water.

But being in the moment, inside a car sinking in water is far more disorienting than you may think.

It happens fast.

And you may even find yourself upside down and in the dark – a panic inducing moment even without passengers.

So, how long does it take for a car to sink?

On average your window of opportunity will be between 30-320 seconds – it’s fast, and the water doesn’t need to be deep to cause problems.

Additionally, a recent study revealed that door panels get jammed after 120 seconds.

Do power windows work underwater?

You’ll find that you have a short window of opportunity before you lose all electrical systems in your vehicle.

As a driver, your knowledge of what to do in a sinking car will enable you to rescue your family and other passengers while waiting for 911 to dispatch ambulances.

This is why it’s important to know exactly what to do before you ever find yourself in a situation like this.

Do you have a plan on how to get out of a drowning car? Here’s some “escape the car” help.

How to get out of a sinking car: 4 Simple Steps

First of all, make sure you have a car safety kit. You can find our Ultimate Car Emergency Safety Kit here.

Next, make sure to memorize the following steps:

Seatbelts

Windows

Children Out

You Out

There are two different scenarios when it comes to getting out of a car sinking in water.

One of them is while the windows are still above water, the other is while you are submerged.

How to get out of a car underwater

Can you open a car door underwater?

Once a car starts sinking, water exerts pressure in all directions.

Imagine trying to open your car door but there are 10 quarterbacks pushing against it from the outside.

No amount of kicking will be able to rescue you because of pressure increasing each second.

What to do if your car is submerged in water

1. Secure your phone

Whiplash injuries might occur when a car veers off the road and lands into a large mass of water.

Drivers and passengers can also sustain wrist fractures as they hold onto the nearest object for safety.

Your phone enables you to get professional medical attention as soon as possible.

Switch off your phone, and if possible, remove the battery quickly. Doing this prevents short-circuiting as you swim towards dry land. Alternatively, you can switch if off and put it in the nearest plastic bag you can find.

2. Take a deep breathe

Sometimes, things aren’t as bad as they appear. If the accident happens while you’re sober, your mind can shift attention from the loud splashing.

It’s during this moment that you can stop and recall where you’ve placed your car window breaker.

Panicking works against you because it makes it impossible to cut the seatbelt.

It’s also hard to remember about water pressure when your mind is clouded with fear.

That’s why taking a deep breathe helps you to figure out the best course of action.

3. Be ready to part with your belongings

It seems rational to scoop up all your belongings when water flows into your car. Especially when they’re high-end items like designer bags or MacBook laptops.

However, you might only have less than a minute to rescue yourself, and holding on to your belongings will prevent you from using your hands to swim.

Your phone is what you need the most because an accident might take place at night or in secluded areas.

In such situations, it might take a while before other people come to your rescue.

4. Unbuckle your seatbelt fast

Once your car starts sinking, it becomes a hazard to your life.

So, you need to get out urgently by unbuckling your seatbelt.

But, you need to follow the second step in this list, which is taking a deep breathe.

If your seatbelts seem jammed, you’ll need a sharp knife to cut through.

That’s why you need a rescue tool in your glove compartment.

Also, don’t wait for water to get inside your vehicle because wet seatbelts are harder to cut.

5. Roll down your windows

Now that you know how water exerts pressure on submerged doors, you need another escape route.

Car windows are large enough for adults to swim through.

But, do you really have to break the glass in order to swim to safety?

No one wants to deal with cuts and stitches when they’re already trapped in a life or death situation.

When your car hits the water, secure your escape routes by rolling down your window.

Doing this enables you to swim to safety without bleeding on the way out.

However, it also lets in water at a high rate.

6. Use a tool to break a car window underwater

Let’s assume you don’t have time to roll down the windows because your vehicle rolled over several times and landed inside water.

Is it possible to break the car window underwater?

Yes, it is but you have to do it before any water gets in.

All you need is a car rescue tool to clear your exit. They’re usually the size of a key holder and contain a sharp razor blade to cut through seatbelts.

A spring-loaded tool is ideal because you only have to press it against the corner of your car window to shatter the glass.

3 tips on how to escape a car submerged in water

Top Gear Sinking Car

1. Equip each passenger with a spring-loaded rescue tool

A spring-loaded rescue tool costs anywhere from $30-$50. It’s really affordable and worth it – even movie tickets also fall within the same price range.

Plus, it’s easy to carry because you can just attach it to your key chain or attach it to the headrest for quick access.

Additionally, children aged over 7 years can use it easily because you don’t need to press the tool against the window forcefully.

When each passenger has a tool within easy access, all passengers have the best chances of survival without complicated injuries.

2. Avoid storing heavy objects near headrests

Sometimes we tend to place heavy objects on the space between the backseat headrests and windshield.

Doing this puts both you and your passengers at great risk.

When a fast-moving car loses control and swerves into water, you’ll notice that the car sinks in nose first.

Why is this dangerous?

Because the impact hurls everything to the front.

Any bottles, electronics, and other items pose a danger to both you and your passengers because they’re moving at a high speed.

So, to avoid hurting yourself or your passengers, keep heavy items in the trunk.

3. Open the sunroof fast

When you’re driving in cold weather, your windows will be shut to insulate yourself.

So, what happens when you lose control and your car starts sinking?

How do you get out of a car underwater?

Well, the best solution is rolling down the windows or using a rescue tool.

However, it’s possible that your windows might be faulty and there’s no rescue tool around.

Does this mean that all hope is lost?

Certainly not.

You can act fast by opening the sunroof while cutting the seatbelt.

Escaping through the sunroof is easier for passengers because the car’s tilted position forces objects towards the roof.

How to escape a sinking car with children

1. Don’t panic

Children are highly in tune with your body language.

They can tell when things are going wrong by just looking at your face and listening to the tone in your voice.

Their ability to cooperate with your rescue efforts depends on your state of mind as the car starts sinking.

Remember to take deep breathes as you unbuckle your safety belt and roll down the windows.

Don’t shout back at the children when they scream in panic because it will only make things worse.

2. Start with the oldest to the youngest

Earlier on, we saw that your window of opportunity closes after two minutes.

So, in order for you to increase your chances of survival, the best strategy is to start with more able-bodied passengers.

Why is this important?

Because they can help you rescue other passengers by moving them out or breaking nearby windows.

It’s impossible to swim to the surface and then back to the wrecked car to rescue other passengers.

In most cases, the survivor is still traumatized and this hinders their ability to make rational decisions.

Plus, it’s hard to break car windows from outside when you don’t have a spring-loaded rescue tool.

3. Get a booster seat with quick release technology

In a drowning car, you might need to rescue more than one child.

Sometimes, it gets challenging when you’re driving with a toddler or child with a physical impairment because they’re relying on you to swim them to safety.

In such a situation, trying to cut through the seatbelt can be tricky due to the numerous straps attached.

However, you can scoop your child and swim away by just pressing a button on the booster seat thanks to quick release technology.

How to rescue a drowning person without floatation device

So far, we’ve looked at how to get out of a sinking vehicle and rescue passengers safely.

But, what happens when some of your passengers can’t swim?

In case one of your passengers starts drowning here’s what to do

1. Offer reassurance

Deep waters are terrifying because we’re used to stepping and walking on solid ground.

The drowning victim feels overwhelmed with fear and this makes them sink.

Your job is to help them focus their attention on staying afloat.

As you swim towards the victim, encourage them with inspiring words.

Tell them that they’re doing a great job and you’ll get them to safety fast.

Calming down your passengers makes them more cooperative towards your instructions.

2. Use the chin grab

When swimming towards your passenger, you’ll notice that he or she wants to dive and cling on to you for safety.

If they actually get a hold of you, it makes the situation worse because you can’t use your limbs to swim back to safety.

What’s the best approach?

Dive underwater for the sake of your drowning passenger.

Swim towards him or her and then turn towards their back.

Then, grab their hips and slide your least dominant hand to their chin.

For instance, a right-handed person will use their left hand to hold their victim’s chin up.

This position enables you to swim to safety without the passenger pulling your limbs.

The best way to get to safety is by using either the back or sidestroke.

3. Talk to them

The best rescue situation is where everyone comes out unscathed and still conscious.

As you swim to dry land, keep on motivating your passenger.

This engagement prevents their brain from switching off, enabling them to keep breathing throughout.

How to give CPR to a drowning person

Here are some quick easy steps to help you revive a friend, passenger, or relative as you await an ambulance.

1. Open their mouth to check for obstructions

Water can flood a drowning victim’s mouth as they gasp for air repeatedly.

This blocks their airway and puts them in a life-threatening situation.

How do you ensure that their airway is clear?

First, lay down your passenger on solid ground far from the water.

Next, place your right hand on their forehead then use your left hand to tilt their chin gently.

Open their mouth by pulling down their chin.

If your phone is still working, use the flashlight to check for any obstructions in the throat.

2. Clean any fluids on the victim’s mouth

Drowning can induce vomiting because the victim is choking with water.

Sometimes, the impact upon hitting an obstacle or water can cause cuts or gashes to the mouth.

As a rescuer, your health always remains the top priority and that’s why you can’t proceed to giving rescue breathes.

Nowadays, you can get pocketsize CPR masks ideal for such situations.

If you lost it while swimming to safety, just use your handkerchief or t-shirt to wipe your passenger’s mouth clean.

3. Check for a pulse

Assessing the pulse rate enables you to determine whether you need to give chest compressions.

How do you check for one?

Place your index and middle fingers at the center of your passenger’s neck then slide them sideways to the muscle until you feel a small depression.

If you can’t detect a pulse, prepare to give chest compressions.

4. Start with rescue breaths

The aim of giving rescue breathes is to stimulate your victim’s lungs.

Doing this also ensures that the brain and heart still receive enough oxygen.

Start by tilting your victim’s head upwards then open their mouth gently to clear their airway.

Next, place your mouth directly on top of theirs then blow deeply.

Watch if his or her chest is rising before giving the next rescue breath.

Rescue breathes are effective in reviving victims who passed out just moments before getting rescued to dry land.

5. Give 30 chest compressions

Before proceeding to this step, locate the center of your victim’s chest.

Place your thumb at the victim’s armpit then follow a straight line towards the center, which is halfway below the sternum.

Next, place the heel of your right hand then place your left hand on top while interlocking your fingers.

Before pumping, make sure your shoulders are straight.

Proceed to the compressions at a rate of 100 per minute.

It’s advisable to take off any jewelry or ties hanging on your victim’s neck.

Mythbusters underwater car survival tests

Let’s look at some of the widely spread, but wrong ways of how to get out of a drowning car.

Mythbusters fall into water

1. Myth: wait for the pressure to equalize

Some people believe that the best way to escape a submerged car is waiting for the water to fill up your car to chest level.

The inflowing water equalizes air pressure enabling you to open doors easily.

On surface level, it seems rational because it only takes a minute for water to fill up a car.

But, is it really a wise move?

As water fills up, it’s also carrying soil and objects of varying sizes.

The visibility inside deteriorates rapidly and this puts you at risk especially when you’re trying to find your car rescue tool.

Secondly, the incoming water adds weight and this can force your car to flip upside down.

It’s hard to rescue passengers when you’re stuck in this position.

2. Myth: kick out the windshield

Every major action movie star from Sylvester Stallone to Jason Statham have defiantly kicked out windshields in scenes involving submerged vehicles.

They make it look so easy that you immediately believe it’s a method that works in real life.

Unfortunately, it’s all camera tricks.

A windshield consists of two layers of thick glass and in between them is a layer of highly elastic plastic adhesive.

This design makes it able to withstand higher impacts from falling objects compared to your side windows.

Also, the steering wheel’s position makes it hard to thrust your legs with the required force.

3. Myth: break the side windows using your elbows

You’ve also seen this in a couple of movies. All you need to do is aim then strike the glass hard.

How effective is this method?

On a scale of one to ten, elbow strikes score a dismal three.

Why?

Because you’ll need to strike the window repeatedly to get a breakthrough.

Yet, you only have less than two minutes to get out of the sinking wreck.

If you somehow manage to break your window, you’ll be in a lot of pain and bleeding profusely due to the cuts sustained.

Finally… Rescuing yourself from a sinking car isn’t difficult as long as you retain mental composure.

It helps you to locate the right tools for the job as well as figuring out the best rescue plan for your passengers.

What’s the best way to prepare for these incidents?

Ensure that your car tires are in excellent condition when driving in snow or rainy weather, especially near rivers and lakes.

Finally, make sure there are a couple of rescue tools in your glove compartment in case your car gets submerged in water

More helpful reading:

How to Create a Disaster Plan for Your Home

How to Choose the Best Survival Kit

Wilderness Survival Kits: 10 Essentials You Should Always Bring With You Outdoors

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