The "I Shouldn't Be Alive" show...have you seen it?

[SCinPNW]

My 11 year old daughter and I have been watching the "I shouldn't Be Alive" series on Netflix. I actually like it because there is a lot to be learned from these people's mistakes, plus it is a good teaching tool for both of us to discuss what we think the person did right or wrong in a particular situation Of course, it is easy to arm-chair quarter back because we do not know what we truly would have done an that person's situation, but I still have found it worthwhile.

My daughter has come to the conclusion that she does not want to take up white water rafting or mountain climbing. I am with her on the mountain climbing for sure. ;)

My biggest take away in watching the show is how many of the people would have been in a better situation if they had had a fanny pack, purse, or some sort of bag attached to them that had been set up as a small survival pack. One guy was taking a solo raft trip through the Grand Canyon and ended up flipping hsi 2,000 lb. raft and then ultimately losing the raft. He was stuck in the Grand Canyon for 7-days with nothing but a butane lighter. My thinking is that if he had had a fanny pack attached to him with even a few things it would have made his situation even a little better, especially a signal mirror. There are other shows where I think that would have been the case as well.

The other thing I have noticed is that people never have enough water. We watched a show where a family went out into the Arizona desert for a day trip to have a picnic and do some skeet shooting, they ended up getting lost, getting their vehicle stuck and running out of water. They have shows with plane crashes, etc. All of them would have been in a better situation if they had had something with them.

I used to carry a sling bag purse, basically a purse that hangs across your body, and in it I would always have the following: emergency whistle, signal mirror, a swedish fire steel, lighter, para cord, mini-SAS Survival guide, a couple of folding knives, flashlight, bandaids, etc. I can defintely tell you, I will be going back to carrying this bag on a daily basis again. I don't head off into the wilderness, however, we do live in earthquake country and then there are the who knows what could happen emergencies. Bottom line, I have allowed myself to become complacent. It is time to pull myself out of it.

SC

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Adventure should be done but using sense and having skills. There is nothing wrong with rafting or anything else but be smart. Take gear, tell folks where you are going and what you are doing and when you should be back, dont overestimate your ability and practice skills.
The Ranger at the Grand Canyon talked to me after eyeballing and commenting on my pack and he said that most deaths and injuries are from the lack of the above and began telling me stories. I listened and took it in because he was the one who had to go find them and help them. Alot get into trouble by hiking to the bottom and not having the strength or supplies to get back up and/or spend the night down there. never count on finding water especially in desert stuff. Pack enough in and then carry more. I watch this mostly self inflicted show as well

[EX121]

According to the National Association of Search & Rescue 80% of SAR mission involve folks who where just going on a day hike. Most stated they didn't think they needed anything, most of them didn't tell anyone else there plans.
So your observations about being prepared ar spot on. Even a couple of garbage bags for shelter & some water would help many. Simple stuff could change a survival situation into an uncomfortable night out.