Desert Pursuit Part 14

Finally, as you travel through an unknown terrain, you can mark specific points by using little piles of stones or similar like Khalid does and by making notes of what you pa.s.s. If you have to leave a group to find help, making a map like this would mean you could find your way back to them. Always have an emergency R.V. (rendezvous) to find your way back to. Whatever method you use, you must keep it simple because, when you are tired and hungry, it is hard to concentrate. Again, this is something you could practise at home even in a local park.

8. WEATHER.

You may think it is always just hot and sunny in the desert, but this isn't quite true. There can be sudden dust or sandstorms or, in some deserts, flash floods which are produced by sudden torrential rain. If you get stuck in a sandstorm, sand will enter virtually every possible orifice in your body (ouch!) but the most important parts to protect will be your eyes and nose so that you can keep on breathing. Wrap cloth around your head and aim to take shelter immediately. It's a good idea to pack a shovel or two with your equipment; a sandstorm can produce a lot of sand in a very short period of time and you might need to dig yourself or someone else out or dig your vehicle tyres out of soft sand when driving in dunes. When I have been in the desert, I have seen vehicles buried under sand so it is very important to keep all your equipment together so if you are hit by a storm, you don't lose anything.

9. ILLNESS AND INJURIES.

Even the smallest scratch can easily get irritated by sand or infected if not treated immediately. Alex carries pota.s.sium permanganate in his survival kit as this creates an antiseptic if added to water, and I would certainly recommend to anyone going into a desert environment to make sure they carry some kind of antiseptic to treat any wounds. You might also pick up a thorn and these must be pulled out immediately (even if they're in an embarra.s.sing place, so watch out where you sit down!).

Sprained ankles or ligaments are also possible if walking through or climbing up deep sand. Don't try to set a faster pace of travelling than the weakest person can manage and, if you do sprain an ankle, yet have to carry on walking, keep your boot on or the ankle might swell and you won't be able to get your boot on again.

Finally, do keep an eye out for insects or snakes. Most of them would much prefer to leave you alone, but you do need to be aware that the desert is home to quite a few creatures you would rather not get to know and many of them will be using the same places to take shelter that you pick. Scorpions, for example, may shelter under rocks. Watch where you step, shake out any clothing or bedding material and your boots before you use it and don't panic if you do come face-to-face with a snake. Try not to move suddenly (many snakes attack movement) and just back off very slowly.

10. SIGNAL FOR RESCUE.

If you planned your expedition properly, there should almost certainly be people out looking for you quite soon after you become lost or stuck. This can take time, however, and it's worth being prepared to make their job as easy as possible by using signals. A couple of signals that could be used are: FIRE: smoke makes a good signal, so have a fire ready and make sure you can light it promptly. smoke makes a good signal, so have a fire ready and make sure you can light it promptly.

ROCKS could be arranged in the sand to spell out the universal call for help: SOS. could be arranged in the sand to spell out the universal call for help: SOS.

In daytime, use the sun's rays sun's rays to attract attention by angling a piece of gla.s.s, or even a bit of shiny foil, to catch the rays and flashing a light. Remember: if you repeat any signal three times, with pauses between, this is the international signal used by someone requiring help. to attract attention by angling a piece of gla.s.s, or even a bit of shiny foil, to catch the rays and flashing a light. Remember: if you repeat any signal three times, with pauses between, this is the international signal used by someone requiring help.

If you had established a camp when you first became lost, and then had to move for some reason, leave clear direction signals at the original campsite so that rescuers will know where to look eg: if you plan to walk north, arrange stones in the sand to form an arrow in that direction with a large N by it.

BE SAFE!.

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Random House Children's Books and Chris Ryan would like to make it clear that these tips are for use in a serious situation only, where your life may be at risk. We cannot accept any liability for inappropriate usage in normal conditions.

About the Author.

Chris Ryan joined the SAS in 1984 and has been involved in numerous operations with the regiment. During the Gulf War, he was the only member of an eight-man team to escape from Iraq, three colleagues being killed and four captured. It was the longest escape and evasion in the history of the SAS. For this he was awarded the Military Medal. He wrote about his remarkable escape in the adult bestseller The One That Got Away The One That Got Away (1995), which was also adapted for screen. (1995), which was also adapted for screen.

He left the SAS in 1994 and is now the author of a number of bestselling thrillers for adults. His work in security takes him around the world and he has also appeared in a number of television series, most recently Hunting Chris Ryan, Hunting Chris Ryan, in which his escape and evasion skills were demonstrated to the max. The in which his escape and evasion skills were demonstrated to the max. The Alpha Force Alpha Force t.i.tles are his first books for young readers. t.i.tles are his first books for young readers.