Survival in the Desert

When you mention the word "hot land, - what is the first thing that comes to mind? More than likely, your response centered on a desert. Though it is true that a desert is a "hot land," any region has the potential for becoming a "hot land." Temperatures can rise quickly and without warning. For this post, we are going to concentrate on the desert, but the survival techniques described here can be used in any "hot land."

Deserts cover nearly 20% of the world's landmass. They are found on most continents, and usually have inhabitants that live and thrive in this hostile environment. These inhabitants have learned to live with the desert, and not to fight it.

In Russia there is very little desert land. The Ryn-Peski Desert (Kazakh: Нарын-Құм Naryn-Qum), is a desert in western Kazakhstan and south-western Russia, north of the Caspian Sea and southeast of the Volga Upland. The borders of the desert are very loosely defined. Some maps show the desert almost entirely within the Caspian Depression, stretching almost to the coast of the Caspian Sea, while others show it north of the depression. It lies west of the Ural River between 46° N and 49° N latitude, and 47° E to 52° E longitude. Temperatures can reach extreme highs of 45 to 48 °C (113 to 118 °F) during summer and in winter it can drop to a low of −28 to −36 °C (−18 to −33 °F). This is the only true desert region in Russia, however we must not completely overlook the Charsky Sands.

The Charsky Sands (also known as the Charsky desert) are located north of the Trans-Baikal region in the Kalarsky District. Charsky sands is the most northern desert in the world. The width of sand masses is 5 km and the length is 15 km. Charsky sands are a unique combination of sandy desert with dunes and the surrounding east-siberian pine-larch taiga with mountains which are covered with snow even in summer. Despite the small area of the desert its landscape is very diverse. In the central part are mostly small dunes with wind-deposited sand on the outskirts of the ridges and covered with sand. The highest dunes are located in the southwestern part of the array. The most powerful dunes in the center of the array look like frozen waves.

True deserts are found in three forms:

• Rock Desert
• Sand Desert
• Salt Desert

Each of these desert types is very different from the other. Sometimes a desert can start out as a sand desert, then turn into a mountainous rock desert. Although no two deserts are alike, they do share one common bond:

They are hot! In 1972 - 1974 the American National Park Service conducted surface temperature readings in Death Valley, California. These tests were conducted in July and August during the hottest part of the day. The average surface temperature was 182 degrees (F), but at times (1972) it hit as high as 201 degrees (F). It goes without saying temperatures as high as these would cause life threatening medical problems.

As the temperature outside increases, the inner core temperature of an unprotected person will also increase. To combat this heat build-up, the body produces sweat. Sweat is simply water, taken from the body's internal supply, and sent to the surface of the skin to promote evaporation. As the water evaporates, the skin and blood will cool. This system works very efficiently, as long as there is a sufficient water supply in the body. The average person looses 2 - 4 quarts of water through everyday activity. Any activity above the normal amount will cause a person to loose water faster and in greater quantity.

This water must be replaced or the body will be in a state of dehydration. When dehydrated, the sweating process will slow and eventually stop, and this will cause body heat to rise. As the heat in body rises, it will cause physiological stresses to the body. Immediate treatment should consist of cooling the body and consuming enough water to promote the sweating process.

Finding water in the desert will be a challenge. The water you have in the body system before a survival episode may be the only source. Don't waste it. A good rule of thumb to adhere to is to "ration your sweat, not your water." Here are a few techniques that may help you to conserve your internal water (hydration):

• Stay out of direct sunlight (The shade can be 40 degrees cooler)
• Stay off the desert floor (12" above or 12" below may be 40 degrees cooler)
• No activity during the daylight (All work done at night)
• Proper clothing (Light colors reflect sunlight, keep clothing baggy and layered)
• No smoking (Smoking hastens dehydration)
• No alcohol (Alcohol promotes dehydration)

When the thirst mechanism sends a signal to the brain, it’s saying the body is low on water. Keep your system filled with water before you become a survivor.

If the time comes when water needs to be found, all work should be done in the cool of the night. Finding water in the desert may be difficult, but it is not impossible. An important question to ask is "Should I go out and look for water or stay put and conserve what is in my system?" An alternative may be to dig a solar still. A solar still brings moisture from the ground and air and puts it in a container for your consumption. To construct a solar still, first dig a hole, find a container, and have a clear piece of plastic available.

Crushed green vegetation placed along the sides of the hole will speed up the moisturizing process. Additionally, if you dig your hole in a natural moisture collector (see diagram) it will help. One solar still may produce as much as 2 pints of water a day, but the quantity is usually far less. So, should you dig a solar still (which will cause you to loose water through sweating) or stay in the shade and conserve? It will be a judgment call.

Heat Injuries:

- Sunburn: Sunburn is a result of unprotected skin absorbing too much of the ultra-violet rays from the sun. Sunburn is not a life-threatening injury. It is considered to be a first-degree burn, and should be treated as such. The real problem with sunburn stems from two complications. First, in an attempt to cool the injury, mild sunburn will cause the body to produce more sweat than normal. Secondly, more severe sunburn will cause an impairment of sweat glands on the affected area. This will cause your body to build up heat faster than normal, which can bring on a more serious heat injury.

- Sun blindness: This is brought on by the over-exposure of the eyes to sunlight. Though common in desert areas, it can be prevented. When you are out and about on bright sunny days, wear sunglasses. Even prescription glasses will give some protection. Wearing a hat will also help. Some of the common symptoms are an itch, a reddish appearance, a burning sensation and possible swelling. If this happens to you, it’s going to take time for it to heal. Cover both eyes for at least 18 hours and take aspirin (take aspirin only if you have drinking water) to combat the pain. Failing to treat for this condition can lead to a worsening of the problem, or even permanent damage.

- Heat cramps: When a body sweats profusely, not only is it losing water, it is also losing salt. When this happens, it can upset the electrolyte balance of your cells. The body will send signals that this is happening in the form of cramps. Heat cramps can affect any of the muscles, but will usually only affect the legs and the abdominal region. If suffering from heat cramps, you must get into the shade, slow the sweating, and drink water. Massage the legs to alleviate the cramps.

- Heat exhaustion: When the body is under the stress of heat, the blood near the surface of the skin has a tendency to pool. This pooling will deprive the vital organs and muscle of a good blood supply, and heat exhaustion can result. Symptoms often include heat cramps, a general weakness, moist skin (as opposed to dry skin with heat stroke), and a paleness of the skin (as opposed to a redness as with heat stroke). The skin doesn't feel hot to the touch; body temperature is near normal. Heat exhaustion can be serious. Get the victim to a cool shaded location and give him/her water. Fan the victim if necessary to keep him/her cool until help arrives.

- Heat stroke: While all heat related problems are serious, heat stroke has a high death rate and is considered the most serious. With heat stroke, all sweating ceases and the body rapidly builds up heat. The skin is red, hot, and dry to the touch. Sometimes the victim will be unconscious. Get the victim out of direct sunlight, and provide him/her with water. Administer salt-water solution (unless unconscious) and cool the victim rapidly. If a stream or pool is nearby, get victim in it. It is imperative that a physician or medical technician be sought as soon as rescue arrives.

For those who want to learn more about desert survival I recommend the book: Desert Survival Skills, by David Alloway.