Must-Know Survival Skills Shared by Internet Experts

05 Dec 2023

Users often share life hacks on the Internet that can be very helpful and even save lives in difficult moments. We have compiled a collection of the most interesting life hacks that can make life easier or, in some cases, even save lives for you or someone else.

1. How to save a drowning person without endangering yourself

While on water, even an experienced swimmer can start drowning. Usually, a person experiences panic in such a moment, which is unsurprising, as everyone's self-preservation instinct kicks in. However, someone who rushes to save a drowning person should remember this. Follow the instructions described in the photo and do not allow the drowning person to grab you by the neck. This way, they will pull you down with them.

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2. Reflective mirror

In the desert, it's easy to get lost, especially if you're not a local and unfamiliar with the routes. However, there's always a way out if you have the right advice. Users on the network suggest carrying a small mirror in such situations, and your car's mirror can also come in handy. With it, you can send a signal. The light reflecting from the mirror can be noticed by other travelers, and they will come to your aid.

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3. Tips for cold weather

Users recommend dressing in layered clothing for cold snowy weather, as it retains heat better. If you are going up the mountains or facing strong frost and wind outside, don't forget to protect your hands, face, and feet to avoid frostbite or windburn. One of the most important rules: if you are planning a long journey or conquering peaks, be sure to inform your loved ones, who, in case of anything, can notify rescuers about your whereabouts.

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4. Service dog

Attention to detail can not only alter fate but also save someone else's life. The author shared his own story about a service dog that he, fortunately, did not ignore, thereby helping to save another person's life. Often, specially trained animals seek people who would call for medical or rescue assistance in this way. However, even ordinary pets, without such training, can intuitively signal for help. So, do not ignore them, as the signals they give can be life-saving.

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5. Rescue overhang

Nobody is immune to falls, even in the subway. Such incidents, unfortunately, happen frequently, and not everyone knows how to act correctly in such a situation, especially when time is limited. The author of the post advises trying to roll under the platform. So, take note and take care of yourself!

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6. Correct request for help

A very important note that will save time and give you a chance for rescue. In a crowd, there is often a belief that someone else should take responsibility and help someone. In such cases, the reluctance to take on extra responsibility works because there are already many people around who can also give advice. So, it's better to point to a specific person, for example, "The woman in the red jacket," and ask her to call 911. Then there is a higher probability that the lady will react immediately and help you.

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7. Take care of your trip in advance

Often, the right actions and knowledge will help you avoid troubles or quickly solve your problems abroad. So, always notify your Department of State about your trip. If you suddenly lose your documents, encounter trouble, or need urgent evacuation, they will quickly assist you, and you will have fewer problems dealing with bureaucratic issues.

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8. For pedestrians to take note

When you are a pedestrian, think like a driver - it will help you avoid unpleasant surprises on the road. Sometimes basic knowledge saves lives. So even if you are not a driver and have never been in their shoes, take note of the advice of this post's author, as this simple life hack can come in handy and help you out when needed.

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9. Water from Moss

If you're on a hike and suddenly find yourself without water, here's a great tip from an online user. Never drink water from a puddle, as you might catch an infection. It's better to squeeze water from moss, as described in the post, and boil it. This way, you'll quench your thirst and preserve your health.

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10. How to Act in Case of a Serious Injury

In no case should you attempt to remove a knife, shard, or anything similar from a wound on your own. Until help arrives, press the clean fabric around the wound. This way, you can avoid significant blood loss, and the pressure can even help slow it down a bit.

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11. Life experience

The most effective advice is often based on life experience; frequently simple and accessible, those who are unaware of it may lose their health or even survive in a critical situation. In a perilous situation, the author's friend found salvation in a surprisingly simple yet crucial piece of advice: melted snow served as a life-saving resource, emphasizing the importance of basic knowledge and resourcefulness in challenging circumstances. 

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12. How to avoid a collision with a kayak

Unforeseen situations on the water can happen to anyone at any time. If a kayak is approaching you, don't attempt to swim away from it, as you may not make it in time. It's better to dive as deeply as possible, helping you avoid a collision.

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13. Dangerous combinations

Never use ammonia and bleach simultaneously. According to an Internet user, this can create a hazardous combination that can cause serious harm to health.

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14. Drowning signals

A person drowning never shouts or waves their hands like in the movies. In real life, drowning is mostly silent, with the person having swallowed water beforehand. If you observe unusual behavior in the water, know that immediate help is needed, as their life is in danger.

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15. Driving Tips

You might be skilled at handling a car but can get confused in an unpredictable road situation. In such cases, advice from another experienced driver can come in handy. According to him, it's crucial to keep the wheels pointing straight ahead until the opportunity arises for you to make the turn when crossing oncoming traffic.

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16. Life After Death

In life, anything can happen, and everyone has their own fears. Hopefully, you won't need this life hack, but we couldn't pass by it. If, by chance, you fall into a coma and doctors mistakenly declare you dead, they will, of course, bury you. However, when you wake up in the coffin, shock is inevitable. By following the advice of the author of this post, there's a chance that it will all turn out to be just a strong fright and a reevaluation of life.

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17. Stay in Your Car

Some things are obvious, yet for some reason, people often ignore them. So, it's worth reminding. If you're stuck in your car in the middle of the snow, don't rush to leave it, especially if you're far from people. If you get lost, you can quickly freeze, leading to a life-threatening situation.

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18. Don't Intervene

When we see someone choking and coughing, our immediate instinct is to reach out and pat them on the back. However, such actions may only cause harm. Remember, if a person is coughing, their airways are clear, and they can breathe. This means they can handle it on their own. If the person is unable to breathe, that's when action is needed.

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19. Kick doors the right way

The post's author advises against kicking jammed or simply closed doors with your shoulder. If you don't want to get injured, kick them straight. According to him, this way you have a better chance of breaking the lock without harming yourself. 

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20. Dehydration Prevention

A person can experience dehydration or its consequences without even realizing it. If you have symptoms described in the photo, it's worth getting an electrolyte analysis. Familiarize yourself with the advice provided by the author in the photo, and you can improve your condition without resorting to expensive treatment. However, don't forget to consult with your family doctor beforehand to avoid serious health issues.

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21. Survival Tips When Your Car is Stuck In The Remote Area

Anyone can get stuck in the middle of nowhere because their car broke down. Mobile reception is not always available, so you may need to find another way to get help. The post's author advises not to rush to abandon your car. Instead, take a spare tire and set it on fire. This way, you can attract the attention of passing drivers, and someone will surely respond to help. However, if the situation is extremely bad, don't hesitate to leave your car. Remember, your life is more important.

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22. Critical Information for 9-1-1

There are important rules to know when communicating with 9-1-1. Always understand that mobile connectivity can be lost for various reasons. Therefore, it is crucial to inform the dispatcher about your problem first, quickly stating what has happened to you. While the service may be able to track your location, they need to know your emergency to precisely understand the assistance you require.

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23. A Timely Reminder

Very often, people tend to ignore warning signs, considering them unimportant. Consequently, they behave rather recklessly at times when extreme caution is required. Therefore, it doesn't hurt to reiterate this rule: never disregard such signs, as they are there for a reason. Remember that your safety is also in your hands.

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24. Stay Connected

Criminals often target individuals who are alone. Let the wrongdoer know that you are not single and that your friends and family are aware of your whereabouts. Even if your phone has no signal, pretend that you are talking to someone. These simple actions can intimidate your pursuer, allowing you to leave the deserted area as quickly as possible.

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25. Actions During a Nuclear Explosion

We live in complex times where a high level of awareness in various matters is required. The post's author outlined how to act during a nuclear explosion to save your life. His advice is accurate and effective, so it's worth taking them into account. Of course, we hope that none of us will ever need them, but remember: forewarned is forearmed.

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26. Be Mindful

We rarely familiarize ourselves with evacuation rules for fire safety, confident that nothing critical will happen to us. However, it is worth paying attention to such things so that, in case of an emergency, we do not panic and react correctly. Unnecessary movements, fuss, and panic consume precious time and do not contribute to our advantage. The post's author is right about this and more. Therefore, we recommend taking heed of his advice. 

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27. Keep Going

The ability to perform artificial respiration is an important skill worth learning. Many people have mastered this skill and know how to use it. However, it is essential to know that it is not always possible to revive someone in a matter of minutes; sometimes, you need to perform CPR until medical professionals arrive. This way, you will support vital functions and prevent brain death in the affected person.

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28. An item in the glove compartment that can save a life

In a car, there should always be a first aid kit, as stipulated by the traffic rules. However, there is a detail not mentioned there but important to know and have at hand in case your car suddenly ends up underwater. As it is known, in such situations, it is difficult to open the doors due to the high pressure. Therefore, it is useful to have something like an ice scraper in the glove compartment. With this tool, you can break the window and emerge to the surface.

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29. Providing help without causing harm

Not everyone is aware of the rules for providing first aid during a road accident. In this situation, the most crucial aspect is to avoid causing further harm to the injured person. First and foremost, call 9-1-1 if you witness an accident on the road. If the accident involves a motorcyclist, refrain from removing the helmet, as only a qualified professional should handle this. Your task is to loosen the fastening on the helmet.

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30. Offer Resistance

Attackers often act unexpectedly and attempt to catch their victim off guard when they are disoriented. Consequently, they do not anticipate resistance, but that is precisely what the victim should do. Time is limited in such situations, so one must act immediately. It is usually challenging, but despite everything, it is necessary to quickly compose oneself and resist by delivering unexpected blows. This will likely confuse the assailant, giving the victim a chance to break free and escape.

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31. Protective Stance

A crowd is a tremendous force, as it is challenging to control during panic. It's best to avoid large gatherings of people, but that's not always possible. The first rule is to stay on your feet. However, if you do fall, cover your head with your hands. Also, if possible, lie down facing the direction of the crowd's movement to avoid blows and protect yourself.

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32. Prevention - Your Best Companion

Many people encounter cancer, and most of them learn about the disease in its later stages. If you undergo annual check-ups, you can either prevent the disease or start its treatment promptly. The post's author recommends getting screened for colorectal cancer after the age of 45-50, even if there are no noticeable concerns. However, if there is blood in the stool, immediate screening is essential.

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33. Protection from Lightning

Bad weather can strike anywhere. Getting wet or catching a cold is unpleasant, but there are more serious concerns, such as the risk of being struck by lightning. Understanding how to protect yourself in such a moment is crucial, as many people lose their lives due to lightning strikes. A network user shares their knowledge on the topic, which could be useful for you as well. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with these tips and keep them in mind.

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34. When Time Doesn't Heal

Often, destinies are decided in seconds. If you are bitten by a spider or any insect and you see a red mark at the site of the bite, go to the doctor immediately. This indicates infection, and you need qualified treatment; otherwise, you may experience serious complications.

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35. Sugar for Diabetics: Life Hack

Interesting tip: if a person with diabetes starts feeling dizzy or loses consciousness, it is advisable to immediately give them sugar. A network user asserts that this can have a positive impact and improve the person's condition, and most importantly, it could save their life.

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36. Don’t panic ever

The most important rule is never to panic; otherwise, it can be fatal within seconds. If you find yourself lost in an unfamiliar area, first and foremost, calm down, compose yourself, and only then take action. In a calm state, you can orient yourself more easily and think about the next steps.

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37. How to tie a bowline with one hand

As it is known, this bowline is considered the king of knots, one of the most reliable. The ability to tie it with one hand is considered an important survival skill in navigation and tourism. The reason for this is quite simple. If you happen to find yourself overboard or fall into a river while crossing without other means of rescue, at best, the end of the rope will fly. Grabbing onto it will allow you to stay afloat and significantly reduce energy consumption. Holding your weight with the strength of your arms for an extended period in turbulent seas or cold mountain streams while holding onto a wet rope is not an easy task. Therefore, it is critically important to tie this end of the rope around yourself before you run out of strength. Grab this life hack from a network user on how to tie a bowline with one hand, as it can come in handy.

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38. No spoon!

Another myth is that you need to place a spoon in the mouth when a person has a seizure to prevent them from choking. In the case of seizures, it is sufficient to lay the person on their left side and call for medical assistance. That's it, no need to complicate things.

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39. Safe Handling of Electrical Appliances

Interesting information for reflection shared by a network user. If you touch an electrical appliance, do it with the back of your hand, not the palm. By doing this, you can prevent a potential shock. The best advice is: when the equipment is faulty, it's better to call a technician and not turn it on at all, and most importantly, not attempt to repair it yourself.

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40. Don't Run from a Lion

In the wild, you may encounter various predators. An encounter with a lion, for example, can have deadly consequences. So, it's important to react correctly to avoid danger. The main rule is not to run! A lion may roar but not necessarily attack. It's better to walk slowly or simply stand and clap your hands. This sound may startle the beast, and it might move away from you.

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41. The Star Symbol

If you've seen the star symbol in an elevator and didn't know what it was for, now is the time to understand. This functionality may prove useful for you. This button indicates the floor through which you can directly route to outside.

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42. First Aid for Loss of Consciousness

What is the most common response when a person loses consciousness? Often, people splash water on the face or slap the cheeks. Forget about that, as these are incorrect actions. If you don't have cologne or rubbing alcohol on hand, simply pour cold water or apply ice to the person's forearms, and they will quickly come to their senses.

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43. Don’t be a polite victim

When someone tries to rob you and you don't have a weapon to scare off the assailant, scream. This way, you will attract maximum attention from those around you, and there is a high chance that someone will come to your aid and scare off the robber.

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44. Be Attentive to Sounds

In times of unrest, there is always a chance of unintentionally encountering danger. If you suddenly find yourself on a street where a shootout is happening, your priority should be to quickly find cover. And most importantly, listen carefully to the sounds. If you hear a cracking sound, shots are aimed at you, and you need to react quickly. When this sound resembles a deep thumping noise, it means that the shooting is aimed away from you. 

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45. Winter Clothing Tip

In winter, it can often be very cold, so people dress as warmly as possible. However, it's better to dress in a way that allows for a slight chill to be felt rather than constantly sweating. Sweating in winter can lead to rapid hyperthermia, which can cause heat spasms.

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46. F.A.S.T.

An Internet user has shared the main symptoms of a stroke that can be easily remembered by forming the acronym FAST:

Facial dropping - when there is a clear, unnatural asymmetry on the person's face.

Arm weakness - completely limp arms.

Speech difficulties - the person is unable to speak clearly.

Time - when the above symptoms are present, it is crucial to immediately call for medical assistance. Time is critical for help.

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47. When Whistling Saves Lives

If a person is lost and has also sustained an injury, it's better to call for help using a whistle. It is more effective, and there is a greater likelihood that you will be heard. The key is not to forget to take short breaks between whistles. This will help conserve energy.

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48. Symptoms Not to Ignore

The post's author shares their own story, which almost cost them their life. Fortunately, they quickly reacted and realized that redness at the site of an insect bite could be dangerous. They took pictures of the affected area for some time and then showed them to a doctor. Thanks to this, the person received the necessary and proper treatment that saved their life.

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49. Original Way to Start a Fire

I'm sure you didn't know that you can quickly start a fire using a tampon. At least, that's what one Internet user shared, having tested it themselves. So, if you ever plan a camping trip, bring along a pack of tampons, and you can also check the effectiveness of this method.

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50. Do not brake

Many drivers encounter situations where their vehicle starts to skid on an icy road. However, it's advisable not to brake if you don't want to make the situation more difficult for yourself. Simply take your feet off the pedals and steer with the skid until the tires find grip again.

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