Remove yourself from further harm.

It sounds obvious, and many times this is all that is required to ensure your survival until rescue.

Things such as saving yourself from a burning fuselage or the interior of a sinking automobile are examples of overcoming panic and using a strong will to live to save your life. However, I have read many accounts of people drowning or dying of smoke inhalation because they panicked, or did not act at all.

Then there are the less obvious hazards that can be overlooked once a person has survived the initial emergency . Many people are killed every year after surviving automobile accidents on foggy roads, only to be killed by a passing car. Hazards such as explosions, severe climate, lightning, dangerous terrain, even wild animals are often, temporarily at least, overlooked once you are out of immediate danger. It is also during this time that slower, more insidious emotional injuries start.

There will be varying amounts of shock, fear, denial, anger, despair, even attempts at heroics depending on the person. If you are in a group, all of these emotions will manifest themselves, and the people who can maintain a positive survival attitude will be most likely to live through this ordeal.

-Remember that anytime you are away from the comfort of civilization, you are responsible for your own safety at all times!

-Always be aware of additional hazards in the wilderness such as:

Dangerous terrain
Rapid changes in temperature
Lightning
Flash floods
Rivers and streams
Animals and insects
Wildfires

-Avoid accidents caused by disorientation or shock. Learn and understand how to safely use signaling equipment, fire starters, firearms, hatchets and machetes.

-Never risk life or personal injury in an attempt to speed up you rescue, unless your life is in imminent danger.

-Immediately check your surroundings for signs of continuing hazards such as fire potential, falling debris, avalanche, or toxic fumes. Move to a safer area if necessary.