Survival Rule of 3: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Alive

This post may use affiliate links from Amazon and other retailers which earn us a commission for any purchases made through them. This is done at no extra cost to you and we thank you for the support. Learn more.

Imagine getting stranded out in the wilderness, being trapped during a natural disaster, or even becoming stuck in a war-torn region with no help in sight. I can tell you knowing the survival rule of 3’s is the key to making it through. 

Regardless of the situation, the survival rule of 3’s are simple yet profound: three minutes without air, three hours without shelter in extreme conditions, three days without water, and yes – even three weeks without food.

But here’s the thing, the clock ticks differently out there depending on the scenario, and your next breath isn’t always guaranteed. Icy waters can threaten to cut your story short within minutes by snatching away precious oxygen or plummeting body temperature to fatal levels.

A harsh environment tests your resilience as hours stretch into eternity when seeking shelter becomes paramount against nature’s unrelenting elements—be it blistering heat or bone-chilling cold.

As thirst sets in, you have up to 72 hours in the fight against dehydration. Navigating this tough phase requires not just grit and planning, but also guidance from the Holy Spirit for success.

Now that we’ve identified the survival rule of 3’s, let’s look at how we can prepare for different scenarios with these in mind and handle some emergency scenarios when they are threatened. And we’ll have the Lord with us along the way as always.

Understanding the Survival Rule of 3

What is the Survival Rule of 3?

Perhaps you’ve encountered this concept while browsing through forums dedicated to survival or during a survival documentary. 

The Survival Rule of 3 sounds like something out of a survivalist’s handbook, right? Well, it kind of is. 

It breaks down to this: you can survive three minutes without air, three hours without shelter in extreme conditions, three days without water, and lastly, three weeks without food. Simple as that.

This rule is a critical guideline that could very well save your life one day. Think about it – knowing what needs immediate attention means you’re already halfway through solving the problem at hand.

It’s important to note that these are guidelines and the actual numbers vary widely depending on the circumstances at hand. They could actually be far less…

The Importance of Knowing Your Survival Needs

So, what’s the big deal with understanding all these survival essentials? Let’s face it – most folks never plan on getting lost in the wilderness or finding themselves in a dire survival situation. 

But here’s where things get real – emergencies don’t send calendar invites or give you a notification of their arrival.

Kicking into survival mode with knowledge from the Survival Rule of 3, lets you quickly assess what to tackle first. 

Is there a storm rolling in making shelter your top priority? Or maybe you’re stranded with no clean drinking water nearby?

Beyond being mere guidelines for those unexpected outdoor adventures gone wrong, this principle acts as a foundation for prioritizing your basic human needs under stress. 

The Critical First Three Minutes Without Air

As the top priority of the survival rules, we have at most three minutes without air before game-over and that’s being generous. Oxygen deprivation can be a serious concern and it is a basic survival principle and survival priority to have access to breathable air. In truth, you can actually lose consciousness at around the 30-180 second mark…

So put in an environment without oxygen and you have a short time until you’re out…

There are endless scenarios where not having breathable air could be life-threatening. Drowning, choking, being smoked out in a wildfire, chemical warfare, and emergencies that cause certain hazardous materials to fill the air are but a few instances that could keep you from clean air.

That brings up a real concern that many preppers have and why so many add gas masks to their supplies. I’ve got this one and have used it on multiple occasions actually. You can see the full review on it here.

On the other hand, there have been trained divers who have held their breathe for 11 minutes or more! So things vary.

Aside from those emergencies, the more likely scenario is dealing with more common emergencies like choking, heart attacks, or drownings.

Let’s get real for a second. Just thinking about a person gasping for breath isn’t any situation we regularly think about dealing with and would make nearly everyone frozen like a “deer in the headlights”. But here’s the kicker: you’ve got more power to help than you think.

How To Perform CPR

First off, you’re going to need all hands on deck if this goes south so get help by any means necessary. Then, make sure the scene is safe; we don’t want two victims on our hands.

1. Check responsiveness: Give them a gentle shake and shout, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response then it’s go time. Also, check for any other life-threatening issues like major bleeding etc. and lay them on a flat hard surface on their back.
2. Call 911: Or tell someone nearby to do it ASAP.
3. 30 Chest Compressions: Place your hands one atop another in the center of their chest. Lock those elbows and push hard and fast—about 100-120 compressions per minute (think “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees).
   • Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest
   • Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked
   • Depth: At least 2 inches
   • Rate: 100 to 120 per minute
   • Allow the chest to return to normal position after each compression
4. Airway check: Tilt their head back slightly to open up that airway. Check for any airway obstructions.
5. Give 2 Breaths: If they’re not breathing or only gasping, give 2 rescue breaths after opening the airway.
   • If their chest doesn’t rise with the first breath, re-tilt the head and get a good seal before trying again. It may be blocked if it doesn’t rise again.
6. Cycle through: Do cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or they start breathing on their own. The Red Cross says to keep at it and to minimize interruptions to chest compressions to less than 10 seconds.

Note: This is a quick guide to the steps of performing CPR and not a replacement for up-to-date hands-on training. Go get trained and certified!

Here is a great collection of online training. Use code “Strength15” for 15% off anything sitewide!

How To Perform The Heimlich Maneuver

Suddenly choking? Here’s how you can get on it and help:

• Stand behind them: Wrap your arms around their waist like you’re giving an awkward hug from behind. Tip ’em forward slightly.
• Make a fist:
  • Make one hand into a fist just above the belly button.
  • Cover that fist with your other hand. 
  • Now comes the superhero part: Push inward and upward at the same time – like you’re trying to lift them off their feet but through their middle. 

Most know of the Heimlich maneuver, this method can save a life by clearing an obstructed airway and the person is conscious. Be sure to go get proper training and practice these life-saving methods.

Surviving Three Hours Without Shelter in Extreme Conditions

Finding yourself without shelter for three hours might not sound like a big deal, but throw in extreme weather conditions and you’re playing a whole new ball game. Whether it’s scorching heat or bone-chilling cold, the environment doesn’t play around and will take you out in no time.

We have seen random freezing storms around the U.S. and it has caused people to become stranded and unfortunately, some never made it home. That is why being prepared is essential.

Building an Emergency Shelter

If you are ever caught in extreme conditions the first step is not to panic. The most powerful tool you possess in any survival scenario is your own mind. 

Now, let’s talk about making an emergency shelter. If you’re facing extreme cold, look for natural barriers—think caves or even dense foliage—to block the wind and retain some body heat. Snow can also be an insulator as well.

When it’s blisteringly hot, aim to craft a cool haven by generating shadows and enhancing the breeze around you. A simple lean-to made from branches can shield you from direct sunlight while allowing air to circulate.

Having a survival shelter, or a bivy, in your gear when you go out into the wilderness is probably worth it also. These small little personal tents could save a life.

Protecting Yourself from Extreme Weather

• Dress Smart: In cold weather layers are king; they trap air keeping you warm. In hot climates opt for loose-fitting clothes that reflect light away from your body. I’ve heard many survival experts use the saying “cotton kills” so be sure to have outer shells that defend against the elements.
• Stay Hydrated: It sounds counterintuitive especially when water seems scarce but staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature no matter if it’s hot or cold outside. Dehydration will sneak up on you, so make sure drinking water remains high on your priority list regardless of the thirst cues (or lack thereof).
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days—use it generously during any exposure to harsh environments to protect against the beating sun.

Roughing it without proper shelter puts us smack dab into survival mode where every decision counts. 

But remember: humans have endured far worse using their wits and whatever was at hand in the old days. You’ve got this.

The Necessity of Water Within Three Days

Finding and Purifying Water in Nature

So, you’ve run out of water? That’s your top mission now. Because without it, the clock starts ticking and you’ve got roughly three days before times up in ideal conditions.

This varies widely. In hot conditions where you’re exerting a lot of energy it will be far less. In ideal conditions it could be more.

Our bodies are around 60% water, after all. Let that sink in for a moment (pun intended).

To get your hands on some water to drink look out for a decent water source:

• First off, look for natural streams or rivers—nature’s own drinking fountains. But don’t just gulp down; not all clear water is clean water.
• If running water isn’t an option, time to get creative with rainwater or even morning dew as sources. Every drop counts.
• Muddy puddles might not seem appealing but filtered through cloth can be a start—just make sure you purify it next.

Purification doesn’t need to be high-tech either:

1. Boiling is best: If you’ve got fire and a metal container, boil away those germs for at least one minute (longer if at a higher altitude).
2. Water purification tablets: Lightweight lifesavers when packing space is tight and finding fuel tough.
3. Water filters: Having a survival filter on hand is essential whenever you head out into the wild.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

Dehydration sneaks up on you. When it comes, it’s subtle then suddenly severe.
Here are early signs telling you that your body needs water ASAP:

• Dry mouth.
• Fatigue.
• Headaches.

Managing Three Weeks Without Food for Survival

Probably the lowest priority of the survival rules is food because you can survive the longest without it. That doesn’t mean you should neglect it, however. Having the proper fuel in any survival scenario is key to performing at a level necessary for pushing through any situation.

Identifying Edible Plants and Insects, Conserving Energy and Food Rationing

The thought of going three weeks without food might send shivers down your spine. But here’s the kicker: it’s entirely possible, and knowing how to do it could save your life one day.

Finding yourself in an emergency situation where three weeks without food is a possibility? First off, don’t panic. Your body has got this – up to a point. But you’ll need some savvy survival skills up your sleeve.

• Edible Plants: Mother Nature isn’t as stingy as she seems at first glance. Many plants out there are not only edible but nutritious too. Dandelions, clovers, plantains (nope, not the banana-like fruit) – these can be lifesavers.
  • Just make sure you know what’s safe to eat; mistaken identity cases don’t end well in the wild. Avoid mushrooms at all costs unless you know for sure what you are doing.
  • Get a book like this one that identifies edible plants.
• Insects: Before you say “ew,” hear me out. Bugs like crickets and grasshoppers pack protein punches that rival beef. Plus they’re abundant almost everywhere on Earth.

Rationing any emergency food? That’s when creativity becomes crucial – think small portions spread throughout the day rather than three square meals. 

Conserving energy is just as vital as finding sustenance because let’s face it – if you’re spending more calories hunting or gathering than what you’re ingesting…well, you’re doing it wrong and setting yourself up to breakdown.

Most short-term survival situations won’t demand drastic measures like eating insects or rationing granola bars over weeks but large and catastrophic events are always possible and seem to be rising in likelihood these days. 

See our guides on SHTF essentials and prepping for long-term disasters if you’re into gathering supplies, making plans, acquiring hand guns and more.

Prioritizing Your Survival Needs Effectively

One of the best ways of prioritizing your survival needs is by making preparations and plans beforehand. Otherwise, you’re in for a hard time. In fact, your survival depends on proper planning and preparation in serious situations.

Related:
–Prepping Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Survival Kit in 2024
–How to Start Prepping in 2024: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Assessing Immediate Threats to Life, Making a Plan Based on the Rule of 3’s

When you’re thrust into the thick of a survival situation, you might feel like panicking but here’s where we flip the script from panic to power.

The Survival Rule of 3 is not just a catchy phrase; it’s your roadmap out of danger. Think about it: three minutes without air, three hours without shelter in harsh conditions, three days without water, and three weeks without food. It lays down what needs your attention first and fast.

• Air: If someone’s choking or can’t breathe – this is job number one. Nothing else matters if you can’t get oxygen. Whether that’s needing gas masks to escape a fire or resuscitating someone, having the gear and/or skills to do so is key.
• Shelter: In extreme weather? Find or make shelter pronto to stay alive. Deploy your survival shelter asap if you got one.
• Water: Next up, find yourself some clean drinking water because dehydration sneaks up quickly. Purification tablets and water filters are literal lifesavers here.
• Food: Lastly, once everything above is squared away – then think about filling that belly with something edible. Short-term emergencies might not need it but long-term scenarios will require the right fuel to survive.

Making this priority list work means taking stock of what’s happening around you right now. 

Ask yourself: 

• What’s my biggest threat at this very moment? 
• Is it exposure to brutal cold? Extreme heat? 
• Outdoor adventures gone wrong?
• Civil unrest?

If hypothermia’s knocking on your door because you’re wet and freezing — finding water isn’t at the top of your survival priorities anymore. We need warmth stat.

You’ve got to have a cool head and assess your situation calmly before diving headfirst into action—because when push comes to shove—you’ve only got seconds for decision-making that could mean life or death in some scenarios. That is why proper planning becomes crucial to preparedness for all situations you may be faced with.

But hey, don’t sweat too much over getting things perfect right off the bat; survival is all about adapting as things change. Start here if you want to take things further.

In short – prioritize based on immediate threats using the essential Survival Rule of 3s as guidance—but remember flexibility and calmness are key components in any plan worth its salt out there. So let’s tackle these challenges head-on with smarts rather than fear dictating your moves.

Essential Items for Your Survival Kit

Now we turn to some essentials you can collect and put into a survival kit. Having the right gear on hand could make all the difference in a survival emergency. Building a get home bag or bugout bag is a great start.

Must-Have Tools and Supplies for Any Emergency Situation

You’ve decided to be ready. Smart move. Whether it’s a spontaneous adventure gone wrong or an unexpected natural disaster, having the right survival kit can literally mean the difference between life and death. But what exactly do you pack in this lifesaver bag? Peering into the depths, let’s ensure clarity remains our companion on this journey.

• A fire-starting kit: Because rubbing two sticks together only looks easy in movies.
• An emergency sleeping bag: It’s like your cozy bed, but portable and survival-ready.
• A waterproof tarp: Mother Nature is unpredictable; stay dry no matter what she throws at you.
• A bushcraft knife: For everything from slicing food to crafting shelter. Versatility is key.
• A Swiss Army knife or Survival Multitool: The Swiss know something about survival; let’s trust them on this one.
• Survival Water Filter/Purification: Essential to always have clean water at hand.
• Emergency Food: Because you never know when you’ll be caught without it.
• Firearms: Depending on your scenario/location, having a means of protection may be essential.

Adding to the prepping essentials, don’t forget water purification tools. A metal container plus a survival water filter could save you from dehydration which is a real danger out there.

And because nobody likes eating leaves (unless they’re part of a fancy salad), pack calorie-dense foods—think energy bars that taste better than cardboard. You’ll thank us later. This is my go-to and it packs some serious nutrition.

Last but not least: communication tools. A personal locator beacon might sound over the top until it becomes your lifeline back to civilization. So yes, add that whistle too because sometimes old school works best when signaling for help.

Packing these items won’t just prepare you for emergencies—they’ll give you peace of mind knowing that whatever happens, you’ve got your bases covered.

Required reading:
–How to Start Prepping in 2024: A Practical Guide for…
–Building A SHTF Plan: Hidden Preparedness Advice For…

Preparing for Environmental Challenges

Staying Warm and Dry in Harsh Conditions

Facing the forces of nature head-on requires a mix of grit and wisdom and no doubt some help from the Lord. 

When you’re up against the elements, they don’t play fair. 

That biting cold? It seeps into your bones if you’re not prepared with the right cold-weather gear. 

And rain? It’ll drench your spirits along with your clothes unless you’ve got solid rain gear.

The key here is to stay warm and dry, no matter what the sky decides to throw at you. Ensuring you’re snug and dry is more than mere convenience; it’s fundamentally about keeping safe in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

• LAYER UP: The art of layering is non-negotiable. Start with moisture-wicking fabrics close to the skin, add insulating layers next, then top off with a waterproof shell.
• DON’T SKIMP ON QUALITY: Good gear isn’t cheap, but hypothermia will cost you more than dollars.
• PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR EXTREMITIES: Your head, hands, and feet lose heat fast. Hats are heroes; gloves are guardians; boots are barricades against the bitter cold. Good socks are essential as well.

You might be thinking: “But hey. I’m tough and I can handle it.” 

Sure, we all like to think we can brave anything – until wilderness survival humbles us. So don’t test the Lord, nature, or your limits without being geared up first.

Apart from dressing smartly, wisdom lies in knowing when to seek shelter. No shame there either.

In harsh conditions, persistence without preparation is plain perilous. Whether it’s extreme cold or relentless rain threatening to chill or soak every inch of hope outta ya’, remember this:

Preparedness wins over pride any day of the week. Not to mention pride is said to be the root of all sin so there’s that.

Techniques for Signaling and Rescue

Using Technology and Natural Methods to Signal for Help

Gone are the days when we relied solely on smoke signals. Nowadays, thanks to technological advancements, we stand a better shot at rescue and survival. 

But let’s not forget our roots – natural methods still have their place in our survival toolkit.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs): These little gadgets could be your lifeline. A PLB sends out a distress signal with your location to search and rescue teams so ensure it’s part of your survival kit. Otherwise here are some tried and true old-school methods when tech fails or isn’t an option:

• Mirror Signals/Glinting: On a sunny day, nothing beats the good old mirror flash known as glinting. Aimed correctly, it can catch the eye of rescuers from miles away.
• SOS Whistle Blasts: Three sharp blasts is an internationally recognized distress call – easier than yelling yourself hoarse.
• Natural Markers: Arrange rocks or branches into an SOS pattern or arrows pointing towards where you’re sheltering.

Tech-wise, besides PLBs, consider satellite messengers that allow texting even without cell service or GPS devices that track your journey just in case you don’t make it back as planned.

The key here? Visibility and communication— whether through techy tools or nature-crafted signs — both aim to make sure you’re seen or heard by those who can help pull you out of whatever situation you’ve landed in.

The Role of Mental Preparedness in Survival Situations

Cultivating a Positive Attitude

When you’re stuck out there, your mindset can be your best friend or worst enemy. 

A positive attitude? It’s not just fluff; it’s your armor against panic and despair.

Mental Exercises for Stress Management

Stress in survival situations isn’t just common; it’s expected. So how do we deal with it?

• Breathe: Start with deep breaths to lower that pounding heart rate. Box breathing is helpful: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, then hold for 4 again and repeat.
• Visualize Success: Picture yourself overcoming obstacles vividly—this boosts confidence.
• Routine Practice: Make mental rehearsals part of your regular prep work before embarking on any adventure into unknown territory. Mental preparation hinges on rehearsing scenarios of all kinds so do it often.

In survival scenarios, trail riders tend to think about gear first – water filters, first aid kits…the list goes on. This is still good, but all the gear in the world won’t help a useless mind.

We have resilience inside us waiting to be tapped into when things go south. That right there is something no kit can provide but is equally essential for making it through tough times unscathed—or at least less scathed. Remember,  survival is a state of mind, and cultivating that unbeatable spirit starts long before any actual threat comes.

Reading what the Bible says about prepping can really lift your spirits.

We might not always control what happens out there in the wilderness or during emergency situations. But controlling how we respond? That power lies within each one of us ready to make all the difference between despair and hope, panic and peace. 

So next time you pack up those saddle bags, hit the trail head, or check off items from your survival kit list don’t forget—the most crucial supply doesn’t weigh anything at all but carries immense value: Your mindset.

Navigating Health Emergencies in the Wild

Tackling Allergic Reactions, Emergency First-Aid Skills

Imagine this: you’re miles away from civilization, surrounded by the untamed beauty of nature. It’s exhilarating but also a bit daunting, especially when you remember that help isn’t just a phone call away. 

What if someone in your group has an allergic reaction? 

Or what if there’s an accident requiring immediate first aid? 

No need to panic; let’s dive into how to tackle these common situations head-on.

Allergic Reactions: They can strike fast and hard. Whether it’s bee stings or unexpected food allergies making their presence known, having epinephrine injectors (known as EpiPen to most) on hand are game-changers. 

Remember though, not everyone knows they have allergies until they’re face-to-face with them—literally. So even if no one has declared any allergies before hitting the trail, pack those injectors or epinephrine inhalers anyway if you can.

• If symptoms arise (think swelling, difficulty breathing), use the injector immediately.
• Always keep watch after administering epinephrine as symptoms may return—it’s called biphasic reactions.
• Kickstart those emergency signals and seek emergency help ASAP because time is truly of the essence here.

This guide isn’t intended to teach an emergency tracheotomy or crude tracheotomy so we’ll leave that to the professionals. 

There are other more common potential emergencies you can prepare to deal with though. Broken bones and major wounds happen all the time and you should know how to deal with them.

Additional Emergency First-Aid Skills:

1. Stop the Bleed: Major hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of preventable death. Having tourniquets and other emergency supplies is always a good idea.
2. Dressing Wounds – Injuries are unpredictable out there under open skies. Clean and dress wounds promptly to prevent infection until professional medical help can be reached.
3. Bone Fractures – Bone fractures are common out there and immobilizing them will prevent further harm.

The best plan is to have the supplies with the proper skills to go with them so you know what you’re doing. Seek first-aid training to deal with severe bleeding and other medical conditions during intense survival scenarios. This is just as important as knowing how to purify water and boiling water for drinking like we mentioned earlier.

The Most Important Truth For True And Lasting Survival

This section is the most important section in this article for true “survival”.

I understand that this isn’t apart of the mainstream “survival” or “prepper” niche, but that is what sets us apart.

I genuinely care about the salvation of EVERYONE who reads this and pray for those to seek Christ to save your souls from eternal damnation in hell.

That is what matters most. Ultimately, we are going to leave this world no matter how much we cling to it.

The fact is that we will live forever. But where is the big question…

In heaven?

Or in hell?

I pray you seek Him and if you want to learn more, read the Bible. You can also check out the articles below for a deeper dive.

READ:
–How to Be Saved: A Man’s Guide to Finding Faith in 2024
–Narrow Is The Gate: The Path to True Salvation

Wrapping Up The Survival Rule of 3’s

On this journey, we’ve uncovered the raw truths and revelations behind the survival rule of three. It’s more than numbers; it’s a survival idea widely regarded as survival guidelines.

This isn’t necessarily about bracing for an apocalypse or painting scenarios that’ll most likely never see daylight outside Hollywood studios. No, this is real life and we tackled real-life needs for surviving harsh conditions. 

We didn’t just scratch the surface; we dug deep. From mastering CPR to building emergency shelters – all while keeping our heads cool enough to remember dehydration signs under pressure.

But here’s what makes you different now: knowledge. You’ve got what it takes because now you know how vital these rules are—not as distant concepts but as tangible skills that could one day tip the scales in a rough situation.

I hope I’ve given you more info to lean on when help is needed and sparked a fire inside you—to learn more, prepare better, and live each day with confidence knowing that if push comes to shove…you’re ready! 

The survival rule of 3 isn’t just another chapter in your adventure book—it’s a guiding principle that could very well save your life one day. So take it seriously, practice often, and always be prepared for whatever challenges may come your way.