Cheat sheet: Psychology and decisions

1. 1Physical signs – Pounding heart, fast breathing, trembling, sweating, dry mouth, nausea, weak knees, tingling in hands or lips when breathing very fast.
2. 2Perception – Tunnel vision, sounds go unheard, sense of time is distorted, gaps in memory.
3. 3Thinking and acting – Clinging to the first plan, difficulty weighing options, forgetting simple things (e.g. the address during an emergency call), frantic…
4. 4Afterwards – Exhaustion, crying, trembling, irritability, sleep problems or recurring images in the following days are common and fade with time for…
5. 5Counteracting – Pause briefly and breathe out more slowly on purpose, do one task after another, speak aloud, use checklists and prepared plans, involve…

Caution: Chest pain, breathlessness, a racing heart or numbness can also have physical causes. When in doubt, do not dismiss them as "just stress" – call the emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-stress-reactions

1. 1S – Stop – Stop, sit down if possible.
2. 2Breathe – For a few breaths, breathe in calmly through the nose and out longer and slowly through the mouth.
3. 3Ground yourself – Feel your feet on the ground, name five things you can see and a few things you can hear.
4. 4T – Think – What is the biggest danger right now?
5. 5O – Observe – Surroundings, weather, time of day, people, equipment, battery, water.
6. 6P – Plan – Decide the next small, concrete step and say it aloud ("I am calling 112 now", "We stay here and put our jackets on").

Danger: With fire, smoke, gas, rising water or other immediate danger do not stand still: get to safety first and call the emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-stop-calm-down

1. 1Acute warning signs: get help now – Talk of suicide or self-harm, danger to others, severe confusion, delusions or complete loss of control: call the local emergency number…
2. 2Ask directly – If you are worried, ask calmly and directly whether the person is thinking of harming themselves.
3. 3Persistent distress – Seek professional help promptly if strong anxiety, low mood, sleeplessness, nightmares or intrusive memories do not ease over weeks or get…
4. 4Daily life no longer works – If someone can no longer look after themselves or children, withdraws completely or increasingly uses alcohol, medication or drugs to cope.
5. 5Where to find help – Family doctor, local crisis line or crisis service, psychotherapy and psychiatric services, pastoral care and psychosocial support from…
6. 6Keep supporting – Help with making contact, accompany them to appointments, take load off in daily life and stay in touch.

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-professional-help

1. 1Prepare – Briefly find out: what happened, which services are present, which hazards exist?
2. 2Look – Check for safety, visible injuries and urgent basic needs (warmth, water, toilet, medication).
3. 3Listen – Approach calmly, ask about needs and concerns, listen.
4. 4Calm – With strong agitation offer a quiet place, speak slowly, draw attention to breathing and surroundings.
5. 5Link – Help people reach loved ones, get reliable information and find services.
6. 6Close – Say when you are leaving and who takes over.

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-pfa-look-listen-link

1. 1Make sense of reactions – Know that sleep disturbance, jumpiness, brooding or numbness are common after distressing events.
2. 2Look after the body – Eat and drink regularly, move, keep sleep times.
3. 3Structure – Gradually resume daily routines; postpone big decisions where possible.
4. 4Contact – Spend time with people you trust.
5. 5Limit images – Avoid repeatedly viewing pictures and videos of the event.
6. 6Watch the course – Observe yourself and others.

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-after-event-coping

1. 1Secure warnings – Activate official warning channels for your area so that important messages get through.
2. 2Fixed times – Choose two or three fixed times a day for news, not right before sleep.
3. 3Few sources – One or two reliable sources instead of many channels.
4. 4Reduce notifications – Turn off push notifications from news apps, keep warning apps on.
5. 5Check question – Before reading further ask: does this information change what I do now?
6. 6Protect children – Do not expose children constantly to news and images; answer their questions in an age-appropriate way.

Caution: Do not extend news breaks to official warnings: keep receiving warning apps, sirens and broadcast announcements for your area.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-media-diet

1. 1Arrive and orient – Note emergency exits, stewards and first-aid posts.
2. 2Choose a position – Prefer the edge to the middle or directly in front of the stage; avoid bottlenecks, stairs and barriers.
3. 3Watch density – Warning signs: body contact from all sides, wave-like crowd movements, screaming, being carried along.
4. 4Move away early – Move diagonally across the flow towards the edge, do not fight against it. Take steps in the pauses between surges.
5. 5Make breathing space – Hold your arms bent in front of your chest to keep some room to breathe.
6. 6Leave – Leave early if you feel unwell, if crowding increases or if announcements are made.

Danger: If you can no longer move freely, are pushed by the crowd or struggle to breathe: move immediately towards the edge and away from bottlenecks, barriers and walls. Do not stop to film.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-crowd-safety

1. 1Name the worry – Write the worry down in one sentence, e.g. "What do we do in a power cut lasting several days?".
2. 2Split into two columns – What can I influence (supplies, plan, contacts)?
3. 3One small step – Choose one step that can be done in under an hour and do it – e.g. check the torch and batteries.
4. 4Close deliberately – Tick off what is done, note the next step, then deliberately turn to something else.
5. 5Limit information – Read news at fixed times from a few reliable sources.

Caution: Anyone who notices that preparedness leads to ever more purchases, checking or sleeplessness should pause and talk to someone about it.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-preparedness-without-fear

1. 1Recognise it as a normal reaction – Tell yourself: many people feel guilt after such events.
2. 2Look back fairly – Ask: what did I really know back then?
3. 3Talk about it – Talk with trusted people, pastoral care, self-help or counselling services – at your own pace, without pressure to give details.
4. 4Do something meaningful – Some people find it helps to help others, to commemorate or to get involved – if it feels right.
5. 5Seek professional help if … – … feelings do not ease over weeks, sleep, work or relationships suffer badly, withdrawal increases or thoughts of self-harm occur.

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-guilt-survivor-feelings

1. 1Before helping – Clarify your own situation: health, family taken care of?
2. 2While helping – Fixed breaks, eat and drink, keep to shifts, take turns with others, only take on tasks within your abilities.
3. 3Watch for warning signs – Irritability, sleeplessness, cynicism, feeling irreplaceable, drinking more alcohol, withdrawal: signs to step back.
4. 4Share – Talk about experiences within the team or with trusted people, without overloading others with details.
5. 5After helping – Close deliberately, rest, spend time with family and friends, do pleasant things.

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-helper-self-care

1. 1Prepare before dusk – Use the last hour of daylight: pick a spot with no dead branches above and not in a hollow, gather leaves or boughs for a thick ground…
2. 2Ration your light wisely – Do not leave your headlamp on all the time; switch it on when needed – ideally on a low setting or red light.
3. 3A small fire, if safe and justifiable – A small fire gives warmth and light and a task to do. Only on open, mineral soil away from trees, tent or emergency blanket, never when…
4. 4Calm your breathing – When your heart is racing: put one hand on your belly, breathe in through your nose for about four seconds and breathe out more slowly, for…
5. 5Name the sounds – Quietly tell yourself what you hear: “That is wind in the trees.” “That is a mouse rustling in dry leaves.” Typical night sounds are…
6. 6Small tasks give you a hold – Give the night some order: feed the fire, check your feet and hands for warmth, drink a few sips, eat a little, note the time, go through…
7. 7Rest instead of grimly keeping watch – Lie down well insulated and allow yourself to doze – you do not have to keep watch all night.

Danger: Do not set off or run at night out of fear. In the dark it is easy to fall, get hurt, lose direction and move further away from searchers. Stay where you are until it is light.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-fear-night-alone

1. 1Stop immediately – As soon as doubts arise, stop – right there.
2. 2Sit down and breathe – Take off your pack and sit on it so you are not on cold ground.
3. 3Drink and eat something – Drink a few sips and eat a little.
4. 4Check honestly, do not bend the map – Ask yourself: where was I last completely sure?
5. 5Write everything down – Note the time, the last certain point, the rough route since then, what you see and hear, water, food, battery level, weather and how long…
6. 6Call for help and decide calmly – With reception: call 112, give your situation and notes, then stay.
7. 7Make yourself findable – Three strong blasts, pause, repeat – the well-known distress signal.

Danger: Do not run and do not just set off “in some direction”. Panicked walking leads to falls and injuries, sweat-soaked clothing that chills you later, and enlarges the area rescuers have to search.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-lost-panic-woods-shock

1. 1Safety and emergency call – If necessary, move out of immediate danger (rockfall, water) – but only if you can do so without much movement.
2. 2Simple first aid – Stop heavy bleeding with firm, direct pressure.
3. 3Breathe out slowly – With pain you often hold your breath without noticing and tense up everything.
4. 4Describe the pain factually – Give the pain a number from 0 to 10 and describe it neutrally: where exactly?
5. 5Steer your attention – Deliberately steer your attention to other things: count five things you see, four you hear, three you feel.
6. 6Pace your strength – Move only when necessary – for example a few metres out of wind or wet.
7. 7Stay warm and divide the time – Warmth, a few sips of water and a little food make pain and shivering more bearable.

Danger: With an injury, hypothermia or when you no longer know what to do: call 112 at once (in Austria also 144 for the ambulance and 140 for mountain rescue). In the EU 112 works without credit and often via other networks.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-pain-injury-coping

1. 1Know the priorities – 1. Avert immediate danger to life and call for help.
2. 2Set trigger and turnaround points in advance – Decide in advance when you will act: "At 2 pm we turn back wherever we are", "With a severe weather warning we do not set off", "If…
3. 3Name the thinking traps – Ask: am I sticking to the plan only because I have already invested so much?
4. 4Say the options aloud – Name two or three options, each with its worst realistic outcome.
5. 5Invite dissent – In a group, explicitly ask for objections.
6. 6Reassess regularly – Review decisions at fixed intervals and with every new piece of information.

Danger: In immediate danger to life do not deliberate – act: get to safety and call the emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-decisions-under-stress

1. 1Define sources – Note in advance: authority websites, warning apps, regional radio.
2. 2Who says this? – Is the source identifiable and responsible?
3. 3When and where? – Check date, place and context.
4. 4Cross-check – Is it also reported by official bodies or several established media outlets?
5. 5Do not forward – Do not share anything unchecked.

Caution: Where reports conflict, instructions from the responsible authorities and emergency services on site take priority over messages from social media or messengers.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-rumours-misinformation

1. 1Set routines – Settle recurring things once: mealtimes, water ration, news times, device charging times.
2. 2Agree trigger points – Decide in advance which signs trigger action (e.g. "If the water rises to X, we leave").
3. 3Share decisions – Divide responsibilities (food, children, information, technology); do not direct every question to one person.
4. 4Choose the timing – Put big, non-urgent decisions into rested moments, e.g. after sleep and food.
5. 5Allow "good enough" – For small matters take the first reasonable option instead of searching for the perfect one.

Caution: Do not make safety-relevant decisions (driving, gas appliances, evacuation) alone and exhausted; if possible, have a second person double-check.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-decision-fatigue

1. 1Agree on coordination – A calm person takes on coordination – not necessarily the loudest.
2. 2Stay together and count – Keep everyone together, count heads, form pairs who look out for each other.
3. 3Inform honestly – Say briefly and calmly what is known, what is not known and what happens next.
4. 4Assign tasks – Everyone gets a suitable task: water, light, food, keeping children busy, listening to the radio, checking on neighbours.
5. 5Secure basic needs – Organise warmth or cooling, water, food, toilets, places to rest and sleep.
6. 6Look out for the vulnerable – Keep a deliberate eye on children, older, ill and disabled people, and on people who are very quiet or very agitated.
7. 7Address conflicts early – Address tensions calmly and early, share resources fairly and visibly, explain decisions.
8. 8Set small goals – Set achievable goals for the next few hours and name successes ("Water is secured", "Everyone is warm").

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-group-calm

1. 1Steady yourself first – Pause briefly and breathe out calmly before you talk to the child.
2. 2Offer closeness – Stay with the child, offer physical contact, get down to eye level.
3. 3Explain honestly and simply – In short, age-appropriate sentences say what has happened and what the adults are doing to keep everyone safe.
4. 4Allow feelings – Name and accept fear, anger or sadness ("That was really frightening").
5. 5Keep routines – Keep fixed times for meals, sleep and play as far as possible.
6. 6Play and keep busy – Play, drawing and movement help children process what they have experienced.
7. 7Watch reactions – Clinging, setbacks, nightmares, tummy aches or irritability are common after distressing events.

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-children-fears

1. 1Set a daily plan – Agree fixed times for getting up, meals, tasks, news, rest and sleep, and write them down where everyone can see them.
2. 2Watch and rest shifts – If someone has to stay awake (children, sick people, security, a fire in the stove), set up shifts so that everyone gets an unbroken block…
3. 3Improve the sleeping place – Warm, dry, as dark and quiet as possible: insulation from the ground, blankets, an eye mask, earplugs if appropriate.
4. 4Daylight and movement – During the day seek daylight and move about as far as safely possible.
5. 5Ration the news – Listen to official information at fixed times instead of constantly.
6. 6Wind down in the evening – Avoid caffeine late in the day, do not use alcohol as a sleep aid, do something calm before sleep (reading aloud, talking, calm breathing).
7. 7Short rests when needed – If sleep is missing at night, plan short rest periods during the day – especially before demanding or risky tasks.

Danger: Severe tiredness slows reactions and impairs judgement. Do not drive, handle tools, fire or generators, or make risky decisions alone when overtired.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-sleep-routine

1. 1Divide the day – Set fixed times for meals, sleep, tasks and information – even if they seem arbitrary.
2. 2Small tasks – Distribute tasks: count supplies, ration water, keep notes, tidy the camp, prepare signals.
3. 3Movement – Gentle movement in a safe area, such as stretching or short walks, if warmth and energy allow.
4. 4Information times – Check news and radio at fixed times rather than constantly.
5. 5Occupation – Conversation, card or word games, reading, storytelling, a journal.
6. 6Daily review – In the evening briefly note what was done and what is planned for tomorrow.

Caution: Activity must not lead to risky behaviour, such as exploring unsafe terrain or using energy that costs warmth and supplies.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-waiting-boredom

1. 1Name the situation – State honestly what is going on – including the hard parts.
2. 2Clarify what you control – Separate: what can I/we influence and what not?
3. 3Set sub-goals – Small, concrete goals for hours or a day: "water treated by noon", "two forms completed today".
4. 4Make progress visible – Tick off or write down what is done.
5. 5Meaning and values – Remember what you are persevering for: family, friends, plans.

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-hope-goals

1. 1Check basic needs – Is everyone fed, warm, rested?
2. 2Agree rules – Clarify early: how are decisions made?
3. 3Slow things down – In a heated moment suggest a break, separate people physically, speak more quietly.
4. 4Hear both sides – Each person describes their view without interruption.
5. 5Interests rather than positions – Ask what lies behind the demand (safety, fairness, quiet) and look for solutions that consider both.
6. 6Agree and review – Make a concrete agreement and check together after a while whether it works.

Danger: With violence, threats or weapons do not step in between: get distance, bring others to safety and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-group-conflict

1. 1Prepare – Clarify the facts, briefly sort your own feelings, choose a quiet place and time.
2. 2Say it simply and truthfully – Short sentences, clear words, no euphemisms that can confuse.
3. 3Allow feelings – Crying, anger, silence or apparent indifference are all possible.
4. 4Answer questions – Answer honestly; "I don't know yet" is allowed.
5. 5Relieve guilt – Say explicitly that it is not the child's fault.
6. 6What happens now – Explain who is taking care of them, where they will sleep and what happens next.

Caution: If a child barely sleeps for weeks, withdraws severely, stops eating or talks about self-harm: involve a paediatrician, counselling service or child mental health professional. In acute danger call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-bad-news-children

1. 1Approach respectfully – Address by name, introduce yourself, speak slowly and clearly, make eye contact.
2. 2Practical needs – Ask about medication, aids, toilet, warmth, food and drink.
3. 3Inform clearly – Repeat important information and write it down if needed (large print).
4. 4Involve – Let them share decisions and draw on their experience.
5. 5Stay in contact – Check in regularly, help reach relatives, involve neighbours.

Danger: Sudden confusion, disorientation or marked change in behaviour can be a medical emergency (e.g. from dehydration, heat or infection). Get medical help; in acute danger call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-supporting-older-people

1. 1List contacts – Write important people and numbers on paper in case phone or network fail.
2. 2Fixed contact times – Agree short daily calls or messages, such as an "I'm OK" at a fixed time.
3. 3Be there for others – Call neighbours, coordinate shopping, listen to someone.
4. 4Rituals – Keep small rituals: breakfast at the same time, an evening walk (if permitted and safe), a journal.
5. 5Speak about feelings – Name loneliness openly.

Danger: With thoughts of suicide or self-harm, danger to others or if someone completely loses control: immediately call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or a local crisis line and do not leave the person alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-loneliness-isolation

1. 1Introduce rituals – Fixed shared moments: a meal, tea in the evening, a short morning round with the day's plan.
2. 2Make small wins visible – Briefly collect in the evening: what worked today?
3. 3Room for lightness – Plan games, stories, music or memories; everyone can contribute something.
4. 4Read the mood – Not everyone is in the mood for jokes.

Caution: Humour at the expense of injured, grieving or marginalised people hurts and divides the group. When in doubt, laugh about the situation, not about people.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-humour-morale

1. 1Ask rather than decide – "Do you need anything?" is easier to refuse than a concrete offer.
2. 2Small and mutual – Offer small help or ask for something in return (advice, borrowing a tool) – this preserves dignity.
3. 3Accept no – Accept refusal without reproach and say when you will drop by again or how you can be reached.
4. 4Check in regularly – Short agreed contacts (ringing the bell, a call, a sign in the window), especially in heat, cold or power cuts.
5. 5Escalate in danger – If danger to life is apparent, inform emergency services or the responsible authorities – even against the person's wishes.

Danger: If someone seems confused, seriously ill, too cold or overheated or stops responding: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU). If someone refuses an officially ordered evacuation, inform emergency services instead of forcing them yourself.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-neighbours-refusing-help

1. 1Create a safe space – Set up a quiet corner or a defined area, ideally always the same one.
2. 2Simple materials – Paper, pens, cards, dice, balls, boxes, books, favourite toys – nothing more is needed.
3. 3Fixed play times – Build play into the daily routine, alternating quiet and active games.
4. 4Accompany, do not steer – Let children play what they want; listen when they talk; answer questions honestly and age-appropriately.
5. 5Observe – If a child plays the same distressing scene over a long period, seems desperate while doing so or stops playing altogether, involve…

Caution: Check play areas for hazards: debris, glass, floodwater, power lines, traffic, generator exhaust. Do not let children play unsupervised in unfamiliar surroundings.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-children-play-crisis

1. 1Get to know each other – Create an occasion: courtyard party, notice, a meeting in the stairwell.
2. 2Collect needs and skills – Record voluntarily: who needs support in an emergency?
3. 3Simple arrangements – Meeting point, contact chain, a place to post information, who checks on whom.
4. 4Practise and maintain – Update the list yearly, occasionally do something together (supply swap, first aid course, community garden).
5. 5After an event – Clean up together, share information, commemorate and celebrate what went well; pass on official support offers.

Caution: Neighbourhood help does not replace emergency services. Do not enter danger zones, follow official instructions and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) in emergencies.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-community-resilience

1. 1Accept the situation – Say it out loud: “I am stuck.
2. 2Important things first – Sort by what becomes dangerous fastest: first acute dangers and injuries, then protection from cold, wet or heat, then water and signals …
3. 3Think in small goals – Do not think “How do I get out of here?” but about the next hour: “Finish building the ground layer.” “Collect wood until the sun touches…
4. 4Talk to yourself kindly – Talk to yourself as you would to a good friend and use your name: “Anna, you finished the ground layer.
5. 5Reasons to hold on – Think of people, animals, plans you look forward to – as concretely as possible.
6. 6Look after your body – Cold, thirst, hunger and lack of sleep weigh heavily on mood.
7. 7Allow setbacks briefly – If the fire goes out or rain sets in, you may be angry or sad for a moment – crying is fine too.

Danger: With an injury, hypothermia or when you no longer know what to do: call 112 at once (in Austria also 144 for the ambulance and 140 for mountain rescue). In the EU 112 works without credit and often via other networks.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-will-to-survive

1. 1Mark the days – Every morning cut a notch in a stick or make a stroke in your notebook and add the date.
2. 2Morning round – After getting up always the same round: check your body (feet, hands, injuries, warmth), check supplies (water, food, batteries), assess…
3. 3Divide the day into blocks – Plan by daylight: in the morning fetch water and gather wood, at midday check signals and rest (in the shade if it is hot), in the…
4. 4Fixed signal times – Set times at which you signal and check: inspect the signal panel and ground signs every morning, blow three blasts at fixed times and…
5. 5Keep a notebook – Several times a day note the time, the weather, what you did, what you ate and drank, how you feel physically and what you are thinking.
6. 6Plan rest and energy – Rest times belong in the plan, not just work.
7. 7Evening review – Before the night briefly write down: three things that went well today and the most important tasks for tomorrow.

Danger: With an injury, hypothermia or when you no longer know what to do: call 112 at once (in Austria also 144 for the ambulance and 140 for mountain rescue). In the EU 112 works without credit and often via other networks.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-routine-journal-days

1. 1Whistle, bag and bright clothing – Give each child their own signal whistle, securely attached to the jacket, and a large folded bin bag with a pre-cut face hole in the…
2. 2Stop and hug a tree – Teach the child: “As soon as you can no longer see or hear us, you stop and find the nearest tree.
3. 3Whistle three times, listen – “Blow three strong blasts on the whistle, then be quiet and listen.
4. 4Nobody is angry – answer! – Tell your child explicitly: “If you get lost, nobody will be angry with you.
5. 5Stay visible and warm – “Put on the bag like a raincoat – with your face through the hole.
6. 6What parents prepare – Before the outing take a current photo of the child and note the colours of its clothing.
7. 7Practise playfully – Practise it all in the park or forest like a game: the child “gets lost” a few metres away, hugs a tree, whistles three times and answers…

Danger: Plastic bags can suffocate small children. An adult cuts the face hole in advance, the bag is never pulled over the whole head, and bags are kept out of reach of babies and toddlers.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-kids-lost-hug-a-tree

1. 1One person decides – In the first minute agree on who decides – ideally the most experienced, calmest person who is not injured themselves.
2. 2Count and check everyone – Count everyone and briefly ask each person: are you hurt?
3. 3Discuss the situation and plan out loud – The leader briefly sums up: where are we, what is the goal, what is the plan?
4. 4A task for everyone – Assign concrete tasks with names and times: “Lena and Tom: collect wood until dusk.” “Jonas: whistle and signal panel.” “Grandma: look…
5. 5Look after the weakest – Set pace, breaks and plans by the weakest member.
6. 6Resolve disagreement fairly – If there is disagreement: listen, repeat the concern in your own words (“You think the stream is too dangerous?”), check the facts, then…
7. 7Check in regularly – Get together briefly in the morning and evening and after any major event: what is done?

Danger: Avoid splitting the group if at all possible. If someone has to fetch help, at least two people go with a clear route, timetable and notes; injured people and children are never left alone.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/psychology/psy-group-leadership-crisis