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Small tarp camp at the edge of a forest at dusk

The guided path · 9 stages

Surviving in the wildstep by step

Nine stages in the order that really counts outdoors. Each stage briefly explains what matters most, why it comes at this point, and leads you to the detailed guides.

For children and adults: the simple explanation first, then the details.

Start the path

First things first

The rule of threes

A memory aid that shows what comes first. It roughly shows how long a person can go without something – and so what is most urgent.

  1. 1.3minuteswithout airBreathing comes before everything – call for help and give first aid at once.
  2. 2.3hourswithout shelter in harsh weatherCold, wet, wind or strong heat can become dangerous very quickly.
  3. 3.3dayswithout waterOften much shorter in heat and with hard work.
  4. 4.3weekswithout foodHunger is unpleasant but rarely the first problem.

A rough rule of thumb, not exact science. Weather, age, health and effort change these times a lot – often for the worse.

The first step

STOP – before you do anything

When you get a fright, you want to run off at once. That often makes things worse. These four letters help switch your head back on.

  1. StopDon't keep walking. Sit down, drink, breathe.
  2. ThinkWhat do I know? Where was I last sure? Who knows where I am?
  3. ObserveWeather, daylight, terrain, gear, injuries.
  4. PlanChoose one small next step – then act.

Read in detail

Where are you?

Choose an environment to see matching tips and entries.

  1. Person sitting calmly on a rock above a misty valley at sunrise

    Stage 1 / 9

    Stay calm & size up the situation

    When something goes wrong, your head is your most important tool. First stop and breathe – then look at what is really going on.

    Why at this point?

    Panic causes mistakes: walking on, getting hurt, losing gear. Sorting out the situation first makes every later decision better.

    Guides for this stage

  2. Orange signal panel in a mountain meadow, helicopter in the distance

    Stage 2 / 9

    Call for help & be found

    Other people are the best rescue. If you have signal: call 112. Otherwise: stay in one place and make yourself easy to see and hear.

  3. Tarp shelter in a clearing in morning mist

    Stage 3 / 9

    Protection: emergency shelter

    Cold, rain, wind or blazing sun weaken you fast. A dry place out of the wind and something under you against the cold ground help right away.

  4. Clear mountain stream in a forest with a pot and bottle on a rock

    Stage 4 / 9

    Find & treat water

    Your body needs water every day. Water from nature often looks clean but can make you sick – so it gets filtered, boiled or disinfected.

  5. Small campfire in a stone ring at dusk

    Stage 5 / 9

    Make fire

    Fire warms you, dries clothes, boils water and lifts your spirits. It needs three things: fuel, air and heat – and a safe spot.

  6. Organised pantry shelf with jars and cans

    Stage 6 / 9

    Food: foraging, fishing, traps only in an emergency

    A person can go a long time without food. Only eat what you know for certain – never mushrooms by guesswork. Food you brought along is the safest food.

  7. Map and compass on a rock above a wide valley

    Stage 7 / 9

    Navigation & the way out

    If someone knows where you are, waiting is often best. If you must walk out yourself: map, compass, sun and paths help you keep one direction.

  8. Carving knife, wood shavings and a carved spoon on a log

    Stage 8 / 9

    Staying longer: hut, camp, tools

    If it lasts longer, the emergency camp becomes an organised camp: sleeping place, fireplace, water and toilet in fixed spots – and tools you handle safely.

  9. Closed first aid bag on a wooden bench

    Stage 9 / 9

    Stay healthy: hygiene & first aid

    Small problems like blisters, dirty hands or wet feet quickly become big ones outdoors. Keeping clean, caring for your feet and knowing first aid protects everyone.