Life is unpredictable, and emergencies can happen when least expected.

From escaping a rip current to treating a jellyfish sting, knowing the right survival techniques can make all the difference. This guide covers essential life-saving tips to keep you prepared for any situation.

We never know when we might face a life-threatening situation—whether it’s a natural disaster, an accident, or an unexpected encounter with wildlife. While we all hope to stay safe, being prepared with the right knowledge can significantly increase survival chances. In this guide, we’ll explore essential survival tips that could one day save your life.

Survival Tips You Need to Know

1. Starting a Fire Using a Phone Battery

If you’re stranded without a lighter or matches, your smartphone can come to the rescue. Lithium batteries found in most devices can ignite a fire when pierced with a sharp object. However, before doing this, ensure you have enough dry firewood ready. This technique can provide warmth, cook food, and even signal for help.

2. Escaping a Rip Current

Rip currents are powerful water currents that pull swimmers away from shore. If caught in one:

• Don’t swim directly towards the shore, as this will exhaust you.
• Instead, swim parallel to the beach to escape the current’s pull.
• Once free, swim diagonally back to land.

Staying calm and following this method could be the difference between life and drowning.

3. Running from a Crocodile

Crocodiles are fast both in water and on land. However, due to their body shape, they struggle with sharp turns. If being chased:

• Run in a zigzag pattern to confuse the predator.
• If you’re in the water, aim for the crocodile’s eyes or nose if attacked—these are its most sensitive areas.

4. Surviving a Bull Charge

Bulls don’t actually react to the colour red but to movement. If a bull is charging:

• Stay calm and don’t run in a straight line.
• Throw an object, like a hat or jacket, in another direction to distract it.
• Move away while the bull focuses on the thrown object.

5. Treating a Jellyfish Sting

Jellyfish stings can be painful and even dangerous. To treat a sting:

• Remove tentacles carefully using a credit card or gloves (never touch them with bare hands).
• Rinse the area with saltwater—never use fresh water, as it can trigger more venom release.
• Apply vinegar, alcohol, or baking soda solution to neutralise toxins.
• Soak the affected area in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
• Drink plenty of water and see a doctor if symptoms worsen.

6. Following the Rule of Three for Survival

This simple rule can help prioritise survival needs in extreme situations:

• 3 minutes without air (or in icy water) can be fatal.
• 3 hours without shelter in harsh environments leads to hypothermia.
• 3 days without water will cause life-threatening dehydration.
• 3 weeks without food can be survived, but it weakens the body.

Always focus on air, shelter, and water first before worrying about food.

7. Why You Shouldn’t Eat Snow for Hydration

Though snow is a source of water, eating it directly can lower body temperature and increase energy loss. Instead:

• Melt the snow first before drinking it.
• If no heat source is available, let it warm in a container before consuming.

8. Extinguishing a Grease Fire Properly

Oil fires in kitchens can spread rapidly if handled incorrectly. If a frying pan catches fire:

• Turn off the heat immediately.
• Cover the pan with a lid to cut off the oxygen supply.
• Never pour water on burning oil—it causes violent flare-ups.
• If necessary, use baking soda or a fire extinguisher to put it out.

9. Using Superglue for Small Wounds

If you don’t have bandages, superglue can temporarily seal minor cuts and protect them from dirt. However:

• Only use it on small surface wounds, never deep cuts.
• Seek medical help if the wound is severe, as superglue can be toxic for deeper tissues.

10. Never Remove an Object from a Deep Wound

If stabbed by a sharp object, do not pull it out. The object may be preventing excessive blood loss. Instead:

• Stabilise the object in place with cloth or bandages.
• Seek immediate medical attention.