Desert Survival by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781405933926
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2017-04-12T00:00:00+00:00

DAILY WATER REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN WATER BALANCE

Mean Temp.

deg. F. Pints per

24 hrs.

95 9

90  6½

85  4½

80  2½

75 2

At a mean temperature of 65° F. or below (Temperate or Winter Desert Conditions) water loss is at the basal amount of 1¾ pints per 24 hours.

Average summer conditions in and near the Suez Canal Zone are represented by the 90° F. figure.

70. As these figures are for resting in the shade at all times, they are minimum requirements and under survival conditions will often be exceeded, so that an intake of this amount may not be enough to maintain water balance. If the available water supply is insufficient to maintain even the required minimum intake, then a progressive dehydration will take place. Other influencing factors will be the degree of protection that can be obtained from the sun and heat, and the individual activity.

71. Bearing in mind that the sweat loss when walking in the desert in a temperature of just over 100° F. is 2 pints per hour, it will be evident that there is not much future in trying to walk away from a forced landing when the sun is up during the summer. During the winter, of course, considerable distances may be covered.

72. Rationing of water is valuable for morale and to ensure that everyone gets a fair share, but it should not be more severe than indicated in para. 69 if the supplies are available. There is no point in drinking at any particular time and water should be taken at suitable intervals throughout the day. It is a fallacy that water taken during the heat of the day is immediately lost due to an increase in sweat rate.

73. Smoking will not increase your actual bodily need for water, but should not be encouraged as it will only lead to an uncomfortable dryness of the mouth. Chewing gum or sucking pebbles may help temporarily to relieve any such dryness, but they are not a substitute for water and will not help in maintaining the level of your body fluid.

74. It can now be seen that just as important as the rationing of water is the rationing of sweat. Keep in the shade at all times during the heat of the day. Work only at night. Keep your body and head well covered, not only as protection against the sun but also to minimize the evaporation of sweat, thereby gaining maximum cooling effect. This covering must be as light and as loose as possible so as to provide adequate ventilation, otherwise an increase in sweat rate will result.

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