SEAL Survival Guide (20 page)

What to Do Once You’re Out

If you are in water, then the survival tactics discussed in “Abandon Ship” (
page 29
) will be of value, though you should swim as far away from the airplane as you can. If it’s a crash on land, which occurs more often, then move swiftly away from the plane. Secondary explosions are likely. You want to gain the greatest possible distance, preferably at least five hundred feet upwind, and wait there. If your crash landing was in a remote area, then remain in the vicinity of the plane, for this is the first place that rescuers will search for survivors. Call out, gather other survivors, and render any assistance you can until rescuers arrive. If rescue is prolonged, remain at the site as long as you can; however, improvise ways to signal your location. For example, keep a fire going, and use wet timber and leaves, which create more smoke. Or hang cloth or white shirts from high tree branches to aid in your rescue.

ANIMAL ATTACK

Dog Attacks

For many of us who own dogs, the term “man’s best friend” couldn’t be more accurate. The degree of loyalty dogs have toward humans is unparalleled in this world. But, as it is with any animal that has teeth, sometimes man’s best friend becomes his worst enemy.

I am a true believer in the phrase “There are no bad dogs, just bad owners.” The majority of dog attacks occur because of a lack of containment or inadequate training. Unfortunately, since there will probably never be any shortage of bad owners, dog attacks will continue to occur, and in some instances turn into life-threatening situations. Due to the large population of dogs in America—seventy-two million—the dog is classified as the most dangerous nonhuman mammal in our midst. During a ten-year study period, pit bull–type dogs were accountable for more than 60 percent of all fatalities, and Rottweilers
caused more than 10 percent of known deaths. In fact, insurance companies will often raise a homeowner’s premium if any of the following dogs, regardless of the dog’s individual temperament, are known to be on the property: Akitas, Alaskan malamutes, bulldogs, mastiffs, chows, Dobermans, German shepherds, huskies, presa canarios, Rottweilers, and Staffordshire terriers, better known as pit bulls.

DOGS AND CHILDREN

Someone is bitten by a dog every seventy-five seconds. And more than 80 percent of the time, it’s a child that gets attacked. Due to our familiarity with and love of dogs, many forget that dogs originated from a species of wolves, most likely the small East Asian wolf, about ten thousand years ago. Unlike wild animals that usually try to avoid encounters with humans, dogs have long since lost their fear of people. Yet, regardless of centuries of domestication, dogs are still guided by their genetically ingrained survival instincts. They follow a dominant leader and remain territorial, loyally devoted to the pack. Nearly all canine species, including dogs, abide by a pack rule of hierarchy and dominance. Children are rarely considered leaders to be feared or followed, primarily since they are comparatively smaller than adults and often the same size as many of the aggressive dog breeds. When we consider dogs not as pets but as potential threats to our lives and the lives of our children, it must be remembered that any breed of dog can be potentially unpredictable. The habits and peculiarities of dogs, or of any hazardous animal, should be sized up the way we would do for any adversary, to be used as an advantage during a survival scenario.

HOW TO AVOID A DOG ATTACK

First off, never purposely aggravate or tease a dog. Also note that dogs that are regularly chained and confined are usually more aggressive and should be avoided. It’s unwise to assume that only certain breeds are dangerous. Just about any dog can cause injury.

1. When approached by a potentially dangerous dog, don’t look it in the eye, because it may consider this a threat to its hierarchical status. In addition, do not smile, since the dog only sees your teeth and could consider this a threat. Generally, you don’t want to overreact to the dog and let it think you are fearful, nor do you want to seem threatening from the start.

2. Observe the animal’s body language. A growl or bared teeth is obviously a sign of aggression. But a more subtle thing to observe is the position of the dog’s head. If a dog has its head held high or low, it is not usually in an aggressive mode. If the head is even with its body, then it is preparing to attack or fight.

3. Be alert so you can react quickly if events change. At first, stand firm, remain calm, and do not move suddenly. Do not run, as this will activate the dog’s prey-chasing instinct. It is best to turn sideways so that you are not directly facing
the dog. This will display that you are nonthreatening; still, watch intently with a peripheral view.

4. If the dog is still approaching, loud commands, such as “Down! Stay!” could make it pause. But don’t point your finger or expose your hands.

5. You must control your fear. At this point, you are assuming a nonthreatening posture to avoid an unwanted fight.

6. Gradually back away from the animal, making no sudden movements or changes in posture. Once a sufficient gap has been established, get to a place out of the sight line of the animal.

7. If the dog attacks, follow the actions in the “What to do when attacked” list below.