9 tips that could one day save your life

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Some surprises of fate should be prepared in advance.

1. Remember: the brain cannot simultaneously monitor the situation around and what is happening in the smartphone

It seems to you that walking down the street is as common and does not require special concentration, like eating a sandwich, isn't it? So why not combine such a simple action with texting on your smartphone?

In fact, the human brain is not capable of simultaneously processing two independent streams of information. He concentrates on only one of them at a time.

Yes, the ability to switch quickly gives the appearance of multitasking, but in reality it is not. And if a sandwich won't run away from you in those few seconds while you focus on your smartphone, then on the street, even in such a short time, you can be hit by a car, a cyclist, or you can collide with another passer-by.

2. Keep in mind: rear-view mirrors do not always give an objective picture

It is important to know that the side mirrors of many modern cars are deliberately designed to be slightly convex. This is done in order to give the driver a better view, the so-called spherical picture.

However, this property of mirrors also has a drawback: they reduce reflected objects, making them visually more distant. Remember before making a maneuver that the car driving behind you may actually be much closer to you than you think.

3. Do not eat snow instead of water unless absolutely necessary

If you are on a winter walk or hiking trip, try not to eat snow instead of water. Our body spends a large amount of energy on converting substances from one state to another, so a rapid hypothermia of the body can occur. Use snow only if the thirst is already unbearable, and you have no water and cannot be expected.

4. If you choke, save yourself according to the Heimlich method

Heimlich's reception is one of the most effective methods of providing emergency assistance, which is used if a person chokes on food or any object and feels suffocating. In the classic version, this method requires the help of another person, but in extreme cases, you can use it alone.

To do this, squeeze your hand into a fist and place it just below the ribs, but above the navel. Place the other palm on top for reinforcement. Give a sharp and strong push towards the spine and slightly upward. Repeat until you get rid of the stuck object.

5. Stock up on strong antihistamines when you travel to new places

Even if you feel perfectly healthy and have never experienced any allergy attacks, be sure to take a pack of some antihistamine medicine with you on your travels. There is a possibility that a new environment, food, vegetation, insects can cause an allergic reaction.

6. In extreme situations, remember the rule of three

When you find yourself in an extreme environment, the most important thing is to prioritize correctly and solve problems in order of importance. To do this, remember the so-called rule of three. It states that the average person can survive only three minutes without air, three hours without shelter (in extreme weather conditions), three days without water, and three weeks without food.

7. If you receive a penetrating wound, do not pull out the blade

If you get hit by a knife or other sharp object, do not try to pull the blade out of the wound as quickly as possible. So, in addition to damage to internal organs, you will also get profuse bleeding. Instead, try to reduce blood loss as much as possible and seek medical attention quickly.

8. If you need help, address the request to a specific person

You've probably seen situations when something bad happens to a person in a public place, such as a heart attack, but no one rushes to help him. This is due to the well-known psychological phenomenon, when a crowd of people is unable to take any action, because everyone thinks that someone else will intervene and solve the problem.

Therefore, if you urgently need help, select one person and contact him personally. In this case, you are much more likely to receive assistance than if you address everyone at once or remain silent, hoping for the compassion of the crowd.

9. Protect yourself with a bright flashlight in case of an attack

A small flashlight with a very bright directional beam can be a much more reliable form of protection than a can of gas or other means of self-defense. Especially if it happens at night or in a dark place.

A powerful beam of light aimed at the attacker's eyes will blind him and give you a few precious seconds to retreat. It is safe and completely legal.