Booze for Survival

The most useful survival tool… booze

I did some thinking the other day and I tried to come up with the most useful survival item for someone to keep around the house just in case there is an emergency. Duct tape and parachute cord sure are useful but I think it would be hard to beat 151 alcohol! Alcohol has been made since the ancient Egyptians which means it has been used in medicine and for drink a few thousand years before nylon or duct tape were even a thought. Most may laugh and say yeah get drunk that will solve your problems… I say no but it will make you forget them, but seriously here is why you should throw a few bottles back with your extra ammo, first aid, or hell there is nothing wrong with a mini bar. Here we go….

Antiseptic- alcohol has been used for years because of its antiseptic properties. In the field when you are covered in dirt a little alcohol can do wonders for cleaning dilute it with water because this stuff is expensive!

Analgesic- are you in pain drink a shot or two just don’t forget that alcohol does reduce clotting factors so if you are bleeding and it is not under control man up and feel the pain, besides no one ever died from pain.

Water Sterilization- when you don’t have a fire or a filter, pour a shot of alcohol into your liter of drinking water to make fire water. This water will actually hydrate you and if you waited 3hrs before drinking it will have far less bacteria, protozoa, but you are still screwed if it is a virus. Cowboys use to do this all of the time since water quality was always in question.

Fuel/Fire Starting- there is a reason I choose 151 it isn’t because of the taste that is for sure but one thing 151 has over the smooth refreshing taste of tequila is it’s high “octane” use it in a cut soda can as an alcohol burning stove or pour a little on some tinder when you can’t get a fire started… scratch that what a party foul learn how to build a fire and save the alcohol for a drink with a friend by the fire.

Anti-Fog- Alcohol vaporizes much slower than most fuels which means that you can clean and anti fog your ski goggles, windshield, or sunglasses. If you are really fortunate mix a small quantity of dish soap with the alcohol for longer anti-fog resistance.

Sterilization- When you have to perform that emergency tracheotomy in the field like you see in the movies grab some booze and clean your tools. Seriously though you never know when you have to debrided a wound, amputate an entrapped limb, ect. use your imagination.

Ethel Glycol Poisoning Treatment- This sounds like a stretch but the definitive medical care for someone who ingested anti-freeze is Alcohol of the drinking variety. I would never recommend self treatment or practicing any form of medicine without a license but sometimes when in remote environments you have to make the best out of a worst situation. Also alcohol can be delivered via the rectal route as well as the oral route but if someone cannot control their airway don’t put anything in their mouth (I know I am leaving myself open for all kinds of jokes here but it must be said).

Methyl Poisoning Treatment- Same routes as Ethel glycol treatment these types of poisonings have severe consequences but so can miss treatment or mis diagnosing so consult with medical control or poison control whenever possible at 1-800-222-1222.

Fever- If you have a fever a home remedy that some swear on is a shot of alcohol and lemon juice it helps break the fever and will put you to sleep. Don’t drink alcohol if you have been vomiting profusely because it will further dehydrate you.

Mouth Wash- If you are in the field for extended periods of time and cannot brush your teeth rinse your mouth with alcohol which will kill some of the harmful bacteria in your mouth. This is not a substitute for brushing your teeth contrary to Ke$ha’s song but when you have no other option do what you can.

Personal Hygiene- Women in the field have hygiene needs that are different from their men counterparts. Using a small quantity can prevent illnesses caused by poor hygiene (don’t forget too much cleaning down there will get you drunk no I am not kidding that area is very vascular). Guys you can clean up with this too and both sexes can clear up oily skin with a few dabs of the good stuff.

Clean Permanent Marker- I personally always try to use laminated maps when in the field. The nice thing about lamination is you can use permanent markers which are very waterproof and add a little alcohol; your map is clean again.

Poison Ivy Treatment- Poison Ivy and other topical poisonous plants cause irritation because of the oils they release onto the skin. What this means to the average Joe is until you remove the oils you will be uncomfortable and “spread” your poison ivy all over yourself and possibly your friends… clean up with a little 151.

Drink- Ever heard of saving it for a rainy day, boost moral with a few sips. Heck if your date isn’t as attractive as you hoped change your perspective with a few drinks.

Trade- with as useful as this stuff is who would trade it. If you decide you need something more than this wonderful nectar it is so useful I am sure someone would be willing to trade you anything you need for a bottle.

The information above is provided for entertainment and maybe to be helpful. It is your job as someone reading something off the internet to verify this information before you use it and just use common sense. I am not accepting any liability for your actions as this is for “entertainment”.  As always if you can think of some more useful ways to use alcohol post em, email them, or facebook me and I'll add them to the list if they are worthy.  Until next time.