Bruce Parry - Serious Survival - How to Poo in the Arctic and Other essential tips for explorers

The environments described in this book are extremely hostile and dangerous. The information and suggestions given are of necessity basic pointers which are no substitute for experience, and no trips to extreme environments should be undertaken without appropriate training and advice from professional guides and survival experts. Accordingly, the author and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any prosecutions or proceedings brought or instituted against any person or body as a result of the use or misuse of any techniques described or any loss, injury or damage caused thereby. In practising and perfecting these survival techniques the rights of landowners and all relevant laws protecting certain species of animals and plants must be regarded as paramount.

Adventure has always been central to the human spirit. Throughout history people have bravely headed into uncharted territory in search of new horizons; sometimes simply finding food and shelter has meant a battle of wits against all the natural world has to offer. But as our standard of living soars beyond the wildest dreams of our ancestors we are gradually losing touch with our adventurous side – and we’re all the poorer for it.

For the past five years the BBC TV Serious Adventure series has tried to redress the balance, taking teams of young adventurers to some of the most hostile and remote environments on earth. The twelve- to fifteen-year-olds have quite literally gone to extremes to help the planet – not only coping with conditions that would challenge many an adult explorer, but also completing major environmental projects to benefit key endangered species such as orang-utans and polar bears.

For the participants the expeditions have been life-changing, opening their eyes to a whole new world way beyond their day-to-day experiences back home. The trips have also demonstrated that with the right preparations and attitude most people are capable of achieving far more than they might first think.

It can’t be emphasised enough that the key to heading outside your ‘comfort zone’ into harsh environments is mental attitude. Yes, basic fitness is important, preparation is fundamental and expert assistance is often vital, but time and again a ‘can-do’ positive outlook has been proven to make all the difference in the world.

It’s not about revelling in being uncomfortable, dirty and tired – most adventurers love their luxury hotel just like the next person. It’s the deep satisfaction of pushing yourself to new limits and experiencing all that life has to offer.

And at the end of a tough expedition you’ll appreciate that five star hotel all the more – even if the hotel receptionists show slightly less appreciation of the filthy, bedraggled individuals lowering the tone of their lobby.

A basic level of fitness is essential for most expeditions – walking any distance with a rucksack at altitude or in the heat of a jungle is debilitating at the best of times, and is certainly no fun if you’re really unfit. Plan an exercise programme that gradually increases in intensity (and if you’re not used to exercise talk through your proposed programme with your doctor or a fitness expert).

For stamina, half-hour walks and short jogs at least three times a week should build to longer hikes of several hours as you get closer to the trip. Carry a rucksack and use the boots you’ll be using on the expedition to wear them in. Regular gym sessions will also improve your strength.

Having said that, it’s important to keep things in perspective and not become obsessed – only the most extreme challenges, such as attempting a Himalayan peak or walking to the North or South Pole, require superhuman fitness.

Once on location experiencing the outdoor life, your stamina will increase further day by day. With luck you’ll be absolutely glowing with health by the time you return.

All Serious Adventure trips have an environmental goal, and you might want to look at whether you can also add this extra dimension to your trip. It can be extremely satisfying knowing you are helping the environment, and it may also help you through any difficult times when tough conditions threaten to get the better of you.

Many trekking and expedition companies offer such opportunities, and various animal groups are on the lookout for volunteers to help with projects in the field. Even if you don’t take part formally, they may be interested in information gathered about sightings of endangered creatures.

Everything you do on expedition should of course be planned with the maximum respect – and minimum disturbance – for the environment, animals and local people. As the old maxim says: Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.

a) Inoculations

Most extreme locations require a range of inoculations to protect against diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever and hepatitis A & B (to name but a few). Your doctor or a travel clinic will be able to advise as to what is needed for the particular area you intend to visit. Get onto this early as some diseases need a course of inoculations over a period of a month or more before departure.

The inoculations required will also depend on the immunisations you were given as a young child and whether these are still ‘in date’.

b) Malaria tablets

Many locations need protection against malaria. Anti-malaria drugs are usually taken as a course of tablets beginning before the expedition and continuing until well after the trip has ended. The exact drugs recommended will depend on the type of malaria found in the area visited (see also Staying Healthy).

It’s always hard to assess the true risk of an expedition in an extreme environment. As you start to list the potential hazards, the trip can quickly begin to look like a complete nightmare that nobody in their right mind should undertake. The trick is highlighting the dangers without overplaying the risks. (It’s often said, with some statistical justification, that the most dangerous parts of an extreme expedition are actually the journeys to and from the airport.)

A way to get the risks in perspective is to imagine how dangerous, say, remote Amazon tribespeople would find our day-to-day life in ‘civilisation’. Never having seen traffic before their chances of safely crossing a busy road would be extremely low.

To ensure survival they would clearly need to key into advice and expertise from local people, which is exactly what anyone planning a trip to their environment should also be doing.

Everything is risky. For example, many people break their leg before even leaving the house by tripping over the doorstep. The aim during an expedition is to reduce the risks to an acceptably low level. There are various things to help achieve this:

• Careful planning in advance of the trip is essential, taking into account all the worst case scenarios and the actions that will be taken should the worst actually happen.