Actually no he would not. He would probably only live a day or two longer than everyone else.
"Slim" it should be understood is classic Brit understatment. After all 99% chance of death does call for a certain amount of class when discussing it.

Note about us Brit's: The more desperate it gets, the more understated we get.

And he makes no bones about keeping a deathgrip on your machete if it goes pear shaped.