In 06 a buddy of mine took a hit to the front plate by a 7.62 x 49. He dropped to the ground like a bag of hot nickles. The plates saved his life,(as intended) but he still wound up in hospital with cracked ribs and some bad bruises. Body armour will save your life yes, but is still going to hurt.

I can't really see a survival use for it other than its intended purpose.