Sometimes during an emergency situation folks may panic or lose sights of priorities. Also, folks cognative capabilities diminish with dehydration or from shock following an injury. In these situations, having a cheat sheet can provide focus. One of our contributers experimented with dehydration on an outing last year. After 2-3 days he lost complete sense of decision processes you and I would view as simple, normal decisions. He did this test with a friend as a fail safe to make sure he didn't hurt himself or go too far. As I recall, his friend started to have a difficult time with him after 2 days and it took a great deal of effort to revivie him, even with food and water on hand.<br><br>I have also seen the effect of panic first hand, although it was not a survival situation. A non-swimmer in canoe and wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) tipped over in 3 feet of water. He thrashed and floundered as if he were drowning until 2 of his friends pulled him out. He was wearing a PFD and ould have simply stood up at any time. But the fear of drowning caused him to panic to the point he was incapacitated. I will never forget that scene.<br><br>Never become over confident because you cannot always control basic instincts.