A survival situation is any kind of event (generally lasting 72 hours or less) that requires you to take actions to save your own life or someone else's life. Typically, these situations take place in rural or wilderness areas where there is no one around to assist you and can sometimes involve injury, extreme weather, being lost or a life threatening event. If you are lucky, you will be prepared and have some equipment and/or resources with you. Oftentimes, these situations happen precisely because the individuals were unprepared in the first place. Survival situations can also take place in urban areas, especially during natural disasters or other emergencies where police, firefighters or emergency response personnel are occupied elsewhere.

The most important thing before, and during a survival situation is mental preparedness. The mind and its processes are critical to survival, so a positive mental attitude and the will to live often separates those who survive from those who do not. Surviving a difficult situation also requires meeting many challenges while avoiding panic. When faced with a potential survival situation, remember to "STOP":

By frequently "STOP"ping and reassessing your situation, you will help keep your mind and body actively engaged in surviving. This will greatly help you to keep a positive state of mind, to avoid panicking and to improve your chances of survival.

Being prepared by learning and practicing survival skills and techniques before you are in an emergency situation are vital to overcoming survival challenges. Developing this set of skills and learning how to use primitive/survival tools add up to the overall field known as "bushcraft". Some of these skills include: First aid, shelter building, water procurement, fire building, food procurement, navigation, and signaling. Obviously, being prepared also includes carrying certain types of equipment depending on the situation you're engaging in.

 Further Reading :

SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere by John 'Lofty' Wiseman
Reflects the latest in survival knowledge and technology, and covering new topics such as urban survival and terrorism, the internationally bestselling SAS Survival Handbook is the definitive resource for all campers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers.

When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody Lundin
This is not your father's scout manual or a sterile FEMA handout. It entertains as it informs, describing how to maximize a survival mind-set necessary for self-reliance.

Tom Brown's Field Guide to Wilderness Survival by Tom Brown, Jr.
Here, in one essential volume, are the basics of wilderness survival. The most ancient and important skills, preserved for generations, are presented in a simple, easy-to-use format with clear illustrations and instructions. A complete must-have companion to the great outdoors.

FM 21-76, US Army Survival Manual
This is a manual targeted at soldiers, but contains a lot of information that is very relevant to civilians with specific focus on how to build shelters, water procurement, firecraft, food procurement, and how to make field-expedient weapons, tools, and equipment.

 Survival Links :

Equipped To Survive - Outdoors Gear, Survival Equipment Review
Doug Ritter offers survival information and gear you can bet your life on.
Wildwood Survival - Wilderness Survival, Tracking, Nature, Wilderness Mind
Bill Qualls' Wilderness Survival Page
Old Jimbo - Survival
The Survivor's Edge
Hoods Woods
Sgt Mike's Survival Tips, Tools, and Techniques
Ragnar's Swedish Knife Catalog
Swenson Knives
Sartech - Specialists in Search and Rescue Technology
Survival Bracelet