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Bad luck is something that affects everyone, no matter who they might be. Here’s the issue, though: you physically can’t be capable of weathering every potential accident. However, what you can do is prepare for the most common possibilities. And, in some cases, a small piece of information that you read or heard ages ago can be enough to avoid a major disaster.

Today, Bored Panda is featuring various internet users’ helpful advice about the small facts and tidbits of knowledge that might save your—or someone else's—life one day. Scroll down to read their warnings and advice on survival in the modern world.

#1

A man in a jacket crouches to talk to a child in the park, sharing life-saving advice. Teach your kids that if an adult they don’t know asks them for help, do not go with them or help them!
Responsible adults ask other adults for help.

anon , EyeEm/freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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Pencil
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While you're at it, teach kids what the word "stranger" means. Lots of kids, particularly younger ones, assign particular physical characteristics to what "strangers" "look like" in their minds. So they don't always understand that a man who "has a mustache like daddy" is still a stranger.

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    #2

    A yawning fox lying in tall grass, demonstrating life-saving facts about animal behavior. Rabies has a 100% fatality rate once symptoms start

    100%

    But symptoms typically take at least a week to appear

    If you ever get bit by a mammal that you aren't sure is vaccinated, get the rabies shot immediately.

    PeeratesDue , Brett Jordan/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Jason Kennith
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When my sister was on a mission in Costa Rica, a random dog ran out from underneath a pickup truck and bit her in the foot. She said that rabies shots are very hard to get in Costa Rica, but the mission president (or someone similar) had some, and she had to get ten shots in her foot. Obviously, it was an unpleasant experience, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

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    #3

    A woman wearing sunglasses leans toward the camera on a city street, expressing surprise. If someone tries to kidnap you, shout 'Fire' instead of 'Help'. More people are likely to come and see what the problem is.

    TestSubject11_real , Ümit Yıldırım/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    PenguinEmp
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've done this! It works. I had a dude chase me into the building. I closed the lobby door and I just kind of collapsed. Then he tried to kick the door so I yelled fire fire. Now to that day and ever since I have never yelled so darn loud in my life. People arrived in moments and dude was chased away. I couldn't speak for a day I was so hoarse!

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    Living life is risky, no matter what. Accidents can and do happen, whether you’re driving a car, walking on the sidewalk, taking a shower, or just making dinner. Illnesses can catch up to you even if you’re extremely careful. Layoffs, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events have the potential to turn your day-to-day routine completely upside down.

    However, you can’t and shouldn’t live in constant fear. So, you prepare for emergencies as best you can while also not letting paranoia dominate your life. If you stay cooped up at home because you’re scared of getting hurt, you’re missing out on all the opportunities that life has to offer. Not only that, but accidents can also happen at home, whether it’s slipping in the bathroom or choking on a piece of food, so you shouldn’t hold on to the idea of being 100% safe anywhere.

    It helps your confidence if you know what to do in emergency situations like fires or if someone else around you needs medical assistance. You can attend various courses in person or online to get to grips with the basic skills and knowledge you need.

    #4

    Worker handling gas cylinder with safety gear, highlighting life-saving safety measures. If you find more than one person unconscious, DO NOT APPROACH. There's possibly gas and toxins about, you'll just be another victim if you get too close. Phone the authorities and report it instead.

    anon , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    Uncle Panda
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These stories almost always have three fatalities before somebody hesitates, and maybe this is why. One person down, it's a crisis so you run in; two people down, still makes sense to run to help; but three people down is no longer a coincidence, it's a warning.

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    #5

    Person inspecting a car with a shattered windshield, highlighting life-saving safety checks. Actually I have a story for this. At some point I read somewhere online that if a car was going to hit you, you should jump to avoid being run over or "swallowed" by the car. So one day while walking to class, some lady ran a red light and came at me at full speed. In the split second I saw her coming at me, I remembered that little bit of information and jumped. I ended up bouncing off the hood of her car and slid a good 5-6 feet and got up relatively unscathed-just a few cuts and bruises.

    HungryFictioN , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Jason Kennith
    Community Member
    5 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People really should stop running red lights. Your business meeting can wait a few seconds if it means sparing someone's life.

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    #6

    Person swimming in the ocean, head above water, highlighting trivial but life-saving facts. Don't panic when caught in a rip current. You're not going to be swept out to sea. Flip on your back to conserve energy and paddle parallel to the beach until you break free. Rip currents can take you out lightening fast, and panicking is deadly in that situation.

    hestianvirgin , Li Yang/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Wombat
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. There are many drownings at Australian beaches because people don’t understand this. If you try to fight against the current you will become exhausted and drown. Also if you are at a beach with flags, swim between them, they are there for a reason.

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    When you’re under immense stress, it’s incredibly hard to think clearly. So, it’s very useful if you practice what to do in emergencies as often as you can until those skills become habits. Then, when disaster strikes, your body and mind will move seemingly on their own: you’ll instinctively know what to do because you’ve already put in hours of your time to practice.

    Emergency skills aside, the best thing that you can do to be prepared for whatever bad luck existence throws your way is to live a healthy lifestyle. That means putting in regular effort to improve your diet, fitness, mental health, and social life. The healthier and fitter you are in all aspects of your life, the better you’ll weather any illnesses or accidents that might come your way.

    The World Health Organization warns that the biggest health risk globally is ischaemic heart disease: it is responsible for 13% of all people who pass away around the world. In 2021, 9 million people lost their lives due to heart disease.

    #7

    Elderly woman in a striped sweater, standing by a window, practicing a mindful life-saving technique indoors. I don't know if it's trivial but I now there are still a lot of people who don't know the mnemonic FAST in order to quickly remember and identify a stroke.

    * Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
    * Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
    * Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
    * Time: Note the time that you observe these symptoms and call 9-1-1 immediately

    This has saved many lives and I feel like more people should know it.

    Aleehaandraa , kues1/freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    Lila Allen
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, if you smell burnt toast and no one is making toast ...you might be having a stroke or aneurism

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    #8

    Person hiking in a forest, wearing a backpack, illustrating life-saving awareness in the outdoors. If you’re in a forest and don’t hear any noises such as birds or any other wildlife, but you know you should be hearing them, get the f**k out.

    anon , Webster/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #9

    30 Seemingly Trivial Bits Of Info That Could Save Your Or Someone Else’s Life One Day Three tips from the chemical lab:

    Hot glass looks like cold glass,

    Hot metal looks like cold metal,

    Hot ceramics look like cold ceramics.

    silverstrikerstar , Getty Imagesunsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know from experience that a hot bbq looks like a cold bbq! When I was on a school excursion we stopped at a park and I assumed the push button bbq was off because no one was using it. I put my hand on it and burned three fingers, then I was too embarrassed to tell the teachers what had happened so didn't get first aid for it. Thankfully it wasn't a bad burn, but my fingers stung for a while!

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    As per the CDC, adults are urged to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, as well as spend 2 days on muscle-strengthening activities.

    You also need to get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and focus on your positive relationships while avoiding negative people. Meanwhile, avoid overly processed and junk foods and steer clear of bad habits like smoking and drinking. Even tiny habits, healthy and unhealthy alike, can compound quickly, so every little thing that you do does matter.

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    #10

    Hands being washed with soap at a sink, demonstrating a life-saving hygiene tip. Wash your hands. Do it. It is insane, how easy it is to avoid putting germs and viruses into your body.

    pfedan , Mélissa Jeanty/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Jumping Jellyfishes
    Community Member
    5 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always wash my hands upon returning home from being out. Norovirus (stomach flu) is that "claimed" 0.01% that hand sanitizer doesn't k**l.

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    #11

    30 Seemingly Trivial Bits Of Info That Could Save Your Or Someone Else’s Life One Day Don't be too embarrassed to *be safe*. I read a crazy stat once about how many people (especially men) DIE because they were choking in a restaurant and went to the bathroom because they were embarrassed. This also applies to running away from a fight, getting away from a scary boyfriend or spouse, not engaging with a crazy neighbor, etc. Just don't be too embarrassed to save your life.

    Gurrgurrburr , Yunus Tuğunsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't let fear of creating a scene stop you from listening to your instincts. If you're wrong you're just momentarily weird or quirky. If you're right you protected yourself.

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    Which of these survival facts did you personally find to be the most helpful, dear Pandas? What one piece of advice would you give someone that could potentially save their life in the future? Have you ever been in an emergency situation that caught you completely off guard? If you’d like to share your thoughts, feel free to do so in the comments below.

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    #16

    Woman looking back worriedly while holding a phone, with a hooded figure approaching in the background, illustrating life-saving awareness. If someone tries to kidnap you, fight back & there's a good chance they'll give up because you're too much trouble.

    anon , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never, ever, allow yourself to be taken to a second location. Do whatever it takes, because once they move you the chances of you being found are next to zero.

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    #17

    30 Seemingly Trivial Bits Of Info That Could Save Your Or Someone Else’s Life One Day If you’re a passenger in a car and you have a legitimate fear of being in that car, like “I need this car to stop and I need to be out of this vehicle right now” and you’re not sure if the person driving will actually stop, say you need to throw up.

    People who are trying to take advantage of a drunk person or who are driving dangerously may not pull over if you ask them directly. But nobody wants puke in their car’s carpets.

    ExpiredPilot , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Boris Long-Johnson
    Community Member
    5 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you’re desperate 99% of modern cars with an electric handbrake work the same - if pull it up and hold it it will initiate a full emergency stop using the FOOT brakes unlike a car with a manual handbrake where it usually just brakes the rear.

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    #18

    Sunset on a sandy beach with waves gently reaching the shore; a peaceful, life-saving scene. If you're on the beach and you see the tide recede extremely quick, run as fast as you can to higher ground. There could be an incoming tsunami. There are other signals like getting a notification on your phone or the ground shaking but this one is for if you're on an island and you're caught off guard.

    dezradeath , Nils Nedel/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #19

    30 Seemingly Trivial Bits Of Info That Could Save Your Or Someone Else’s Life One Day I like cars, driving is fun, but it's also still one of the leading causes of premature death in the world, be smart my dudes.

    Wear your f*****g seatbelt, I don't care what the state/country specific laws say even if you're in the backseat, and make sure every other passenger is wearing them, momentum wins every single time if you're not belted in. Ensure you're wearing it properly, deal with the discomfort of the belt running across your torso. Some minor discomfort is a much smaller problem than breaking your pelvis in the event of a crash.

    For the love of all things holy, don't use your phone while driving. If you use your phone for GPS, get a phone holder for your car, punch in your route, and leave it. If you absolutely need to reply to a text/call/whatever, pull over somewhere and reply, otherwise your life is more important and any sane person would be understanding if you reply later.

    Avoid get-there-itis. I get it; nobody wants to be late, miss something, have to spend extra time on the road, etc. But never let your desire/need to get somewhere take precedence over the safety of yourself and others. I'd rather be late to work or my destination than get in a wreck because of erratic driving.

    Don't drive drowsy, it's just as bad as drunk driving. If you find yourself getting tired to the point where keeping your eyes open is a struggle, swap driving with an able passenger. Or if you're alone or without a suitable replacement driver, stop somewhere and take a quick nap.

    Know your car, they come with a manual for a reason. Understand what everything in it does and what it needs maintenance wise to stay in a safe operating condition. Keep on regular maintenance like oil, fluids, tires, brakes, and the like; especially before going on an extended road trip. Paying for maintenance sucks, but it beats getting in an accident because your brakes were borderline needing replacement, your tires were quite bald, etc. The safety of any machine is a function of both its operator and the condition of the machine.

    Speeding, everyone does it, but understand that it will only save you so much time. Go with the flow, going 5-10 over is fine if that's what the herd is doing. But anything beyond that can be quite excessive, especially for things like turns. Engineers get paid a lot of money to analyze the safety of roads, trust them when a sign says you need to slow down for a sharp turn. Be especially conscious of speeding if you're driving in an unfamiliar area, take it slow if you don't the road.

    Driving can be and is a frustrating experience, but letting your anger get the best of you clouds your judgement. S**t happens, take a deep breath and don't get too worked up over the actions of other drivers. Nobody likes to get cut off, but there's no sense in getting angry over things you can't control, like other drivers. Road rage is never okay.

    Always be vigilant. See a car bouncing between the lines? Someone pulling a trailer with poorly secured items? Someone riding your a*s? Put distance between your vehicle and them when it is safe to do so. You're only as safe as the worst driver around you.

    Driving is deceptively easy and simple, but never get too complacent. Remember that as a fragile meat sack going tens of miles per hour in a multi-ton hunk of metal, glass, plastic, and flammable fluids you're in a constant battle between physics and stupidity. Physics will win every time no matter how "safe" your car is how "good" of a driver you or someone else is.

    I_Am_Coopa , Jerry Kavan/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If someone is driving too close behind, accelerating away from them is not your only option, you can also pull over and let them pass if possible. Usually pulling away is the answer, but just sometimes it's better to let them get away from you.

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    #20

    30 Seemingly Trivial Bits Of Info That Could Save Your Or Someone Else’s Life One Day If you like grapefruit. Always tell your doctor if you are going to be given a medication. Grapefruit reacts with a large amount of medications and can actually cause an OD when eaten while taking certain SSRIs.

    ThrowAwayRayye , willeroy/freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And amlodipine (hypertension). Luckily I don't like grapefruit.

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    #21

    Elderly man clutching chest near window, experiencing heart discomfort, emphasizing life-saving health awareness. One of the most effective and used medicines for a heart attack is aspirin. When someone is having a heart attack, have them chew on an aspirin.

    "When taken during a heart attack, aspirin slows clotting and decreases the size of the blood clot that is forming."

    Dbanzai , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #22

    Person walking alone at night, looking at a phone, highlighting life-saving awareness in dimly lit environments. If you feel like someone is following you on a street, make a phone call (or if you have to fake a phone call) to someone. State clearly and loudly where you are and that you expect to be back soon, and stay on the phone.

    Honestly think this saved my friend and I’s a*s once.

    Crazyalbinobitch , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    Offbeat Quinoa
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did this once when I wasn’t sure if I was being followed or not (except I actually called a friend). I stopped on the sidewalk and loudly said “I’m walking too slow on X street while I’m talking to you and someone’s behind me so I’m going to stand outside X store and let them pass. Oh they have such a nice red jacket! Nice jacket sir, have a good night!” Still unsure if he was actually following me but he’d been walking way too close behind me and turned every time I had. Felt safer after loudly announcing what he looked like. :)

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    #23

    Emergency exit sign illuminated on a dim wall, highlighting life-saving directions. When you entering any building try to remember where is the exit, always keep the way in your memory and count floors. its like a game, and i hope that habit will never be useful.

    CryptoHoodoo , Diana ✨/pexels (not the actual photo) Report

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    #24

    Looking up at a sunlit tree canopy, illustrating a life-saving perspective on nature's beauty. Phloem, the thin skin-like layer of a tree between the outer bark and wood, is a really nutritious food source easily harvested in the dead of winter. Most trees in North America are edible.

    PerpetualFunkMachine , David Vig/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Maggie Fulton
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you, Euell Gibbons. How many people are old enough for that reference…

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    #25

    Man drying his face with a towel in the bathroom, highlighting life-saving hygiene habits. If you throw up and it looks like coffee grounds it means you are bleeding into your stomach. Also if you are somewhere and the air starts tingling it means lightning is going to strike nearby.

    oxvd , Natalia Blauth/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Nina
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To add on to the lightning: if you can't get to a safe space (trees are NOT safe!), make yourself as small as possible and touch as little ground as possible by crouching/squatting on your heels or toes

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    #26

    Black dog barking fiercely in a forest. Hit an attacking dog as hard as you can on the bridge of the nose. It will stun it and give you time to get away. Doing that saved my last dog’s life anyway.

    anon , Nick Bolton/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #27

    Woman in winter clothing using her phone for help while man checks car engine, illustrating life-saving facts. If your car breaks down in a very remote place, burning a tire will draw attention to you. The thick, black smoke can be seen for miles.

    Scrappy_Larue , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Jason Kennith
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Best to do this with a spare tire, if you have one. No need to sacrifice your good tires, unless absolutely necessary. It's a shame that most modern cars don't have built-in spare tires. Nowadays changing a tire is a skill lost to time and people just call for a tow truck. I'm glad my uncle taught me how to change a tire.

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    #28

    Lightning strikes over a silhouette of trees under a cloudy night sky, highlighting life-saving awareness of storm safety. If you're in a storm with lightning and there is nowhere to seek shelter, find the lowest point you can, crouch into a ball with your head between your knees and only your shoes touching the ground (if you're some kind of yoga god and can do this on one foot, even better) Do NOT lie down. You want as little contact with the ground as possible. Avoid water, ideally find rocks/gravel as they are less conductive than soil and sand. Also don't group together, if you're going to get hit you don't want everyone to get hit when the lightning charge travels along the ground. Space yourselves out 60ft or more if possible.

    Aloretta_Dethly , Ezekiel See/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Tim Gibbs
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    According to QI you should be naked and pointing your bottom to the sky

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    #29

    Person in water wearing a brown coat, showcasing a life-saving fact scenario. You lose warmth from latent heat loss 25 times faster in wet clothes than without. In other words if you fall into cold water, get naked and get dry as your first priority.

    Mr_BigFace , Maria Vybor/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Depends on what the clothes are made of. Wool or synthetic, keep them on, cotton kills, get it off immediately.

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    #30

    A brown bear walking in a forest, illustrating a life-saving fact scenario in nature. Grizzly bears attack to eliminate a threat (don't be a threat).

    Black bears attack to eat.

    grizzfan , Zdeněk Macháček/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Jason Kennith
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just remember, if it's black, fight back. If it's brown, lie down. And if the bear charges you, stand your ground, as these are likely fake charges meant to intimidate you. If you run when you're charged by a bear, it'll see that as a sign of weakness and you're pretty much dead meat (literally). Make yourself appear as big as you can and scream at the bear. (Note that that's more useful for black bears.) With brown bears, curl up into a ball, hold still, and hope it loses interest in you. As always, don't bother bears whenever possible, and remember that it can be hard to differentiate between black bears and brown bears. Remember that the forest is their territory, not yours. Please be respectful of nature.

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    #31

    Car driving on snow-covered road, showcasing life-saving winter driving tips. Turn into the slide when driving on ice.

    anon , Dragon White Munthe/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And when you're driving on ice/snow, be GENTLE with the pedals ( brake or gas ). Makes me crazy how many people respond to spinning tires by flooring it, or to sliding by stomping hard on the brake.

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    #32

    Three women crossing a city street at a pedestrian crosswalk, showcasing life-saving awareness in urban settings. Look, both ways, before you cross the street.

    Loogiethejawaking , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    troufaki13
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, it doesn't matter if you have the right of way, always be careful. Your life is worth more than being right.

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    #33

    Don't be a participant in roadrage. Let it go. Go home to your family.

    Silly-Department7502 Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Especially in the US, where it seems likely you could be shot on top of the regular responses!

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    #34

    If you get stabbed don't pull out the weapon.

    Slobbadobbavich Report

    #35

    Even if your cell phone says "No Service", you can dial 911 anyway.
    The phone will look for, and acquire the strongest wireless network, even if the phone is not affiliated with that network and make a call on it. By law, that network must accept that 911 call, and route it to the closest known E911 call center.

    AuburnSpeedster Report

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Works outside of the US too, with 000 and 112 emergency calls working in Australia

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    #36

    If you are first at the scene of a motorcycle crash, never remove the crash helmet. Unless you’re trained and you know what you’re doing.

    Biker Down is an excellent course run by the fire service where they go through this.

    mrblockninja Report

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    R.A. Haley
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A CHP officer told me once about a perfectly lucid biker after a crash. When they took his helmet off, he died instantly. It was the only thing holding his skull together.

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    #37

    A woman sits on a couch, coughing into her hand, reflecting on life-saving facts. If you're choking and alone get at chest level with the side of a sturdy desk or table and slam into it, hopefully this'll dislodge the blockage.

    zerbey , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #39

    A hiker with a yellow backpack walks through a lush valley, showcasing life-saving outdoor exploration. Carry a whistle when you're hiking by yourself. Three quick whistles means "I need help".

    OldButHappy , Holly Mandarich/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Three of anything is an SOS signal. Three blasts on a whistle. Three small, smoky fires. Three knocks on something flat or hollow if you're trapped. Waving your arms around is a hello. Raising and lowering straight arms three times is a sign of distress.

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    #40

    Sunset over a landscape, emphasizing life-saving awareness amidst nature's beauty. Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. You can orient yourself.

    Every finger on your hand is 15 minutes, with that knowledge, you can pretty closely guess how much daylight you have left by measuring using your hands from the bottom of the sun to the top of the horizon, in case you’re ever stuck somewhere and need daylight.

    Ozgilead1999 , OC Gonzalez/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #41

    Never mix bleach and ammonia. It creates chlorine gas or rocket fuel.

    TopShelfSnipes Report

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    #42

    If you get something stuck (like.. a pen or something) in one eye. You need to close BOTH eyes and let someone guide you to the hospital. Because naturally unconsciously if you have one eye open you will look at things, which means, moving the other eye too!

    gnowee3 Report

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    Sue User
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, a situation where i am unable to have one eye open and one eye closed is helpful.

    #43

    Most people don't know when they are being followed by a vehicle, which is why it's important to keep mindful over your surroundings and other vehicles, it's hardly a coincidence to see the same exact car twice in two different locations. If you suspect you're being followed make a right or left turn 4 times in a complete circle. If they are still behind you, it's almost guaranteed they are following you.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If so don't go home. Go to a safe place like a police station.

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    #44

    If you're in immediate danger and an option is to run... then run. Life's not a movie.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you can't run hide. Fighting is much more dangerous than either of those options and therefore should be a last resort option.

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    #45

    If someone falls overboard, throw life rings or life jackets at intervals and the boat can follow them back to the person. If jumping a long way down wearing a life jacket, hold the top tight to your shoulders or you may break your neck when you hit the water. If there's a fire, touch the door to see if it's hot. Opening the door may cause a deadly burst of flame with the introduction of oxygen.

    On an airplane that's lost cabin pressure, you only have a few seconds to put your oxygen mask on before passing out. Put it on and pull the hose until the O2 flows.

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    Robin Roper
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Arrived a friend's house to drop something off for him. I was to leave it in the door. As I opened the door, I faintly smelled smoke, so I smelled the door itself. It smelled strongly of smoke. Yep, the house was on fire. The door was not hot. Thank goodness no one was home because the fire workers said they had never seen such dense smoke.

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    #46

    Having a seat belt cutter/window breaker on my key chain.

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    CatD
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just having one in the glove box or console isn't good, you might not be able to get to it.

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    #47

    If an attacking dog lunges at you, stick your non-dominant hand into its mouth. You may be able to suffocate it or at least stop its jaws from getting to your throat.

    My grandfather k**led a feral dog this way by letting it clamp down on his left arm while he stabbed it with his right.

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our neighbour was attacked by a wild dog, he shoved his hand down it's throat. Not sure I'd have the nerve. It worked though.

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    #48

    When cars crash into bodies of water, rescue workers often find people drowned in them later, with the seatbelts still on. People have trouble thinking clearly in panic situations, and many people die struggling to escape their cars without having removed their belts.

    The first thing you should do if your car crashes into the water is roll down your window while unbuckling your belt. Power windows may still work briefly after hitting the water, so you want to do it immediately. If the power windows don't work, you want to kick out your windshield, but that's a lot easier said than done. If your window is open and your seatbelt is off, you stand a decent chance of getting out of there alive.

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    Bat cat in a hat
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A bit more info: people panic and the first reaction is to roll windows up to stop water coming in so fast, but once the car is even partially underwater it's extremely hard to open the doors because of the water pressure, electric windows won't open and it's likely you won't have time to break the glass

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    #49

    Your nose is better then you give it credit for. If you smell smoke, even faintly, don't assume its a neighbors BBQ.

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    #50

    If you are ever abducted or kidnapped by someone (or if a friend or loved one is), start acting out a seizure as best as you can. Grand mal. Thrash, move about, whatever. Go all out.

    While it may not do anything to some kidnappers, other kidnappers may freak out and you may have a chance to escape.

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    Lowrider 56
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've also heard that if you think you are going to be attacked sexually you should defecate or pee on yourself.

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    #51

    I'm of the opinion that a first aid class should be mandatory around middle school. I can't tell you how many people are alive because I know the heimlich maneuver. A lot of the stuff is super simple, but you just have to know it. Another example is someone with a punctuated/ collapsed lung only needs a piece of plastic that's taped on 3 sides of the wound(standards of care may have changed) to give them enough time to get to an emergency room and not die.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    5 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Free classes for refresher would be good for teens/adults also. Maybe limit to once every 6 or 12 months to keep it manageable.

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    #52

    You are more likely to be found if you tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any time you go bushwalking, either let family/friends or the park rangers know, especially if you are going alone. And take plenty of water with you!

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    #53

    Men: peeing on a pregnancy test and getting a positive result means you should talk to your doctor LIKE NOW - you may have testicular cancer.

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    #54

    Coral snakes and king snakes look very similar but the coral snake is very venomous so remember red on yellow you’re dead fellow, red on black you’re dead jack. Don’t f**k with snakes.

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    Maggie Fulton
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See a snake, avoid the snake. A little off topic, but did you know hospitals get patients who have been bitten on the lips or face by a rattlesnake because they were fooling around pretending to kiss it or just being macho? Do not do that. You will find out.

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    #55

    Encounter of a bear,



    if its brown, stay down. Lay flat on your back and place your hands on the back of your neck. It may sniff you, but it will walk away eventually.

    if its black, fight back. Make loud, noises by slamming two loud objects together, make yourself big and wide it will be scared away.

    if its white, say goodnight. Try removing a garment of clothing, but other than that you're prolly dead.

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    #56

    Kangaroos gathered in a grassy field, illustrating life-saving wildlife knowledge.
Kangaroos can't hop backward.

    If you're ever getting mauled by a gang of kangaroos, this could be slightly advantageous to know.

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    5 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Emus can't walk/run backwards either. This attribute is why they are both on the Australian coat of arms.

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    #57

    If you can see the hinge, the door opens towards you. If it was built after 1940, the door that leads outside HAS to open outwards.

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    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ten years in the UK and I still can't get used to outside doors opening in.

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    #58

    Know where the fire extinguisher is kept.

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And if there are different types &/or a fire blanket around. That way you can address a grease electrical or chemical fire correctly.

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    #59

    The rule of 3s
    One can generally survive
    Three minutes without air
    Three days without water
    Three weeks without food
    Three months without shelter.

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    #60

    If you play on a recreational sports team/league, at least here in the U.S., many AED companies offer promotions for buying portable defibrillators. Extra bonus - if it’s used, they give you a new one for free.

    Source: Play in an adult soccer league and we brought this guy back to life after he collapsed on the field. In case you’re wondering, he was young and fit, and there was no contact with the ball or other players.

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Australia, there are apps (GoodSAM and the St John First Responder app are good choices) that locate the nearest defibrillators. They usually show a map of your location and the defibs, and when ones have been transported they can show how close to arriving they are. I don't know about getting your own ones here, I've never had that mentioned at first aid courses, though I know organisations can purchase them. We had one installed at my church last year in memory of a former member of the congregation that had died (not there) of heart attack.

    #61

    A blood pressure monitor is only about $30. Check your blood pressure regularly every couple of weeks. If you see that you are in the yellow or red range, that means you have hypertension, and are at high risk for a heart attack in the future.

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    jasper
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also get your blood sugar checked while you're at it. So many people have diabetes and don't even know.

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    #62

    If your wrists are held together with a zip tie, you can make two fists and bring your arms down by your sides quickly with your elbows at a 90-degree angle. It should break the zip tie.

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    #63

    Your blood type.

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    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not useful at all. The risks of giving mismatched blood are so high that nobody will give you blood without testing your blood type first.

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    #64

    Obvious but I still did this (also wont be life or death really but will help someone from not hurting themselves). I knew about this too but when using a manual can opener and the can is not all the way open. Do not try to pull it (even if you were in a hurry like me). You will slice open your hand pretty deeply. It has been 4 days and I still have my hand wrapped up...

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    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't lick the cheese off the metal lid of a can of cheese sauce ffs. It's like a papercut on your tongue lol

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    #65

    Continue to drive (slowly) on that flat tire! You CAN make it to the next exit. Pulling over on the shoulder of the highway to change a flat is super hazardous. Worst case: you ruin a tire beyond repair or ruin a rim. Best case: avoid death.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My friend's father lost his leg doing just that. He had a flat and was changing the tire when some idiot ran off the road and hit him.

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    #66

    Know the symptoms of a *Heart Attack*, some common ones include:

    - Chest pain (it can feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest to some patients)
    - Pain in your (usually) left arm, jaw, back
    - Nausea
    - Shortness of breath
    - Clammy / sweating
    - Light headed / dizzy
    - Coughing / wheezing
    - You feel like, or know, you're going to die

    Chew and swallow an Aspirin tablet (ideally 300mg).
    Get urgent medical attention if you suspect a Heart Attack.

    *Stroke:* Remember the BEFAST acronym.

    **B**alance (loss of balance)

    **E**yes (one or both eyes unreactive)

    **F**ace (drooping to one side)

    **A**rms (cannot hold them both up equally)

    **S**peech (slurred)

    **T**IME = BRAIN

    Get urgent medical attention if you suspect a Stroke.

    *SEPSIS* CAN DEVELOP FAST AND CAN EASILY K**L YOU. GET URGENT MEDICAL HELP IF YOU SUSPECT IT.
    Most of the time (not always), it occurs after surgery, a deep cut/bite, being unwell (with a suspected infection). If you're concerned, just ask 'Could it be Sepsis?'

    Remember the SEPSIS acronym.

    **S**lured speech / confusion

    **E**xtreme shivering / muscle pain

    **P**assing no urine (in a day)

    **S**evere breathlessness

    **I**t feels like you're going to die

    **S**kin that's mottled, discoloured or very pale. A rash that doesn't fade when you roll a glass over it.

    Symptoms vary in a child. Get medical advice if you suspect Sepsis.

    • LEARN CPR
    • LEARN THE RECOVERY POSITION
    (Take a free class from a charity. Or even just a 5 minute YouTube video.)

    (This should not be taken as medical advice. Check your local health care providers information. Information is gathered mainly from UK NHS resources. Do not take this as medical advice.).

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    Lavender Myst
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Women, please remember the symptoms of a heart attack can manfest very diffrently in women and are not limited to pain in left arm. Women can have pain in right arm, either side of the back, and neck...

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    #67

    If you drive your car in to a body of water, you can take out the removable headrest, jam it down the side of the window, and pull. This causes the window to break allowing you to exit the vehicle easily. Like this.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not true for a lot of the newer models. Get a windshield breaker device. Should have plenty of inexpensive options.

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    #69

    In a fight clench that jaw, nobody wants a broken face.

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    #70

    When you are walking in the dark with the flashlight do not keep it in front of you, but to the side on an outstretched hand. If someone shoots at you, they will be trying to shoot the light.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where do you live that this is a legit concern? I need to know where to avoid.

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    #71

    It takes 30-120 seconds on average to lose enough blood to go unconscious depending on wound severity.

    A tourniquet can prevent bleeding out and can safely remain on the body when applied correctly for multiple days before it causes any additional damage.

    Military grade tourniquets cost $30 and can be easily applied by any able bodied human. Unless you are around water often, you are almost as likely to need to use a tourniquet to save a life as you are to need to apply CPR since CPR won't help someone who is still bleeding out.

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    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do not follow this tourniquet advice unless you want to watch the person you are 'saving' lose a limb. It is grossly oversimplified and irresponsible.

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    #72

    If you’re stranded in a wilderness survival situation and the only thing you eat is rabbit meat, you will still starve to death.

    Rabbit meat doesn’t have enough fat to keep you going, you will burn more calories digesting it than what you consumed.

    Your are better off eating nothing at all, or if you really must eat, consume not only the meat but also the brains and eyeballs, as this will give you considerably more useful nutrients.

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    QI fans know the frustrating hilarity of Stephan Fry saying 'no, if you eat nothing BUT rabbit you will die'

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    #73

    If wrestling a pistol from someone, choke up on the barrel and wrap your fingers where the shell would expel. If fired, the gun is jammed and cannot be fired again until the casing is removed.

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    #74

    Don't swerve if a deer jumps into the road in front of you. Hit it.

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    Ace macbeth
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Neither are great options unfortunately. Source: me. I've damaged cars doing each.

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    #75

    The emergency frequency on airlines for MAYDAY purposes is 121.5.

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    #76

    Whether or not its vision is based on movement.

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    Duplicate
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure why this got downvoted. If you're facing a predator, this is valid to know.

    #77

    Metric units.

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    Duplicate
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I could clarify this one, too, but I live in the us, so we use the Imperial(customary), but cool to know, I think it's more for Australia, that's the only place I know uses this.

    #78

    When in foreign countries, especially poor, everyone wants something from you. Men, she don't want to date you, she is most likely part of a gang or want a green card. Ask locals, staff in hotels for example, how they greet eachochter. Not the translation of "hello", no how do the *locals* greet eachother.

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    #79

    The only cure for poisoning by antifreeze/ethylene glycol is vodka. If you think you were poisoned by it drink as much vodka as you can.

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    Boris Long-Johnson
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Only cure is Vodka” - no it’s not. The “cure” you’re talking about is to flush your system with ETHANOL - you can use Whisky, Rum etc etc for the same effect.

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    #80

    It's better to arrive to the hospital in an ambulance than by yourself/ be driven there.
    You'll get treated faster and be taken more seriously.

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    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    5 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, you're triaged the same way. The only thing that is faster is that the EMTs will tell triage what is wrong with you, so it saves a few seconds. If you don't need lifesaving treatment in the ambulance, it's not necessarily quicker. And If you aren't dying, you don't get lights.

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