The Survivor's Dilemma Worksheet ©

 

Have you ever had to make a series of split second decisions that affect whether you live or die?  If you had only 60 seconds to choose just four things to help you survive in the arctic wilderness after a plane crash, what would you choose?  And more importantly, why would you choose them?

  

To explore this, the single person, four item, adaption of the “Subarctic Survival Problem”, a team-building exercise developed by Patrick Eady and J. Clayton Lafferty, in consultation with the men and officers of the Para Rescue Specialists, in 1973.  The original “Subarctic Survival Problem” allowed you, as a team of four survivors, to save 15 items from the plane.  But for this simulation, you are the sole survivor, and you are only able to grab four items, before the plane sinks.  Rank all 15 items in “Step 1” and write down your reasons for your decisions in “Step 4”.  Decide which four items will help you the most to survive the snow and cold, until rescuers realize you are overdue and come looking for you.  But don’t worry, you will only have to survive on your own for 15 days or so!

To print out the worksheets, open the PDF below.  Enjoy!