Mostly
Alive
A practical guide to remaining so.
“Humanity has survived for quite some time despite generally poor documentation.”
Reading Saves Lives: The Mostly Alive Principle
The single worst moment to learn what an unusual warning sign means is while it is already happening. Knowing that something is dangerous is useful—recognizing that you are currently looking at it is what keeps you alive.
Commonly Underestimated Situations
Allergy Escalating Rather Quickly
“Inject epinephrine into the outer thigh immediately, call 911/112, keep the person lying flat, and never let them stand up.”
Animal Has Made an Unplanned Hole in You
“Wash vigorously with soap and water for 15 full minutes, apply antiseptic, and seek rabies PEP/antibiotics immediately.”
Asthma Inhaler Noticeably Not Doing the Job
“Sit upright, take 4–10 puffs of rescue inhaler (1 at a time), and call 911/112 immediately if words cannot be spoken.”
Bleeding More Than Is Generally Recommended
“Press hard with both hands directly on the wound; for catastrophic limb bleeds, apply a tourniquet high and tight.”
Blood Sugar Has Left the Chat
“Give 15g fast sugar ONLY if fully awake and swallowing; never pour liquids into a drowsy or unconscious mouth.”
Body Part Pointing in a New and Unapproved Direction
“Immobilize in the position found, never try to snap bones or joints back in place, and check distal pulses.”
Hazard Categories
Weather & Atmospheric
Lightning, tornadoes, storms, and other occasions where the sky develops an attitude.
Water & Maritime
Rip currents, cold water shock, ice, floods, and vehicles acting as questionable submarines.
Fire & Combustion
Grease fires, electrical fires, smoke inhalation, and sudden exothermic events.
Electricity & High Voltage
Fallen power lines, step potential, wet circuits, and why direct current is unsentimental.
Home & Domestic Hazards
Gas leaks, carbon monoxide, chemical cleaning mixtures, and quiet indoor hazards.
Medical Basics & First Aid
Choking, severe bleeding, stroke, heart attack, hypothermia, and immediate life support.
Roads & Vehicles
Submerged cars, motorway breakdowns, brake failures, and rapid velocity changes.
Animals & Wildlife
Aggressive dogs, surprisingly fast cattle, wild boars, venomous bites, and insect swarms.
Outdoors & Wilderness
Getting lost, hypothermia, rockfalls, avalanches, and sudden isolation.
Buildings & Architecture
Elevator stops, emergency exits, structural collapse signs, and room evacuation.
Crowds & Public Spaces
Crowd surges, bottleneck escapes, stampede prevention, and spatial awareness.
Digital & Battery Hazards
Swollen lithium-ion pouches, thermal runaways, and critical tech cutoffs.