Research Methodology & Standards

Mostly Alive operates under a strict Source Supremacy Protocol:

Hypothesis vs. Requirement: All preliminary notes and common survival tips are treated strictly as research hypotheses to be tested empirically against current peer-reviewed or statutory guidance.
The Source Wins: If an authoritative primary standard contradicts our initial phrasing or popular assumption, the primary source overrides without exception.
Anti-Confirmation Bias: Research queries target official guideline documents (e.g., ERC Resuscitation Guidelines, NFPA codes, NOAA meteorology protocols), not search results curated to confirm pre-existing text.
Jurisdiction & Version Tracking: Where clinical or statutory procedures diverge geographically (e.g., EU 112 vs US 911 dispatch, varying resuscitation standards), national variations and specific guideline editions are explicitly documented.

Many widespread survival tips are lethal folklore:

Myth: "Wait for the sinking car to fill completely with water to equalize pressure before opening the door."
Reality: Fatal in most trials. The verified SWOC protocol (Seatbelts off, Windows open, Out, Children first) mandates window egress within the initial 60-second floating phase.
Myth: "Rub snow or massage cold limbs to rewarm a hypothermic person."
Reality: Triggers immediate afterdrop and lethal cardiac arrhythmias by forcing acidotic peripheral blood into the heart. Rewarming must focus on the torso.
Myth: "Shelter under beech trees during lightning storms."
Reality: All isolated tall trees create severe side-flash arcs, ground step potential, and explosive steam shrapnel regardless of botanical species.

reviewed: 100% of actionable claims are verified against cited primary institutional standards, with named reviewers and recorded audit dates.
draft / needs-review: Content under active verification. Displayed with prominent cautionary banners in the user interface.