In a world increasingly plagued by natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and economic instability, Neil Strauss's book "Emergency" offers a timely exploration of survival preparedness. This engaging and informative summary will guide you through Strauss's journey as he learns the skills necessary to survive in the face of any disaster.
Introduction
Neil Strauss, known for his bestselling books on dating and social dynamics, takes an unexpected turn with "Emergency." Motivated by the uncertainties of the modern world, Strauss embarks on a quest to learn how to survive various catastrophic scenarios. From urban warfare to wilderness survival, from obtaining second citizenship to mastering emergency medical skills, Strauss leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of preparedness.
The book is part personal journey, part practical guide, offering readers a unique perspective on the world of survivalism and emergency preparedness. Through Strauss's experiences and the experts he encounters, we gain valuable insights into the mindset and skills required to face an uncertain future.
The Survivalist Mindset
Strauss begins his journey by exploring the survivalist mindset. He quickly learns that anything can go wrong at any time, and a true survivalist must be prepared for a wide range of scenarios. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, economic collapse, war, disease, and starvation are just a few of the potential threats that survivalists consider.
This uncertainty drives many people to become "survivalists" - individuals who actively prepare for large-scale emergencies. However, since no one can predict exactly what kind of disaster might strike, a proactive survivalist needs to be trained and prepared for every potential kind of catastrophe.
Strauss emphasizes the importance of developing a broad skill set. For example:
- Surviving without electricity and water
- Making fire
- Using hand-crank powered devices
- Purifying water
- Administering first aid
- Driving various vehicles (cars, boats, motorcycles, and even helicopters)
- Performing basic medical care
The author stresses that no matter what kind of disaster strikes, it's always beneficial to have these fundamental skills at your disposal.
Different Approaches to Survival
As Strauss delves deeper into the world of survivalism, he discovers that people's approaches to disaster preparedness often depend on their view of human nature. He identifies three main mindsets:
The Paranoid Survivalist: These individuals believe that if society collapses, people will become selfish and violent. They tend to stockpile guns and supplies, build secret hideouts, and may even start militias.
The Compassionate Cooperator: This group believes that humans are essentially good and will work together to survive. Permaculturists, for example, create self-sufficient communities that could survive societal collapse by working together.
The Primitivist: These survivalists prioritize severing all dependency on modern society. They focus on learning how to survive in the wilderness without modern tools or technology.
Each approach has its merits and drawbacks, and Strauss explores them all in his quest for comprehensive preparedness.
The Importance of Second Citizenship
One of the most intriguing aspects of Strauss's journey is his pursuit of second citizenship. He argues that having a second passport can be crucial in escaping a disaster-stricken country. If your home nation is hit by catastrophe and other countries close their borders to refugees, a second passport could be your ticket to safety.
Strauss shares his personal experience of obtaining citizenship in St. Kitts, a small, stable island in the Caribbean. He details the year-long process of gathering documents and purchasing approved property to become a citizen.
While acknowledging that obtaining a second passport can be challenging, Strauss provides several examples of how it can be done:
- Living in a country for a specified period (usually at least five years)
- Exploiting technical loopholes (e.g., having a child with a Brazilian citizen to gain Brazilian citizenship)
- Proving ancestral connections (e.g., German citizenship for descendants of WWII refugees)
- Making significant investments (e.g., Austria's instant citizenship for million-dollar investors)
This section of the book underscores the importance of thinking globally when it comes to survival strategies.
Escape Routes and Vehicles
A key aspect of survival preparedness, according to Strauss, is planning multiple escape routes. He emphasizes the importance of having several safe locations to flee to in case of disaster. For example, Strauss himself has a cabin in Washington state and his safe haven in St. Kitts.
But having destinations isn't enough - you also need to plan how to get there. Strauss introduces the concept of "caches" - hidden stocks of essential supplies like guns, ammunition, fuel, food, and water along escape routes. This ensures that in a crisis, you can head to the nearest cache for necessary supplies.
When it comes to vehicles for escape, Strauss offers several recommendations:
- Motorcycle with saddlebags: Ideal for navigating through traffic jams and taking isolated mountain roads
- Autogyro (mini-helicopter): For those with unlimited resources, flying over disasters is the ultimate escape
- Sailboat: Perfect for coastal dwellers, offering freedom from traffic and roadblocks (though beware of pirates!)
Each option has its advantages, and Strauss encourages readers to consider their geographical location and resources when choosing an escape vehicle.
Self-Sufficiency and Survival Skills
A significant portion of "Emergency" is dedicated to the importance of self-sufficiency and survival skills. Strauss argues that in a societal collapse, we would lose access to electricity, water, food, gas, and the internet. Therefore, knowing how to take care of ourselves becomes crucial.
Strauss introduces the concept of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), a program developed to train citizens to become more self-sufficient in disasters. He points out that even government plans often rely on citizens taking care of themselves in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophe, as evidenced by the delayed response to Hurricane Katrina.
To become self-sufficient, Strauss suggests learning about resources already available in our immediate environment. For example, he notes that most home radiators store over forty gallons of drinkable water, and toilet tanks contain several more gallons.
The author also delves into more extreme survival skills, particularly the use of firearms and knives. He recounts his experiences learning to shoot at Gunsite, a specialist shooting range in Arizona, where he was taught the "gruesome science of killing." Similarly, he learns knife skills from an instructor named Mad Dog, covering everything from sharpening and sterilizing knives to carving tools and even slaughtering and gutting a goat.
While these skills might seem extreme, Strauss argues that they could be essential for self-defense or hunting in a true survival situation.
Urban Survival Tactics
Recognizing that many people live in urban areas, Strauss explores the skills necessary for surviving in a city during a crisis. He participates in an Urban Escape and Evasion course, which teaches students how to navigate an urban environment when under threat.
The course covers a wide range of skills, including:
- Lock picking
- Escaping from handcuffs
- Hiding one's identity
- Hot-wiring cars
Strauss notes that many of the other students are soldiers or contractors preparing for deployment to war zones, underscoring the real-world applications of these skills.
The urban survival course takes a pessimistic view of human nature, assuming that violence and chaos will spread quickly in a disaster. This perspective is informed by real-world events, such as the looting that occurred in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
The course culminates in a challenging final exam where students must escape the city while evading capture by ex-bounty hunters and military trainers. This practical test allows students to apply the skills they've learned, from locating hidden supplies to finding allies and concealing tools.
Strauss emphasizes that urban survival isn't just about pre-planned strategies. The course also teaches students to use every available resource, including:
- Identifying edible plants in the city
- Fishing in public ponds
- Detecting easy-to-steal cars
- Locating items that can be turned into weapons
These skills, while potentially controversial, are presented as last-resort options in extreme survival situations.
Overcoming Fear and Stress
As Strauss immerses himself in the world of survival preparedness, he begins to grapple with the psychological aspects of constant vigilance. He realizes that focusing solely on escaping potential catastrophes can lead to increased worry and anxiety.
This realization leads Strauss to a crucial insight: the best way to prepare for disasters - and to overcome fear - is to actively seek out and manage dangerous situations. By exposing ourselves to small, calculated risks, we can learn to better handle uncomfortable and dangerous situations.
Strauss suggests that undergoing emergency training is an excellent way to push our comfort zones and learn how to take care of ourselves and others in disastrous situations. This proactive approach not only builds practical skills but also helps make emergencies feel less daunting.
The author shares a personal anecdote about experiencing a small earthquake. Thanks to his training, he knew exactly how to react: take cover under sturdy furniture, check on loved ones and neighbors, and contact emergency services to offer assistance if needed. This example illustrates how proper training can transform fear into purposeful action.
Emergency Medical Training
One of the most valuable skills Strauss acquires during his journey is emergency medical training. He points out that in the United States, it can take anywhere from three to fourteen days before the official rescue system becomes effective in a large-scale disaster. This delay, as seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, underscores the importance of individual preparedness and the ability to help others.
Strauss encourages readers to consider becoming Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). EMT training covers a wide range of skills, including:
- Recognizing and treating various injuries
- Dealing with gunshot wounds
- Setting broken bones
- Performing CPR
- Treating water-filled lungs
The author argues that this training not only provides practical skills but also changes one's perspective. When you're trained as an EMT, you're more likely to stop and help someone in distress because you know you're qualified to make a difference.
Strauss shares a personal experience where his EMT training came into play. He encountered a motorcyclist who had been in an accident on the highway. While other drivers passed by, Strauss stopped, assessed the situation, provided first aid, and waited for paramedics to arrive. This incident illustrates how emergency medical training can empower individuals to take action and potentially save lives.
The Wilderness Factor
While much of "Emergency" focuses on urban survival and disaster preparedness, Strauss doesn't neglect the importance of wilderness survival skills. He recognizes that in some scenarios, escaping to the wilderness might be the best or only option.
Strauss seeks out experts in primitive survival techniques, including Tom Brown, a renowned survivalist who teaches students how to live off the land. These skills include:
- Building shelters from natural materials
- Starting fires without modern tools
- Foraging for edible plants
- Finding and purifying water
The author emphasizes that these skills are not just for "doomsday preppers" but can be valuable in a variety of situations, from getting lost while hiking to surviving a plane crash in a remote area.
Strauss also explores the philosophical aspects of wilderness survival, noting that some survivalists view a return to nature as the ultimate form of independence from modern society's vulnerabilities.
The One Essential Tool
Throughout his journey, Strauss encounters many survival experts who emphasize the importance of various tools and equipment. However, one recurring theme is the significance of a good knife in survival situations.
A quality knife, according to the experts Strauss interviews, can be used for:
- Building shelter
- Preparing food
- Making other tools
- Self-defense
- First aid (in extreme situations)
The versatility of a knife makes it an indispensable tool in both urban and wilderness survival scenarios. Strauss learns proper knife handling, maintenance, and even how to fashion improvised knives from available materials.
This emphasis on a single, versatile tool underscores a key principle of survival preparedness: the importance of knowledge and skills over an abundance of specialized equipment.
The Ethics of Survival
As Strauss delves deeper into the world of survivalism, he begins to grapple with ethical questions. When does preparation become paranoia? At what point does self-preservation conflict with social responsibility?
The author explores these questions through conversations with various experts and through his own experiences. He comes to realize that true preparedness isn't just about individual survival, but about building resilient communities.
Strauss discusses the concept of "mutual aid" - the idea that in a crisis, people often come together to help each other. This contrasts with the "every man for himself" mentality often associated with extreme survivalism.
The book encourages readers to find a balance between personal preparedness and community involvement. Strauss suggests that the skills and resources acquired for survival can also be used to help others in times of need.
The Psychological Impact
One of the most intriguing aspects of "Emergency" is Strauss's exploration of the psychological impact of immersing oneself in survival preparedness. He candidly shares his own experiences of increased anxiety and paranoia as he becomes more aware of potential threats.
However, Strauss also discovers that acquiring survival skills and emergency training can have a positive psychological effect. As he becomes more prepared, he feels more confident and less fearful. This transformation highlights an important point: knowledge and preparation can be powerful antidotes to fear and anxiety.
The author also touches on the concept of "situational awareness" - the practice of being constantly aware of one's surroundings and potential threats. While this can be taxing if taken to extremes, Strauss argues that a balanced approach to situational awareness can enhance personal safety without inducing paranoia.
Practical Applications
Throughout "Emergency," Strauss provides numerous practical tips and strategies that readers can apply in their own lives. These range from simple preparedness measures to more advanced survival techniques.
Some practical takeaways include:
- Creating a "bug-out bag" with essential supplies for quick evacuation
- Learning basic first aid and CPR
- Developing a family emergency plan
- Storing extra food and water
- Learning to identify edible plants in your area
- Practicing situational awareness
- Considering alternative forms of currency (like gold or silver) in case of economic collapse
Strauss emphasizes that preparedness doesn't have to be all-consuming or expensive. Even small steps can significantly increase one's readiness for emergencies.
The Transformation
One of the most compelling aspects of "Emergency" is Strauss's personal transformation throughout his journey. He begins as someone largely unprepared for disasters, motivated by fear and uncertainty. By the end of the book, he has become not only more prepared but also more confident and community-minded.
Strauss's journey illustrates that survival preparedness isn't just about acquiring skills and supplies. It's also about developing resilience, both physical and mental. The author learns to face his fears, push his limits, and ultimately, to find purpose in helping others.
This transformation challenges the stereotype of the isolated, paranoid survivalist. Instead, Strauss presents a model of preparedness that balances self-reliance with community involvement.
Criticism and Controversy
While "Emergency" offers valuable insights into survival preparedness, it's worth noting that some of the techniques and strategies discussed in the book are controversial. Critics might argue that certain survival tactics, particularly those related to urban evasion or weapon use, could be misused or misinterpreted.
Strauss acknowledges these concerns to some extent, emphasizing that many of the more extreme survival techniques are intended for truly catastrophic scenarios. He encourages readers to use their judgment and to prioritize legal and ethical behavior in their preparedness efforts.
Final Thoughts
"Emergency" by Neil Strauss is a thought-provoking exploration of survival preparedness in the modern world. Through his personal journey, Strauss provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the skills, mindsets, and resources needed to survive various disaster scenarios.
Key takeaways from the book include:
- The importance of developing a broad range of survival skills
- The value of community and mutual aid in crisis situations
- The need for both urban and wilderness survival knowledge
- The psychological benefits of being prepared
- The balance between individual preparedness and social responsibility
Strauss's journey from fearful civilian to confident survivalist offers an inspiring model for personal growth through preparedness. He demonstrates that survival skills are not just about self-preservation, but can also empower individuals to help others in times of need.
While some may find certain aspects of the book extreme, "Emergency" offers valuable insights for anyone interested in being better prepared for life's uncertainties. It serves as a reminder that in an unpredictable world, knowledge and preparation can provide not just safety, but also peace of mind.
Ultimately, "Emergency" is more than just a survival guide. It's a call to action, encouraging readers to take responsibility for their own safety and well-being, while also considering their role in their communities. In a world that often seems chaotic and threatening, Strauss offers a path to empowerment and resilience.
Whether you're a dedicated survivalist or simply someone looking to be better prepared for emergencies, "Emergency" provides food for thought and practical advice. It challenges readers to consider their own level of preparedness and offers a roadmap for those looking to enhance their survival skills.
In conclusion, "Emergency" is a compelling blend of personal narrative and practical advice. It takes readers on a journey through the world of survival preparedness, offering insights and strategies that can be applied in both everyday life and extreme situations. While not everyone will choose to pursue preparedness to the extent that Strauss does, his experiences and the lessons he learns along the way provide valuable perspective on resilience, self-reliance, and community in the face of adversity.