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Bugging Out with Disabilities

1/29/2016

11 Comments

 
By Dennis Diaz

A few days ago I was reading some comments and questions on our Facebook group (The Bugout Network), and I saw a few questions regarding the topic of bugging out or evacuating an area if you or a family member has limited mobility due to a disability or injury. I personally understand this concern. Not too long ago I found myself in a very serious vehicular accident that left me with some serious injuries, none of which were life threatening, but it did throw me into a 6 months journey to recovery before I was able to walk again. Those 6 months felt like a lifetime and for someone like me it was REALLY hard to feel that vulnerable. From my own experience, and with some time on my hands, I made some changes to my bugout plan in order to alleviate the risk if something like this were to happen again. I know this is a common problem and its obvious that not every person, and for that matter, not every family is going to be perfectly healthy and capable of strapping on a heavy pack and walking for miles. In fact, most families will have at least one member who is physically not able to do something so strenuous. Depending on when you have to bug out, you or a member of your family may be ill or injured. This certainly throws a gorilla size wrench in the bug out plan.
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Image via www.survivalsullivan.com

​If you or a family member has a condition that will prevent you or them from being able to keep up or even walk out, you need to plan for that. In addition, whether disabled or not, its sensible to have a contingency plan in place in case someone is ill or injured when it is time to get out of dodge. You are not going to leave anyone behind, but you don't want to put the entire family in jeopardy. Obviously there are going to be challenges that others will not face, but the whole idea of preparing for anything far ahead of time is how you will overcome those obstacles. 


The following are some tips to bugging out with the infirm or disabled. 

Have Aids and Tools Available

Be prepared to handle limited mobility by having the necessary equipment. Sometimes an elderly person may just need a walking stick to lean on. This is something you can keep tucked away with your gear. Knee braces and ankle braces can also provide support if that is an issue. A back brace can also provide some support for anybody suffering from back issues that may slow them down.
If walking is truly an issue, a wheelchair will be helpful. Ensure you have a working strap to hold, yourself or the person in the chair as you travel over rough terrain. It won't be easy to get it up steep, rocky inclines, but with a couple of people, it can be done. It is a good idea to practice and if t’s a family member, make sure you take him or her on the evacuation route to get an idea of how to navigate some of the more difficult terrain. Don't wait until your life depends on it to figure out the best way to carry the chair and person over a rocky path.
A stretcher may also be a good idea to keep on hand, just in case someone gets injured before you bug out. These are fairly light weight and two to four people can easily pack the stretcher and injured or disabled person out.


Pack Light

If you or your family member can physically walk, but is weak or not all that steady on their feet, make it easier by carrying or giving them a very light bug out bag. You don't want to  be strained or strain them anymore than necessary. This applies to children too. Make sure they have the essentials like water, a flashlight and a way to start a fire and divvy up the rest of the gear to the healthier members of the group. If the person is going to be in a wheelchair, it isn't that much more difficult to attach the bag to the chair or have the person carry it in their lap.
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Consider a BOV—Bug Out Vehicle
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If walking or traveling even short distances is going to be extremely difficult or impossible, you may want to put your efforts into creating a bug out vehicle. For those who are bedridden, riding in a wheelchair may be too much. A BOV is one way to get the whole family out without any real effort. The only drawback to a vehicle is the possibility roads may all be blocked. This is why it is a good idea to find a rig that is off-road capable. Make sure it has a good set of traction tires and can take a beating. 


​Limit Your Walk

Although you may have the perfect retreat 45 miles away, if you have someone with limited mobility, you will want to look for somewhere a bit closer. That is a long way to carry or push someone in a wheelchair. If that retreat is the only possible refuge, you will need to make several stops. You may only be able to travel a few miles a day. You must be prepared to sleep outside or have shelters identified along the route. If that is the plan, make sure you have the necessary bedding and shelter to allow yourself or your limited mobility member adequate rest for the following day that will be just as trying.
Ideally, if you can find something that is much closer, you will be doing yourself and the rest of the family a huge service. The strain and frustration on both sides, those who are capable and those that are struggling, will wear you down and make the journey very difficult.
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Focus on Strengths
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The members in your group who have limited mobility or other physical limitations can be real solid assets. You will need to shift around some responsibilities to use those talents. Maybe the person in the wheelchair is an excellent navigator or knows how to start a fire faster than anybody else. Discover what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are and distribute the work load. Every member of your group can and should contribute. This will make it easier and everyone will feel valued.
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While it may be a little unconventional and not typically something you think about when you imagine bugging out, you have to be prepared to deal with anything. If you are escaping a natural disaster or some other calamity, there is a very good chance someone may be injured and need assistance to get to safety. Never assume you all have to stay and hope for the best or that you must do the unthinkable and leave a loved one behind. It just takes a little extra planning and a willingness to put in a little more effort than those families who are all healthy and mobile. Do what you can to get in shape and in good health so you can be prepared to put forth a little more effort. 

Related:
Can't bug out?Read how you can protect your home (
Security Measures to Protect Your Home)


​ About the Author
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Dennis Diaz is the Chief Editor of Survival Ready Blog. He is passionate about learning and teaching survival and preparedness strategies. He is the author of the "The 12 Month Prepper & Survivalist Playbook" & Co-creator of many resources offered at Survival Ready Blog and The Bugout Network.
He doesn't consider himself an expert, but a facilitator and he works hard to provide a platform to those with valuable expertise to share their knowledge with as many people as possible.  

​He enjoys helping others prepare themselves for multiple dangerous scenarios, by coaching them on how develop their own customized survival & preparedness plans and develop their survival skills.  
He promotes the core concept of making preparedness and survival knowledge part of their daily lives. ​​​

11 Comments
Brian Copeland
2/3/2016 07:19:44 pm

Thank you for addressing disability issues during a bug out scenario, I really appreciate it! Im pretty sure I was one of the ones who was asking this specific type of questioning. I have one more question that you can post and answer. Im a Disabled Veteran and Im on multiple medications, however, the one that I cant live w/o is coumadin(warfarin), I will die w/o it due to a hereditary Factor 2 Blood Mutation, which causes my blood to thicken itself and will form clots of every nature. I was wondering if you could help me find natural ways to replace coumadin if Im out and on the run in a bug out situation(SHTF). I know White Birch bark as a tea can help thin blood and has aspirin like qualities. Would you encourage(Im sure many will) take this and some other medications for my conditions, my wifes(thyroid), and my daughter(high functioning autistic) during a major SHTF crisis? To us, these specific meds are just as important as weapon, ammo, water and food. Thank you and hope to hear another great response from you. :)

Reply
Dennis
2/3/2016 07:55:29 pm

No problem Brian.
I see your concern. One thing you can try is storing extra medications by filling on the first day of your cycle. Also start looking into some alternative like Birch and such but I would say working on your stores should be your first step. For all of your prescription meds.
Do more indepth research on the specific conditions and see what options are available

Reply
JJM
2/4/2016 12:47:07 pm

Exactly - Stock what you know works best. If you can get refills 21 days after a script is filled, doing so regularly will result in 3 months extra stockpile after 1 year of effort.
A reasonable reference to mother nature's medicine cabinet used to be everthingessential.me but the site appears to have been pulled. Instead, check out the book "Modern Essentials" about essential oils.

MCrandall link
7/1/2016 11:38:41 pm

Sassafras tea is an excellent blood thinner. Research herbs and natural remedies to find alternative therapies.

Dennis
2/4/2016 01:35:20 pm

Absolutely JJM
Thanks for the contribution

Reply
Terry
3/1/2016 06:10:39 pm

Brian, find or plant a willow tree. The bark is know for is asprin like qualities. I'm disabled and can not carry a pack so I have a little red wagon to pull and it will carry everything I need.

Reply
Deborah
6/1/2016 11:24:09 am

I have planned to shelter in placeas I am 66, have severe emphysema that requires oxygen muh of the time and always in times of stress. Have hardening of the arterys, genetic, and recently had a heart attack. If its not an EMP, what would be the best route from Blackrock to Norwich by vehicle? you can email it to me if you chose.

Reply
Freedomwoman
9/8/2016 01:27:23 pm

Plan to bug in, but if I am at work, I am more concerned about getting home. (about 14 miles on very hilly roads).Also, my 14 year old dog goes to work with me every day. I have bought a very nice dog stroller for her and it also gives me a lower basket to put my get home bag in, and two water bottle holders. It rolls very smoothly and acts sort of like a walker for me. At 70 and with a bad heart, I will take probably 3 to 4 days to get home, but should an EMP stop all vehicles, I think I can make it. Got food, water, extra clothes, small stove, solar light, life straw, IFAK, etc. and ready to try at least.

Reply
deborah foehr
9/8/2016 01:52:17 pm

Freedom woman, we seem to be in the same sort of position, my dog is 9 and has terrible arthritis in his rear end. I could never leave him and although I hated the canned survival food, he loved it so I got a ton hidden away for him

Reply
HARRIS LANGFORD link
4/10/2020 08:52:52 pm

Dennis...thanks for your interest and tips as well as the other helpful comments from 'out there.' I did not see anyone address a battery-powered scooter which I must use...my lower legs are paralyzed as a result of extended exposure to Agent Orange during combat ops in V/N and Cambodia. A wheel-chair is simply not practical because of its slowness, inability to have one hand available for protective action and the fact that my conversion van will accept my scooter but not a wheelchair.

Like it or not, we are stuck in the retirement center where we live. We've long ago prepared along all the lines that are recommended and wise, but the idea of leaving, of running the risk of being 'welded' into a long steel line of cars filled with angry, desperate and highly mobile people is a barrier far more daunting than staying here. The LEOs I've spoken with strongly recommend this course as well, given the fact that my legs don't work.

One thing I strongly believe from experience is that no institution such as a retirement center is even capable of thinking proactively about protection / defense...and few if any have the will such action demands. You...we are on our own in a 'Slide Sideways' situation, except for those of us here who are like-minded.

Again, thanks, Dennis, and all,

Harris

Reply
LARRY YAKLICH
4/11/2020 03:00:04 pm

ALSO a DISABLED VET, 43 surgeries, pronounced dead X2... above knee amputee for the last 30 years... I live on forearm crutches and wheelchair. I still Camp, Hunt, Fish, have the perfect wife for me she also loves to be outdoors, (full blood Native American Indian) we take care of each other, and look out for each other, we are both over 60, and for the surgeries we are both in pretty good shape.. it is nice to have some other perspectives on what may make our lives easier as well as safer. I constantly read, and have a book on how to survive in the wilderness, it has some really good stuff in it, things I have forgotten as well as things I haven't used yet.

Reply



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