http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i8f-a9LCtwdlFx3duiiytTMxVrtQD9815NGG2Mo. boy found alive 2 days after wandering away
By JIM SALTER – 13 hours ago
ARCADIA, Mo. (AP) — A 3-year-old boy was found in remarkably good condition Wednesday, 50 hours after he wandered away from his home and became lost in the rugged hills of Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest.
Joshua Childers slipped out of his family's mobile home near Arcadia in rural southeast Missouri around 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Two full days and nights of searching proved increasingly frustrating until around 4 p.m. Wednesday, when search volunteer Donnie Halpin, walking along an all-terrain vehicle trail about three miles from the boy's home, spied a couple of stray dogs sniffing at something.
Halpin, 57, told The Associated Press he looked on the ground of a hollow near a creek bottom and saw the boy lying there, facing the other way. Unsure of the boy was alive, Halpin said, "Hey, Bud."
"He jumped right up and grinned at me," Halpin said. "I said, 'You ready to go home?' He said, 'Yeah.'"
The boy's survival can be attributed to several factors such as his age, physical health, and the environment he was found in. Generally, young children have a higher chance of survival due to their smaller size and lower metabolic rate. Additionally, if the boy was well-nourished and hydrated before he wandered off, his body would have been better equipped to handle the stress of being lost. The weather and temperature of the area where he was found could have also played a role in his survival.
The likelihood of a child surviving for 2 days after wandering away varies depending on several factors, such as age, weather conditions, and access to resources like food and water. In general, it is not common for a young child to survive on their own for such a long period of time, but it is not impossible. The outcome also greatly depends on the efforts of search and rescue teams and the cooperation of the child.
To prevent a child from getting lost, it is important to always keep an eye on them and never let them wander off alone. Parents can also take precautions such as using child leashes in crowded areas, teaching children their full name and parents' names, and having them memorize important phone numbers. It is also crucial to have a plan in place for what to do if a child does get lost, such as having a designated meeting spot or contacting authorities immediately.
When the body is lost and exposed to stressors such as lack of food and water, it goes into survival mode. The body conserves energy by slowing down metabolic processes, resulting in a decrease in body temperature and heart rate. The body also releases hormones to help the person stay alert and focused. However, if the person does not find food and water soon, the body will eventually shut down, leading to dehydration, organ failure, and death.
To prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, it is important to educate children on the importance of staying with a trusted adult and not wandering off alone. Parents can also take steps to secure their home, such as installing child-proof locks on doors and windows, to prevent children from leaving without supervision. It is also crucial for parents and caregivers to constantly supervise young children and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.