What to Do After a Shark Bite: Key Steps for Survival
While shark attacks are quite uncommon, they can lead to serious emergencies if they do occur. In the critical minutes right after a bite, taking swift action is essential for survival.
Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, an expert in emergency medicine from South Carolina, provided important steps for bystanders and victims to take before professional help arrives.
1. Get Out of the Water
The first priority is to get the victim out of the water as quickly as possible. This prevents further bites and minimizes the risk of drowning. Once on solid ground, focus should shift to controlling any bleeding.
Dr. Perry emphasizes that stopping the blood loss is crucial because shark bites can easily damage major arteries and veins. “Bleeding out is the biggest immediate threat,” he stated.
2. Apply a Tourniquet
If the injury is severe, a tourniquet should be applied to control bleeding. It’s important to place it above the wound and tighten it until the pulse in the affected limb is no longer felt. This might be painful, but it’s necessary for saving a life, according to Dr. Perry.
Using a tourniquet correctly is vital; it can significantly reduce blood flow during a critical time.
3. Prepare for Delayed Medical Help
Tourniquets are temporary measures. If help is delayed, it’s crucial to monitor the time. Generally, a tourniquet should be applied for no more than two hours to avoid severe tissue damage. If you’re in a remote area, a pressure dressing might be used instead. This involves wrapping gauze tightly around the bleeding area, which poses a lower risk of tissue death than a prolonged tourniquet.
4. Keep the Victim Calm
Calming the victim is essential. Panic can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to faster blood loss. Help them stay still and reassure them. Loss of consciousness can occur due to low blood pressure or stress, especially if they surfaced quickly after being underwater.
5. Watch for Secondary Risks
While addressing immediate concerns like blood loss is vital, long-term recovery also matters. Shark bites may introduce harmful bacteria that can lead to serious infections. Once medical help is available, treatments usually involve administering fluids and antibiotics to fight these infections.
Taking these steps can significantly elevate the chances of survival in the unfortunate event of a shark attack.
