I'm finally getting a bit of a break, grabbing a bite and reading the rest, including the "surfline" report of the most recent attack:
http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/articl ... m?id=15109
"Apparently the victim's rescuers had waited for an ambulance that didn't come and then finally drove him to the hospital. The belief is that it was the lack of medical attention that resulted in death."
This, very much, sadden's me and wonder if there could be anything that one should know that could have aided in his survival. Not saying that his rescuer's didn't try--I haven't seen anything in that regard. However, if the shark bite is on a limb(leg or arm), what could a "bystander or rescuer" do to aide the situation until medical help arrives?--OR, as in this case, doesn't arrive?! Just something to think about, hey! As time is definitely of the essence.
Here are my thoughts, although I am NOT a Doctor or Nurse and will stand corrected if I am incorrect--
If I were in the vicinity of a shark attack, this is what
I would do to assist:
--If victim is unconscious, yet visibly, severely bleeding, I would quickly prepare a turniquet.
A shoelace, swimsuit tie's, straps, ripped T-shirt etc. tied securely and tightly above the bite a couple inches.
--After completing the turniquet, I would apply pressure to the bite wound until proper medical attension is ensued.
Now if I was in a fairly remote area, where prompt medical attension is unlikely, there is one last thing I might attempt to lessen the loss of blood. Especially if I did not see some results from the previous application.
I mean we are talking an attempt at life-saving, therefore, I wonder if by using a lighter to cauterize the bite, would help any? No, I'm not a saddest, however,
I would imagine there would already be nerve damage, therefore there would not be any further, painful experience--not to mention the possibility of lack of consciousness.
--Check for a pulse. Generally, I would check for a pulse in the beginning, however, since the injured is at a loss for blood and the rescue most likely took some precious time, then stopping the further loss of blood, to me is of utmost importance!!
I would check the neck(between midline and the side, just to the lateral side of the throat/Adam's Apple area AND/or the wrist--then move to other area's it can be assessed, if I'm unable to feel a pulse at either of those. eg. Brachial: inside of upper arm, approx. 1/3 down. Femoral: Groin area, about 2/3 from outside of leg, palpating where leg connects to the body.
What are any of your thought's or idea's? Please don't hesitate to correct me if any of the above is not a correct follow-through, in the event of assistance to a shark attack or any likewise, severe, similar injury. Must admit, the "lighter Method" is a "stretch"--but who know's? Is there anything else that could be done?
