Shark Week puts shark bite survival in focus with ER doc's expert tips
Experts Warn of Immediate Steps to Take After a Shark Bite
South Carolina – Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, an emergency‑medicine physician, has outlined a set of lifesaving actions that can be taken in the first five minutes after a shark bite, a window in which prompt intervention can mean the difference between life and death. While shark attacks are exceptionally uncommon, they can still occur, particularly in coastal areas frequented by beachgoers and water‑sport enthusiasts.
The First Priority: Move the Victim Out of the Water
Perry emphasized that the initial goal is to remove the victim from the water—whether onto land or a nearby boat—to prevent further bites and reduce the risk of drowning. “Shark bites vary in intensity and severity, but the main issue that all of them share is the need to stop the bleeding,” he told Fox News Digital.
Controlling Blood Loss
Once out of the water, the focus shifts to stopping hemorrhage. Shark teeth can sever major arteries, veins, and tendons, producing uncontrolled blood loss that can quickly become fatal. Perry stressed that the most effective first aid technique is a properly applied tourniquet. The device must be placed above the wound and tightened until a pulse can no longer be felt. For instance, if an injury occurs near the elbow, the tourniquet should be wrapped around the upper bicep and tightened until the pulse at the wrist disappears.
“It may be painful, but it is necessary,” Perry said, noting that the American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed initiative also stresses firm, tight compression to fully stop arterial flow.
Timing Matters
Tourniquets are a temporary measure. The doctor cautions that they should be used for as short a duration as possible—ideally no longer than about two hours—because prolonged restriction can lead to tissue damage from lack of oxygenated blood. If the victim is stranded in a remote area with no immediate transport, a pressure dressing can be a viable alternative. This involves folding gauze over the bleeding site and wrapping it tightly, which, while not as effective as a tourniquet, carries a lower risk of tissue death when a wait is unavoidable.
The Bystander’s Role Beyond First Aid
Bystanders are encouraged to keep the victim as still and quiet as possible. Panic increases heart rate and blood pressure, accelerating blood loss. Dr. Perry also warned that loss of consciousness can stem from more than just the shock of the bite. A sudden drop in blood pressure or a rapid ascent from deep water can trigger fainting or a diving injury such as arterial gas embolism or barotrauma, which requires immediate medical attention.
Long‑Term Recovery and Infection Risks
Even after initial hemorrhage control, shark bites carry a high risk of infection from marine bacteria. Dr. Perry cautioned that the injuries can become sites for aggressive skin and soft‑tissue infections such as cellulitis. Once the patient reaches a medical facility and is stabilized with fluids and blood products, aggressive antibiotic therapy is typically initiated to address any bacterial contamination.
Takeaway for Coastal Communities
While the odds of a shark attack are low, coastal communities—including those in Maine—can benefit from understanding these emergency protocols. “Knowing what to do in that critical first few minutes is a lifesaver,” Perry said. “Bystanders trained in basic first aid, especially tourniquet use, can dramatically improve a victim’s chances of survival.”
Maine’s own shoreline, with its extensive beaches and boating culture, faces a similar risk of marine wildlife encounters. Public education on shark bite first aid and the availability of tourniquets and pressure dressings could help residents and visitors respond effectively to an emergency.