While shark encounters are exceedingly rare, an unexpected bite can pose an immediate, life-threatening emergency.In the critical first five minutes following an attack, swift action is the single biggest factor in survival.Emergency medicine physician Dr.Kenneth J.
Perry, based in South Carolina, broke down the vital steps bystanders and victims should take to manage the situation before professional medical care arrives.SHARK WEEK SHOCKER AS GREAT WHITE BREACHES JUST YARDS FROM OBLIVIOUS BOOGIE BOARDERThe first step is to get the victim onto land or a boat to prevent further bites and avoid drowning.Once out of the water, the focus can shift to bleeding control.The first step after a bite is to get out of the water to prevent further attacks and eliminate the risk of drowning.
(iStock)"Shark bites vary in intensity and severity, but the main issue that all of them share is the need to stop the bleeding," Perry told Fox News Digital.Because shark teeth can easily tear through major arteries, veins and tendons, uncontrolled blood loss is the biggest immediate threat.10-FOOT GREAT WHITE SHARK SPOTTED SWIMMING DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO YOUNG PEOPLEFor severe limb injuries, it's essential to apply a tourniquet — but many people fail to apply sufficient pressure.The tourniquet must be placed above the wound and tightened to the point where a pulse can no longer be felt, according to Perry.For example, if a victim is bitten near the elbow, the tourniquet must be placed around the upper bicep and tightened until the pulse at the wrist disappears completely."It may be painful, but it is necessary.""It may be painful, but it is necessary," Perry noted.This aligns with national trauma protocols from the American College of Surgeons' Stop the Bleed initiative, which emphasizes that effective tourniquet placement requires firm, tight compression to fully stop arterial blood flow.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERTourniquets are temporary tools and should be used f...