Shark Attack Survival- What to do?

[LawDog]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

A tourniquet isn't as easy as it looks, you can save the persons limb or cause them to lose it if it isn't done right.

you can leave a tourniquet on for up to 6 hrs before loss of limb is a factor (from the tourniquet). however, when applying a tourniquet, loss of life is the larger factor. and unless damage is too severe, loss of limb is minimal. Applying a tournequet is fairly easy, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

1. only apply on arms or legs.
2. no matter where on the arm or leg the wound is, apply high, (nearest the torso) above the wound, and above the elbow or knee.
3. after making tight, ensure it can not loosen on its own.

Other than that 2 things to be aware of are the fact that you place it high as possible because in the shin and foreare there are 2 bones protecting major blood vessels and placement there will not restrict blood flow properly. And the second reason you want it as high above the wound as possible is because vessels are like rubber bands, and when cut will contract back towards the heart. this means the femoral or brachial arteries could contract inside the muscle and above your planned placement of the tourniquet.

Bottom line is if you think you need a tourniquet, apply one. like I said you can leave one on for up to 6 hrs. and once you place it, NEVER take it off. Leave that to surgeons who are trained and have proper equipment to deal with massive hemorrhaging.

[wiredantz]

Thanks for the reply. This information is good to know.
We all take the risk being on the water, and knowing what to do or what not to do in an emergency might make all the difference.



http://www.wikihow.com/Apply-a-Tourniquet

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/0...ajor-bleeding/

[LawDog]

just read that bottom article.

Remember EMT's and most first responder training is taught with the premise that equipment and transportation are immediately available. In this scenario most are taught that a Tourniquet is used as a last resort.

In the event of a shark attack, or even if you slip with your fillet knife and sever something like a femoral artery, while on the water in a kayak that tourniquet should be your first choice.

I can talk about this stuff for a bit. Im CPR and basic first aid qualed, Combat life saver, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care trained. I also taught TCCC for 3 years.

There are many other things to consider.

If a major vessel is severed, like the femoral artery, death is imminent. 30 seconds may be all the individual has until they go into irreversible shock(Death will occur). So you must ask yourself if you can assess a situation and apply a TQ in much less than that. almost all will confirm that a tq can not be applied in such a short amount of time.

The answer- pressure. Apply pressure to pressure points above the wound, along the arteries. there are many diagrams out there. its easier to show or just feel for them. for the legs they are located high on the inside of the leg near the groin. and for the arms its inside near the armpit. easiest way to describe them is when pressure is applied, it hurts. there is a nerve that runs along with the femoral and brachial arteries. so if you apply pressure to the nerve it hurts, if it hurts your on the nerve, if your on the nerve your on the artery. This will reduce blood flow and buy time to get the tourniquet on.

if your applying a tourniquet to another person, use your knee for the pressure. this leaves both hands free. in your applying a tq on yourself. a pressure point may not be practical and speed may be your only chance.



Take my advice with a grain of salt and do your own research and PRACTICE.

I have seen MANY people fail at properly applying tourniquets properly.

[lowprofile]

550 cord, tent stake and duct tape/monofilament tape. BAM Tourniquet!

[Old Man in the Sea]

thanks for the posted question, the links to http://www.rescue-essentials.com/ and all the safety info...30 seconds is not much time at all - I will get prepared now...

[wiredantz]

http://www.rescue-essentials.com/cat...r-black-or-od/

This one looks good to carry on you life vest.

[Old Man in the Sea]

ok got it and will keep it in my safety pocket...if you get bit by a shark or cut yourself paddle over to me...I will protect you with my shark shield, give you a
CAT Tourniquet and activate my PLB for the coast guard to life flight you out...