MARINE ANIMALS THAT BITE 23 



which demand prompt and vigorous action: (1) control of hemor- 

 rhage, and (2) control of shock. It is recommended that the hemor- 

 rhage be controlled with the use of large gauze pressure bandages. 

 The wound should be filled with gauze and held under pressure 

 with the use of elastic bandages. In some instances, it may be 

 necessary to add a second pressure bandage before the bleeding is 

 brought under control. Tourniquets are dangerous and impractical 

 for the inexperienced to use. Because of blood loss, the victim may 

 soon go into shock. Keep the patient warm. Intravenous fluids, 

 such as Dextran and/or serum albumen should be administered as 

 soon as possible. The administration of whole blood will be re- 

 quired later. Military personnel or persons having previously re- 

 ceived tetanus toxoid inoculation should be given a booster dose, 

 otherwise tetanus antitoxin should be administered. The use of 

 antibiotics is suggested. The victim should be hospitalized as soon 

 as possible. 



As soon as feasible, the wound should be cleaned, dirt and dead 

 tissue removed (debridement), and the injured vessels ligated. 

 The wound should then be covered with a sterile dressing and left 

 for 4-6 days. If there is no evidence of infection, advanced surgical 

 procedures, such as primary closure and skin grafting, should be 

 instituted. The procedure as outlined is done so with the hope of 

 obtaining a clean wound and making a primary closure at the 

 earliest possible date. 



Prevention. The suggested methods of banging rocks together, 

 screaming, blowing bubbles, shouting, splashing, etc. ad infinitum, 

 are of questionable value if the shark really means business. Cer- 

 tain noises are definitely known to attract sharks. Movements 

 should be slow and purposeful. In a number of instances it has 

 been demonstrated that if the individual is not wounded, curious 

 sharks may leave if one remains perfectly still. It may be necessary 

 to shove the shark away with the use of a "shark billy" — a large 

 stick that is carried for this purpose — or with some other object. 

 Attempts to wound the shark are usually useless, and may even ag- 

 gravate the situation. If possible, hit the shark on the snout, eyes, 

 or gills. In general, dark-colored clothing and instruments are 

 preferable to light-colored ones. The use of explosives can usually 

 be expected to attract sharks in large numbers. When sharks are 

 present, divers should not dangle arms or legs in the water from 

 the surface, and should get in or out of boats quickly. An injured 

 swimmer should get out of the water, if possible. 



