In this article from Fire Engineering, Mike Hudson shares his experience using a unique, improvised method for hemorrhage control in open water rescues. Recounting a shark attack incident he managed during a “Shark Week” shoot, Hudson describes the Sea Bright Tourniquet technique, which uses a Rescue Flotation Device (RFD) harness to create an emergency tourniquet for rapid arterial bleeding control. This method involves tightly wrapping and twisting the RFD’s harness around the injured limb to provide pressure, a maneuver that can be completed quickly and without additional tools, stabilizing the victim until a commercial tourniquet is available.
Hudson highlights that bleeding control is nearly impossible in the water due to the lack of clot formation, making rapid evacuation essential. While tourniquets are essential for severe injuries, attempting to use commercial tourniquets in water is often ineffective. He stresses the advantages of the Sea Bright Tourniquet, especially when traditional tools aren’t immediately available. This technique, compatible with various RFDs or scuba belts, can be implemented by any trained rescue professional. By learning and applying this approach, water rescue teams can offer critical support in shark attacks or other traumatic open-water injuries.
Hudson encourages rescue personnel to train in this technique, especially as part of protocols for handling catastrophic bleeding in challenging environments. His firsthand insights and practical advice aim to help rescuers bridge the gap between injury onset and full medical support, increasing survival rates in high-risk scenarios.