Experts Share Life-Saving Steps as Shark Bite Kits Rolled Out Across NSW
National First Aid Courses
Key Facts:- First aid experts have welcomed the rollout of shark bite trauma kits across NSW beaches.
- The first few minutes following a shark bite are critical for survival
- Key response steps include removing the person from water, calling emergency services, applying firm pressure to wounds and using tourniquets when necessary
- While shark attacks are rare, the kits and first aid principles apply to various emergencies involving severe bleeding
As shark bite trauma kits are rolled out across New South Wales beaches, first aid experts are sharing critical, life-saving guidance on how to respond in the event of a serious marine injury.
National First Aid Courses has welcomed the initiative, led by Surf Life Saving NSW, which will see 129 shark bite trauma kits installed at surf clubs across the state, giving beachgoers immediate access to life-saving equipment in the event of a shark attack.
The kits are designed to control severe bleeding in the crucial minutes before emergency services arrive and include essential first aid items such as tourniquets, compression bandages, and wound dressings.
A spokesperson for National First Aid Courses said the initiative highlights the importance of accessible first aid knowledge and equipment in high-risk environments.
“When it comes to traumatic injuries like shark bites, the first few minutes are critical,” National First Aid Courses director Samuel Bohr said.
From Equipment to Action: Why First Response Skills Matter
While the introduction of shark bite trauma kits is being welcomed as a major safety advancement, Mr Bohr said their effectiveness ultimately depends on public understanding of how to respond in an emergency.
“In critical situations involving severe bleeding, outcomes are often determined in the minutes before emergency services arrive,” he said.
“Knowing what to do, and acting quickly, can significantly increase the chances of survival.”
The organisation is urging beachgoers, surfers, and coastal communities not only to be aware of where these kits are located, but also to understand the essential first aid principles that underpin their use.
What To Do in the Event of a Shark Bite
While shark attacks remain rare, experts say that when they do occur, they are often severe and time-critical. In those first moments, panic is common, but clear, simple action can make a significant difference to outcomes.
“In a shark bite emergency, your priority is simple: stop the bleeding and get help immediately,” Mr Bohr said.
He explained that most bystanders are not expected to have medical expertise, but basic first aid principles are designed specifically for high-pressure situations like this.
“The reality is people don’t need to remember complex procedures. They need to focus on a few core actions that keep the person alive until emergency services arrive.”
Mr Bohr said the introduction of shark bite trauma kits across NSW beaches reinforces this approach, giving the public both access to equipment and a clearer framework for effective first response.
“In those critical minutes, calm, decisive action matters more than anything else. The goal is to control bleeding, call for help, and keep the person stable until paramedics take over.”
Immediate First Aid Steps
1. Get the person out of the water safely - Remove the injured person from the water as quickly as possible to prevent drowning and further injury. Ensure your own safety first.
2. Call emergency services (000) immediately - Alert emergency services straight away. Use speaker if possible so care can continue while speaking.
3. Apply firm pressure to the wound - Use whatever is available - a trauma kit, towel, or clothing - and apply firm, direct pressure to slow bleeding.
4. Use a tourniquet for severe limb bleeding - If bleeding is life-threatening and from a limb, apply a tourniquet above the wound (closer to the body) and tighten until bleeding is controlled.
5. Keep the person still and calm - Lay them down, keep them warm, and minimise movement to reduce blood loss.
6. Monitor breathing and be ready to act - If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.
“You don’t need to be a medical professional to save a life, but you do need to act quickly and confidently,” Mr Bohr said.
While shark attacks remain rare, Mr Bohr said the principles behind the kits apply to a wide range of emergencies.
“Severe bleeding can occur anywhere, including workplaces, roads, and in your home,” Mr Bohr said.
“Knowing how to control bleeding is one of the most valuable first aid skills you can have.”
The organisation is encouraging beachgoers, surfers, and coastal communities to familiarise themselves with the location of shark bite kits and consider undertaking accredited first aid training.
“Training turns bystanders into first responders,” Mr Bohr said. “That’s what ultimately saves lives.”
ENDS
About us:
About National First Aid Courses
National First Aid Courses is a leading provider of nationally recognised face-to-face First Aid training, with courses available in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Contact details:
Samuel Bohr
Director National First Aid Courses
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 1300 677 191
Website: https://nfac.edu.au/