What Happens After a Shark Attack? A Survivor and Trauma Surgeon Explain

Episode 24: The odds of being bit by a shark are not high but definitely not zero, especially in South Florida. In this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, Miami native and shark-bite survivor Kevin Blanco shares the story of the day he was attacked while spearfishing in the Florida Keys. Kevin and his father, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Captain Omar Blanco, are joined by Antonio Marttos, MD, a UHealth – University of Miami Health System trauma surgeon at Ryder Trauma Center to walk through what happened. The moment Kevin was bit is only part of the story, as Dr. Marttos explains how one decision to stop the bleed saved Kevin’s leg. The conversation explores what happens when a medical emergency happens far from shore, why stopping severe bleeding makes a difference, and how firefighters, EMS teams, and trauma surgeons work together in harmony. Kevin opens up about his mental health and connection to the ocean years after the attack, leaving listeners with an important lesson on water safety, readiness, and awareness. Guest Bios: Kevin Blanco is a Miami native and business owner who survived a shark attack while spearfishing in the Florida Keys at 20 years old. He suffered a major leg injury from the shark, sending him to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson South, and starting a long journey to recovery. Kevin tells his story as a cautionary tale of the importance of being prepared for anything while out on the water.   Omar Blanco is Kevin’s father, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue captain, and a Florida state representative. He has more than 20 years of experience as a first responder and that wisdom made all the difference when his son faced an emergency on the water. Omar highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and calling 911 immediately, while remembering how he felt as a parent after Kevin’s shark bite.   Antonio Marttos, MD is a trauma surgeon at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital and Jackson South Medical Center. He discusses how trauma teams assess shark bite injuries and control the bleeding, but also shines a light on how seamless the EMS, fire rescue, and trauma teams work together to save lives.