Case Study
Efficient and Rapid Evacuation of a Shark Bite Victim in Fiji
19 Aug 2024

Situational Awareness
As with many other coastal regions worldwide, Fiji is home to various shark species. While shark attacks are rare, unfortunately, they do occur. Sharks are naturally drawn to movement and can be attracted to areas where aquatic activities are taking place, increasing the potential for encounters with humans. The patient was surfing approximately 50m from shore when he was pulled off the board and sustained two deep right-foot lacerations from a shark bite.
Crisis24 in Action
First Aid Emergency Care
With shark bites, there are specific medical concerns that need to be taken into account. Lacerations are often very clean, but they can be very deep, and therefore, there are complications with blood vessel and nerve damage as well as broken bones, potentially complicating the injury. A hemorrhage is a major complication and needs to be addressed as an emergency with direct pressure or the application of a tourniquet to stem the flow. There may also be complications from near drowning as a result of being pulled underwater. Following the incident, emergency measures were swiftly implemented on shore to halt the bleeding, and the patient was promptly transferred to the local emergency department for stabilization once emergency measures were taken to stop the bleeding.
Initial Assessment and Air Ambulance Transfer to a Center of Medical Excellence
Our client’s Global Safety and Security Manager notified the Crisis24 Assistance team, who immediately contacted the patient’s father in Vanuatu to provide support. The patient was stable in the emergency department of a public facility with two deep lacerations on his right foot. The Crisis24 medical team assessed the situation and recommended an air ambulance transfer to Australia or New Zealand for definitive treatment, given the limited local capabilities and facilities. Since the patient was a dual New Zealand citizen with connections to New Zealand, the decision was to transfer to Auckland. Crisis 24 preferred air ambulance providers in the region were activated for availability and quotes.

Hospital Admission and Ongoing Monitoring
Arrangements were made for the patient to receive care at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland. The patient was evacuated and successfully admitted 27 hours after the incident, where they underwent two surgical procedures. The Crisis24 Assistance team continuously monitored their treatment throughout the process.
Results
The patient completed treatment in Auckland, and the Crisis24 medical team liaised with the patient’s treating clinical team to confirm the patient’s fitness for return home. Once the patient was deemed fit to be discharged and able to return home, one week later, Crisis24 supported the post-discharge arrangements, including arranging accommodation, flights, and ongoing rehabilitation.

Related
Tags
Sharpen your
view of risk
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our analysts’ latest insights in your inbox every week.
Intelligence & Insights
Intelligence
Worth Gathering
Employing a team of 200+ analysts around the world, Crisis24 is the only source you need for on-point, actionable insights on any risk-related topic.

Article
AI: Markers Along the Inflection Path
Security practitioners must balance AI-driven automation with human intelligence, ensure compliance with evolving AI regulations, and monitor geopolitical risks tied to AI adoption.
By Chris Hurst
March 20, 2025

Article
How to Strengthen Organizational Resilience During an IT Outage
A mass notification system enables organizations to achieve operational resilience, keeping employees informed and customers engaged even when primary communication systems fail.
By Ann Pickren
March 12, 2025

Intelligence Analysis
US Designation of Criminal Organizations as Terrorist Groups Poses Business Risks
On Feb. 20, the US government designated eight transnational criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations.
By Michael Baney
March 11, 2025

Case Study
Mass Notification Supports Employee Safety and Business Continuity During Multiple Natural Disasters
Mass Notification helps large manufacturer ensure employee safety and business continuity during LA fires with fast, targeted communication.
March 4, 2025