Dr. Ryan Forbess : “Florida Shark Attack: Doctor Saves Girl”

Call it fate, being in the right place at the right time, or perhaps even divine intervention, but a teenage girl is alive today thanks to the quick actions of a doctor who spotted blood in the water after she was bitten by a shark.

Dr. Ryan Forbess, accompanied by his colleague Dr. Mohammed Ali, along with EMTs and nurses, were enjoying a day out with their families on a beach in the Florida panhandle when the terrifying incident unfolded not far from where their children were playing.

Recounting the harrowing experience, Forbess told WBRC, “My friend Dr. Ali and I were vacationing together at 30 Rosemary Beach. We were boogie boarding with our kids when we heard a commotion to our left in the water.”

Both doctors immediately sprang into action, pulling the girl out of the water and working swiftly to stem the bleeding and secure her airway using tourniquets.

Heroic Efforts Save Teen’s Life

Despite the girl’s fluctuating consciousness, the medical professionals on the scene managed to stabilize her until emergency responders arrived and airlifted her to a nearby hospital.

identified as 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin, the teenager unfortunately lost her left hand and had to undergo the amputation of her right leg as a result of the shark attack. However, her tenacity and the swift actions of the doctors ensured that she survived the ordeal.

Community Support and Recovery

As Gribbin continues her recovery in the hospital, the community of Mountain Brook, Alabama, where she hails from, has rallied around her in support.

The shark attack on Gribbin was part of a series of incidents that occurred within a short timeframe along the beaches of Walton County, Florida, leaving two other individuals injured, one critically.

Recognition for Heroic Actions

Forbess, who was hailed as a hero by Orange Beach’s mayor, received a certificate of recognition for his courageous efforts in saving the teenager’s life. Mayor Tony Kennon described Forbess as “truly our local hero” for his selfless actions.

The certificate acknowledges the long road to recovery that Gribbin faces but credits her survival to the swift and expert actions of Dr. Forbess, Dr. Ali, and the other medical professionals who came to her aid.

Forbess and Ali’s quick thinking and medical expertise in the face of a life-threatening situation have been instrumental in ensuring that Lulu Gribbin has a fighting chance at recovery.

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