Wednesday, August 5, 2026
What Happens After a Shark Attack? A Survivor and Trauma Surgeon Explain
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.
Meet the Guests
Antonio Marttos Jr., MD
Surgical Critical Care
English, Spanish
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.
Antonio Marttos
1611 NW 12th Ave Ryder 215, Miami, Florida 33136
Kevin Blanco
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.
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
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.
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.
Meet the Host
Ruelle Champion
Media Relations & Branded Content Specialist for Jackson Health System
Ruelle Champion joined the team in 2023, coming from a journalism background as an anchor and reporter in Gainesville, FL. Ruelle is also a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Ruelle Champion joined the team in 2023, coming from a journalism background as an anchor and reporter in Gainesville, FL. Ruelle is also a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
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