A 28-year-old Cuban physician, Yaismel Corrada Valdés, hailing from the Sandino municipality, has emerged as a hero following his daring effort to save a fisherman who fell victim to a shark attack near La Coloma. This incident was highlighted by the newspaper Guerrillero on Tuesday.
The dramatic event unfolded on a sunny morning while Corrada, a First Degree specialist in Comprehensive General Medicine with additional training in Medical Emergencies and Urgencies, was at the Cadeca de Cortés handling personal matters. At that moment, he received an urgent call from the Border Guard Unit about a fisherman attacked by a shark offshore, requiring immediate medical assistance.
"I chose to assist because I felt I could provide medical care to the patient," Corrada recounted. "I gathered the necessary supplies at the Medical Post and headed out." Without any formal protocols or assurances, Corrada's drive stemmed solely from his professional commitment and sense of duty as he boarded a boat out to the open sea.
The Rescue Mission
The injured individual, Yordán Rivera, a fisherman from Galafre Nuevo, had sustained severe injuries to his hand and cuts on his chest. "We continued searching until we reached the precise location, closer to La Coloma than Cortés. We brought him onto the boat, I checked his vital signs, dressed the wounds, and administered sodium chloride intravenously to hydrate him," explained the doctor.
Thanks to Corrada's swift actions, the fisherman made it back alive to the port of La Coloma, where he was met by a SIUM team and swiftly taken to Abel Santamaría Hospital in Pinar del Río for surgery. He is currently recuperating from his injuries.
A Sense of Fulfillment
"This was a unique experience that has made me feel fulfilled because I had the chance to save a life in dire need. If faced with the same situation, I would do it all over again," shared Yaismel Corrada. He added, "It was an immediate response that allowed me to realize what I am capable of in saving a life, prioritizing my acquired knowledge and skills."
Key Insights into the Heroic Rescue
Who is Yaismel Corrada Valdés?
Yaismel Corrada Valdés is a 28-year-old Cuban doctor from Sandino municipality, known for his heroic act of saving a fisherman attacked by a shark.
What injuries did the fisherman sustain?
The fisherman, Yordán Rivera, suffered severe injuries to his hand and chest due to the shark attack.
How did Corrada assist the injured fisherman?
Corrada provided immediate medical care by checking vital signs, dressing the wounds, and hydrating the fisherman with sodium chloride.