Shark attack survivor returns to thank her Sacred Heart care team

Lulu Gribbin, 15, was wading in waist-deep waters in Rosemary Beach, Florida, when a shark attack caused the life-altering loss of her hand and lower leg. 

As the only Level 1 Trauma Center and children’s hospital in the area, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Studer Family Children’s Hospital’s highly-skilled team of pediatric surgeons, physicians, nurses and support staff were crucial in giving Lulu a fighting chance to survive her severe injuries.

With a 25-minute notice from emergency dispatch, the trauma team sprang into action preparing for her arrival. When Lulu arrived on an air ambulance, Autumn Buckley, BSN, RN, ER clinical lead, said she saw hopeful signs early on.

"Even though she was heavily sedated and intubated, I saw her opening her eyes and trying to pull at things, which we love to see,” Autumn recalled. “At that moment, I knew she was a fighter.”

But it would be some time before she was in the clear. In the 34 minutes that Lulu was in the trauma unit, everyone was focused on tasks at hand. 

“When the trauma alert was activated, it was calm,” Autumn said. “Everyone involved knew their roles, allowing us to work together seamlessly and efficiently.”

An ER physician at the head of the bed monitored Lulu’s airway, while a trauma surgeon placed a central line to administer blood products. Another trauma physician placed an arterial line to measure blood pressure. One nurse’s role was to administer medications and another nurse was dedicated to documenting events. Autumn was in charge of transfusing 22 units of blood, almost three times the units in one’s body.

Once Lulu was stabilized, pediatric surgeons were on standby in the OR. After assessing her injuries, they amputated her hand and her right leg halfway up from her knee.

After her surgery, she was transferred next door to Studer Family Children’s Hospital, where other team members assumed her care until she was discharged to a hospital specializing in amputee rehabilitation two weeks later. 

In all, more than 70 care team members played a critical role in her journey to recovery. 

Lulu stopped by Pensacola to reunite with the care team after completing rehabilitation in North Carolina. At a reception for Lulu, her entire care team wore lavender T-shirts with the slogan “I made it.” It was the first time they saw the teen talking, laughing and walking, a remarkable change from their last encounter five months earlier when she was clinging to life. 

For many associates, seeing Lulu’s miraculous recovery, provided closure. Ursula Lujan, a blood technologist, who prepared four coolers with blood products, was smiling from ear to ear.

“We never have the opportunity to see trauma patients after they leave our hospital,” she said. “I’m so happy to put a face with her name.”

Since her inpatient stay, Lulu has made remarkable progress. With two new prosthetic limbs, there’s no stopping her: she’s surfing, golfing and back to being a typical teenager.