A Florida firefighter is recovering in a hospital a week after being bitten in the face by aalligator while swimming in a lake.They said.
Juan Carlos La Verde, 34, is a U.S. Air Force veteran currently serving as a firefighter and paramedic with Allsmer Fire Rescue when he was attacked on Lake Tonotsassa on August 3. was preparing for an athletic competition.Reported by People Magazine.
He suffered serious injuries to his head and face, according to an account of his GoFundMe campaign started by his friend Kenny Theron.
Despite wounds inflicted by the large reptile, La Verde was able to escape its jaws, swim to shore and call the sheriff's office for help, according to a fundraiser. .
He was then taken to Tampa General Hospital where he underwent six hours of surgery to repair skull and jaw injuries before being transferred to the ICU.
In an update posted on Tuesday, La Verde's friend Ceron revealed that the firefighter's condition is improving, but it will take time to fully recover. There is a long way to go.
"He can now speak and communicate through his trachea and is breathing on his own," he wrote. "He is still in pain as expected."[39][40]Ceron said La Verde's mouth was "wired shut" and will remain so for at least the next few weeks, with a head plate removed. He added that he would need another surgery in the future to replace him.
"The journey will be long, but he is a fighter and will be strong!" said the friend.
An initial GoFundMe statement said the married La Verde has dedicated her life to helping others and has participated in several charities. I'm here. As a triathlete, he participates in competitions to raise funds for cardiology and leukemia nonprofits.
Ceron said La Verde recently launched his own organization, Defeat X. The organization encourages people to engage in exercise and healthy outdoor activities as a way to overcome personal struggles. I was swimming in the lake to prepare for the race and was attacked by an alligator while filming a promotional video for it.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sent trappers to the lake after the attack to begin an investigation.
