Crocodile bites teenager on arm during early morning dip

Crocodile bites teenager on arm during early morning dip



A teenager attacked by a crocodile after jumping into a north Queensland river on a dare from friends is lucky to still have his arm, paramedics say.





Innisfail's Lee de Paauw was grabbed on the left arm by a crocodile as he was climbing out of the Johnstone River on Fitzgerald Esplanade about 2:30am on Saturday.



The 18-year-old managed to punch it with his right arm and escape.



He is very lucky. Initial reports was that his hand was completely amputated and on arrival that was not the case," QAS supervisor Rita Kelly said





So although he does have significant injuries, his arm is still intact, which is very fortunate."



Mr de Paauw was taken to Innisfail Hospital and later transferred to Cairns Hospital for further treatment.



Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers called to the scene were initially told the teenager's hand had been amputated.



He was taken to Innisfail hospital then Cairns, where he is being treated for significant injuries to his arm and hand.



Cairns senior operations supervisor Rita Kelly said the crocodile was not seen before the incident but de Paauw’s injuries indicated he had been attacked by one.



“Hopefully surgeons can help him and restore full use of his arm,” he said.



He is in a stable condition.