Cape Cod Town Offering Shark Attack Wound Treatment Course

ORLEANS — A Cape Cod community is partnering with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to educate the public on how to treat shark attack wounds.

Orleans Fire Rescue officials will begin teaching a "Stop the Bleed" program beginning on October 18. The program is free to the public and is meant to help teach people the basic techniques of bleeding control in life-threatening emergencies.

Last month, Arthur Medici, a 26-year-old boogie boarder, died after being bitten by a shark while at Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet. Medici's death marked the first fatal shark attack in Massachusetts in 80 years.

Orleans Fire Chief Tony Pike says knowledge in first-aid is critical in saving lives.

Cynthia Wigren, CEO of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, says shark populations along the Massachusetts coast are highest during September and October.