Heroism on the beach in Novalja: Doctors resuscitated a man for 40 minutes at an infernal 38 degrees, saving his life

A medical team saved a man’s life after nearly four hours of resuscitation on a scorching beach in Novalja, Croatia, on August 11, 2026. The incident occurred around 11:45 local time on the rocky shore of Babina Beach, where temperatures reached approximately 38 degrees Celsius. The conditions were extreme, with no access to standard equipment typically used in official medical interventions. Despite these challenges, a group of bystanders, private physicians, and emergency responders worked together to revive the man who had collapsed while swimming. The man was found unconscious on the beach, and immediate action was taken by nearby individuals who began performing CPR. Within minutes, two doctors, specializing in cardiology and anesthesiology, joined the efforts, having been present on the beach privately. Their expertise proved crucial in stabilizing the patient before the arrival of the Novalja Emergency Medical Services (HMP) team. Once the professional team arrived, they joined forces with the volunteers to continue the resuscitation process. After roughly 40 minutes of continuous effort, the team successfully restored the man's pulse. One of the female doctors involved managed to establish a venous access, further aiding the recovery. The entire operation took place under extremely challenging conditions. The beach lacked the usual infrastructure and tools available during formal medical responses. The high temperature made working conditions even more perilous, yet all participants, whether trained professionals or laypeople, worked tirelessly without hesitation. According to a statement published on the "Hitna Uživo 194" page, everyone involved, from passersby to the private doctors and the HMP team, functioned as one unified team. This collaboration underscored the critical role of community support in emergency situations, especially when conventional resources are unavailable. In recognition of their efforts, the HMP team received praise on social media. A message posted on Facebook highlighted their dedication, stating, “You were truly ten!” The team expressed pride in their actions, noting that despite not being on duty, they acted instinctively and effectively. The incident has sparked discussions about the importance of public awareness and preparedness in emergencies, particularly in remote or resource-limited settings. Meanwhile, other reports from Croatian media have focused on rising concerns over accidents involving electric scooters. In the first seven months of this year, 384 traffic incidents involving personal transport vehicles, including electric scooters, have been recorded. Among these cases, several resulted in fatalities, prompting calls for stricter regulations. For instance, a 10-year-old boy in Velika Gorica died after falling from an electric scooter, while another child in Primošten suffered serious injuries. In Makarska, a 14-year-old boy lost his life in a similar accident. These tragic outcomes have led experts and parents to demand stronger safety measures and greater parental supervision. Experts emphasize that children often lack awareness of the risks associated with fast-moving vehicles. Dr. Rok Kralj, a specialist in pediatric surgery, noted that the average age of hospitalized patients increased significantly, with many suffering severe fractures and head injuries. He stressed the need for both legislative changes and educational initiatives to protect young users. Meanwhile, store managers report that while demand for electric scooters continues to rise, so does the necessity for protective gear such as helmets. Only about 20% of buyers opt for helmets, according to Marko Zrakić, manager of an electronics shop. Some European countries, like Italy, have already implemented stricter rules, and there is growing pressure for Croatia to follow suit. Authorities warn that current laws, though existing, may not be sufficient to prevent accidents. Police officers and educators urge parents to take responsibility and ensure that children understand the dangers of operating electric scooters. Regulations include a minimum age of 14 for riders, restrictions on carrying passengers, and mandatory helmet use. Violations can result in fines ranging from €30 to €1,050. As the number of incidents continues to grow, the debate over how best to balance accessibility with safety remains ongoing.