STOP THE BLEED® Save: Louisiana bull rider survives ‘freak accident’ during Palmetto competition
Fox 13 News | February 12, 2025
Zach Naegele was seconds into his ride at the Conley Invitational Bull Ride in Palmetto this past month when the bull's horn slipped under Naegele's helmet and sliced his neck open. It happened in front of a packed house, and he credits first responders for saving his life, who were a part of the crowd. Members of the Manatee County Search and Rescue team acted fast. Paramedic Max Pollack immediately applied pressure to Naegele’s jugular to try and get the bleeding to stop.
"I’ve been in nursing for 50 years," said Volunteer Sharon Litschauer, another member of the team on the scene, "I have to attribute the training to the STOP THE BLEED® classes." EMT Emma Hubbard agreed. "I was just hoping and praying he would be okay and did everything we could," she said.
From the first responders at the rodeo to those at the hospital, Naegele is thankful to everyone who played a role in saving his life. "I thank them so much for what they did. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today," he said.
Manatee Search and Rescue members are glad they were there to help.
"In my 50 years of experience in public safety, this was likely one of the most immediate lifesaving events I have seen in my career," said Deputy Chief Steve Litschauer.
