Man attacked by 2.5 metre croc used this tip to escape
An off-duty wildlife ranger has made a surprising escape from the jaws of a 2.5 metre crocodile after it launched at him while flyfishing.
Craig Dickmann, 54, was flyfishing at the remote Cape York Peninsula when the crocodile shot out of the water and attacked his thigh.
While he was wrestling free from the crocodile, his hand became degloved and he was able to poke the crocodile in the eye.
After escaping from the jaws of the saltwater crocodile, Dickmann drove more than an hour to Heathlands Ranger Station where he works to get help.
Queensland Ambulance Service superintendent Warren Martin said that it was incredible that Dickmann survived such an attack.
"This was a life or death response," he said to ABC.
"The patient really understood the gravity of the situation and knew that he was fighting for his survival."
After arriving at Heathlands Ranger Station, Dickmann called emergency services and was given first aid by another ranger. The ranger then drove Dickmann to Bramwell Station to wait for a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) plane.
Bramwell Station owner Wendy Kozicka said that Dickmann was in good spirits despite the attack.
"He was very cheerful — but he's a very cheerful person," Ms Kozicka said.
"His hands were wrapped up and we were teasing him about that, saying 'Are you sure you have all your fingers?'"
Superintendent Warren Martin said that the incident was a “remarkable story” of survival.
"There wouldn't be many people in Cape York who could say they have had an interaction with a crocodile like this and still be talking about it," he said.
"Not only was [Mr Dickmann] by himself fishing, but after being released by the crocodile having to drive for an hour back to his residence to seek help."
Dickmann remains in a serious but stable condition at Cairns Hospital, where he is expected to undergo surgery. He is being supported by his family and senior departmental staff.