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Off-duty Fla. paramedic saves driver trapped in burning car

Marion County Critical Care Paramedic Stephen Cabrera was on his way to work when he came upon the fiery crash

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An off-duty paramedic is being praised as a hero after saving a person from a car that caught fire on the side of Interstate 75.

According to Marion County Fire Rescue, the car veered off I-75 Northbound near Exit 341 around 7:00 a.m. on Dec. 30, hitting a tree and catching fire, WJCB reported.

Several 911 callers reported that the driver was trapped inside the burning vehicle.

Off-duty Critical Care Paramedic Stephen Cabrera, who was on his way to work, stopped to assist the driver. While another person smashed the window, Cabrera opened the car door, cut the airbags and seat belt, and pulled the driver to safety.

He then administered life-saving care until rescue crews arrived.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.