Trending Topics

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.

Trending
Troy officials are weighing a $4 to $5 million plan to launch city-run EMS, arguing it could cut response times and reduce long-term costs
Thousands of first responders and survivors rely on the WTC Health Program to get treatment related to injuries and illnesses caused by the toxins at Ground Zero
The closure of Northern Light Inland Hospital is straining emergency services in Waterville, raising concerns that the region’s already-stretched mutual aid system could be pushed to its limit
University Hospital’s new control center aims to speed up patient care by tackling delays and streamlining hospital operations, cutting wait times by as much as 35 minutes

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.