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Off-duty Florida paramedic rescues I-75 driver from burning car

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Updated  December 30, 2024 11:05pm EST
Marion County
FOX 35 Orlando

Off-duty paramedic rescues I-75 driver from burning car

An off-duty paramedic in Central Florida is being hailed as a hero after he sprang into action to save a driver from a burning car Monday morning.

The Brief

    • An off-duty paramedic is being hailed as a hero after he saved a driver from a burning car on Monday morning.
    • Stephen Cabrera with Marion County Fire Rescue was on his way to work when he spotted the car on fire and sprang into action.
    • Officials said the car caught fire after the vehicle went off the road and struck a tree. Troopers are investigating the cause of the fire.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - An off-duty paramedic in Central Florida is being hailed as a hero after he sprang into action to save a driver from a burning car Monday morning.

The incident happened shortly after 7 a.m. northbound on Interstate 75 in Marion County, authorities said.

Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) crews responded to the fiery crash near County Road 484 (exit 341) after several 911 callers reported the driver was trapped inside. 

The car had run off the road, struck a tree, and then burst into flames, officials said. Thankfully, one of MCFR's own, Critical Care Paramedic Stephen Cabrera, spotted the burning vehicle on his way to work and stepped in to help.

Stephen Cabrera, a critical care paramedic with Marion County Fire Rescue, was on his way to work when he spotted the car on fire and sprang into action. (Credit: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Authorities said a civilian smashed the car's window, allowing Cabrera to open the door, cut the airbags and seatbelt, and pull the driver to safety — away from the rapidly spreading flames. He provided lifesaving care until first responders arrived.

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A driver was saved from a burning car on I-75 thanks to the quick actions of an off-duty paramedic on Monday morning, authorities said. (Credit: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Firefighters arrived minutes later to find the car fully engulfed in flames. They were able to extinguish the fire, and the driver was rushed to a local hospital as a trauma alert, officials said. 

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. 

"The decisive actions of Critical Care Paramedic Cabrera exemplify courage and dedication, and undoubtedly saved a life today," MCFR said in a statement on social media. "Thank you for your selfless service!"

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The Source: This article was written based on information provided by Marion County Fire Rescue. 

Marion CountyNews