MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Sometimes, it’s all about being at the right place at the right time.
This morning, Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) units were called into action after a sedan veered off the road and crashed into a tree near Exit 341 Northbound on I-75.
Upon impact with the tree, the sedan burst into flames.
911 callers on the scene informed units that the driver inside of the car was trapped within the blaze.
It was at this point that a true miracle act took shape.
Stephen Cabrera, an off-duty MCFR Critical Care Paramedic, was heading into work when he stumbled upon the flame-engulfed sedan.
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With the help of a fellow citizen smashing open the driver’s side window, Cabrera immediately took action and opened the vehicles door, cut the airbags and seatbelt, and pulled the driver out and away from the burning vehicle.
Cabrera then provided lifesaving care, keeping the driver stable until additional paramedics arrived.
Firefighters then quickly extinguished the flames while paramedics worked to stabilize the patient before transporting them to a local trauma hospital.
Cabrera is hailed as a hero for his quick and decisive action to save the driver’s life.
“The decisive actions of Critical Care Paramedic Cabrera exemplify courage and dedication, and undoubtedly saved a life today,” wrote MCFR in a Facebook post.