A sedan had veered off the road, struck a tree, and burst into flames. Multiple 911 callers reported that the driver was trapped inside a burning vehicle.
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At 7:09 a.m., Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision near Exit 341 Northbound on I-75. Fortunately, off-duty MCFR Critical Care Paramedic Stephen Cabrera was on his way to work and sprang into action.
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After another citizen smashed the window, Cabrera opened the vehicle’s door, cut the airbags and seatbelt, and pulled the driver to safety—away from the engulfing flames. He provided lifesaving care until Marion Oaks Station #24 firefighter-paramedics arrived.
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Engine and Rescue #24 arrived on the scene at 7:17 a.m. and found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze while paramedics stabilized the patient and transported them to a local trauma hospital as a trauma alert.