VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County first responders led a dramatic rescue Tuesday after an SUV veered off the road and overturned in the water.
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They were able to free an unconscious driver trapped inside the partially submerged vehicle.
Volusia County Deputy Doug Meyer was one of the first to the scene off Maytown Road around 12:30 p.m.
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“It was instinct, it was the first thing I could do to get in the water and do something to help,” Meyer said.
As firefighters and paramedics arrived, they found an SUV laying on its side in a ditch.
The driver’s side was filled with about 3 feet of water, and the woman behind the wheel was unconscious.
“Seconds matter, so you need to make quick decisions, (and) don’t hesitate, said Firefighter Nick Corrente. “So, that’s what we did.”
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In a life-saving team effort, the group of first responders and witnesses worked together to push the vehicle upright and pull the driver out.
“Luckily we had a great team of civilians, sheriff’s office and firefighters all working together on this one,” said Volusia County Firefighter Robert Hamel.
Hamel said it was a good outcome to get the woman out safely.
The driver had a pulse and was rushed to the hospital.
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“Their training immediately kicked in, so I got to give these guys kudos for what they did,” said Volusia County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Davis. “It’s just this heroic effort to just do what they did.”
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said the driver remains in critical condition at Halifax Health Medical Center.
Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash.
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