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That's what happened on Sunday, Nov. 17, when Danbury Firefighter Jeff Nolet was driving on the Saw Mill Parkway in Westchester reporting for duty on his night shift, said James A. Gagliardo, spokesman for the Danbury Fire Department.
On his way, Nolet happened upon a single-vehicle crash on the parkway and a gathering of cars and people on the shoulder of the roadway and stopped to offer assistance, said Gagliardo.
The bystanders informed him that there was a car over the embankment with someone still in the vehicle.
Nolet, already in his work uniform, ensured the group that 911 had been called and help was on its way. He then proceeded down the embankment to the vehicle which was on its side in a small stream.
The engine was still running and the wheels were still turning, Gagliardo said.
Without hesitation, Nolet entered the calf-deep cold muddy water and made contact with the driver confirming he was the lone occupant.
He instructed the driver to shut off the ignition and was able to open the door of the vehicle to gain direct access to the driver.
This allowed him to check and make sure the driver was not trapped, as well as check for other injuries. The driver complained of shoulder pain.
Nolet then assisted the driver up and out of the vehicle onto the side of the car where he managed to lift the patient onto his shoulder and carried him away from the vehicle while negotiating the mud and water, Gagliardo said.
A bystander provided additional assistance carrying the patient up, who was confused, up the embankment to a safe area on the side of the road.
Nolet then checked out the driver to make sure there were no other injuries and ensured the patient was kept warm.
Once emergency responders arrived, he briefed the local first responders on the situation and transferred care to them.
Shortly after he departed the scene to make it on time to the start of his night shift.
"Firefighter Nolet is just another fine example of the dedication from our first responders," said Gagliardo said.
Nolet is a member of B Shift which is led by Deputy Chief William Lounsbury who recently was mentioned for his efforts in assisting a passenger on his flight having a medical emergency.
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