Dramatic Rescue Saves Woman from Burning Vehicle in Portland

A quick and coordinated effort by Portland police, firefighters, and medical responders saved a woman trapped inside a burning vehicle near Mt. Scott Boulevard in late December.

The harrowing situation began with a 911 call from the driver herself, who was trapped in the car engulfed in flames. Portland Police Bureau Sgt. Sarah Kerwin described the urgency:

“This was the first time I’ve ever… had anyone call in saying ‘I am trapped,’” said Kerwin. “All of a sudden the person in the car is calling in saying they’re on fire and they can’t get out.”

A Fiery Scene

When Kerwin and her partner arrived, the vehicle was tipped on its side, flames consuming it so intensely that the officers couldn’t approach to attempt a rescue.

Portland Fire and Rescue arrived just in time, using fire hoses to contain the blaze. Firefighters, clad in protective gear, smashed the car’s windshield with a battering ram to extract the woman.

Heroic Rescue Efforts

The woman wasn’t breathing when responders pulled her from the wreckage and moved her to safety. Sgt. Kerwin immediately began CPR, followed by the administration of oxygen by medical personnel.

Kerwin reflected on the teamwork that saved the woman’s life:
“I felt this was the epitome of the call that you train for, and that Portland Fire was critical in getting her out of the vehicle because I just don’t think we could have safely done it.”

A Life Saved

The woman was transported to the hospital, where she was reported to be recovering. This extraordinary rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and collaboration of first responders in life-threatening emergencies.