Trooper Saves Motorist From Choking on Seatbelt
November 28, 2014
On Thursday, November 27, 2014, at approximately 9:30 PM, while on routine patrol northbound along Florida’s Suncoast Parkway at the 32 milepost in Pasco County, Trooper Brad Wagner came upon a man standing outside his parked 2010 Toyota on the outside shoulder flagging passing traffic.
Trooper Wagner stopped to render assistance and discovered a female passenger was entangled by her seatbelt which had been placed around her neck by the couple’s four-year-old child who was resistant to remaining in their child seat. The seatbelt had locked in place and efforts by the 33-year-old husband to remove it further tightened the device effectively choking the 38-year-old Brooksville woman.
Trooper Wagner immediately utilized a knife to cut the belt and restore breathing to the near unconscious woman. Soon evaluated by local EMS responders, the family continued on their way for the holidays.
This incident follows a September 18th traffic crash in which Trooper Wagner was nearby and responded quickly to a traffic crash on SR-589 near Waters Avenue. During this incident Trooper Wagner found an unconscious driver who had been ejected onto the roadway; Wagner responded quickly by providing CPR which eventually saved that motorist as well.
The FHP expresses great appreciation for Trooper Wagner’s efforts which is reflective of the vital and important work State Troopers do each and every day.