An Ohio state trooper was driving down the highway when he noticed a sudden break in the railing on the road.
To his right, an embankment held captive a semi-truck that had veered off the road.
The state trooper pulled over, and immediately ran over to the crash site.
Swept up in the chaos of the crash, the trooper didn’t think twice about his dash cam audio recording his entire interaction with the injured truck driver. His quick thinking and emotional response is caught on tape.
It’s this unsettling recording that have people calling him a hero.
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Eric Devers noticed the crashed semi near Piqua, Ohio and ran down the 60-foot embankment over to help the driver. He quickly realized how badly the driver was injured and began administering CPR.
The video captures everything he says. At first he’s quiet and mumbling, “Keep breathing.” Whether prayer or wishful thinking, hearing the trooper say this is frightening and sad. It’s as if you’re there with him at the scene of the crash.
Then you can hear Devers yell very clearly, “Don’t you die, don’t you die on me.”
While the video is only a few minutes long, Devers stayed with the driver for more than 10 minutes before medical personnel arrived at the scene of the crash.
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The driver, John Depue was still strapped into the driver seat when Devers found him. His breathing was heavy and shallow; he was clinging to life by mere threads.
Then suddenly, he just stopped breathing.
That’s when Devers stepped in and began CPR. He managed to keep Depue alive long enough for him to receive professional medical attention.
His breathing stabilized and he was rushed to Wilson Memorial Hospital, where, shockingly, Depue was able to make a full recovery.
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It’s no surprise after hearing this video that Devers saved Depue’s life. He was recognized by his community for his amazing heroism.
Car crashes are upsettingly common, especially for truck drivers who make a living by driving for several hours a day across long distances.
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. The trooper’s fast acting means that life will continue for the truck driver. Without Devers, Depue probably would not have survived.
Watch the video and hear the rescue for yourself—and make sure you get some tissue because the tears will be flowing.
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