Paramedic jumps from helicopter to fisherman in cardiac arrest

Date Added: August 23, 2026 11:45 am

When a fisherman from Astor collapsed during a medical emergency early Sunday morning on a pontoon boat on Lake Woodruff, the team from 911, Air One, patrol, EMS, and a Good Samaritan with a boat did everything they could to save him.

After a frantic 911 call came in at 6:45 a.m., a VSO dispatcher gave the caller CPR instructions as Air One took off, flew over and spotted the boat. Flight Paramedic Matt Brunelle jumped from the helicopter into the lake and was first on scene.

On land, patrol deputies met a man with his own boat who agreed to take them over to help. Air One guided them to the pontoon, and they climbed on board to continue CPR while Brunelle drove toward land to meet an ambulance.

EMS personnel arrived on the water next and took over life-saving measures until arrival back on shore for transport to the hospital.

Despite extensive efforts, sadly the 56-year-old was not able to recover. We were hoping to deliver the good news that his life was saved. Instead, we are sending sincere condolences to this man's family, friends and loved ones. It's not the outcome we hoped for, but everyone involved in this call gave their best to give him a chance.