Flight Paramedic Jumps Into Lake to Help Boater in Crisis

When a 911 call came in from Lake Woodruff at 6:45 a.m., what followed was an extraordinary display of coordination, courage, and community spirit in action.

A 56-year-old fisherman had suffered a medical emergency while on his pontoon boat in the middle of the lake. Within minutes, Volusia County's Air One helicopter spotted the vessel from above.

Flight Paramedic Matthew Brunelle didn't wait for backup. He jumped from the helicopter into the deep lake water and swam to the boat, where he immediately began CPR without any medical equipment.

"In the moment you're not really thinking emotion, you're just thinking about getting to them and helping them," Brunelle said. "I didn't have a cardiac monitor or any kind of medical supplies to render aid to him, so CPR was the only thing we could do out there in that environment."

Meanwhile, deputies on shore faced their own challenge: how to reach the pontoon quickly. That's when a local boat owner stepped forward without hesitation, offering his vessel to transport deputies across the water.

Deputy Jevon Gardner described the impact of that moment. "As a deputy, you really try not to be hopeless in any situation, but when you have the Good Samaritans that's willing to help out, it's probably the best thing in the world," he said.

Guided by Air One overhead, they reached the pontoon where deputies climbed aboard to continue CPR. Brunelle took control of the boat and steered toward shore while EMS personnel joined them on the water to provide additional care.

The team worked together seamlessly, continuing lifesaving measures all the way back to the waiting ambulance. Sadly, despite the remarkable effort from everyone involved, the fisherman did not survive.

Why This Inspires

This story isn't about a happy ending, but it is about human goodness showing up when it matters most. A paramedic who jumped into a lake without equipment. A stranger who immediately offered his boat. Deputies and EMS workers who never stopped trying.

"Our hearts break for the wife who was put through that traumatic event," Brunelle said, reflecting the compassion that drove every person involved that morning.

In moments of crisis, De Leon Springs showed what community truly means: people who show up, offer what they have, and give everything they can.