Firefighter Hailed a Hero for Risky Rescue of Driver Trapped in Semi-Truck Dangling Over Bridge.

The incident occurred on the Clark Memorial Bridge during lunchtime traffic. When a semi truck, a pickup truck and two passenger vehicles collided, it caused a Sysco semi truck to break through the bridge barrier and partially dangle over the Ohio River 100 feet below. The panicked driver dangled midair in the cab while awaiting rescue. The Louisville Fire, EMS and Metro Police departments quickly arrived on the scene by 12:06 p.m.

With no time to waste, the fire department immediately deployed an aerial ladder, pulley system and a safety rope in an effort to reach the woman trapped in the truck. The EMS team communicated with the driver to help keep her calm as firefighters prepared for the rescue attempt.

Firefighter Bryce Carden led the attempt due to his expertise in high-angle rescues. He repelled down from the bridge, calmly cut the driver out of her seatbelt and carefully secured her in a harness. The Louisville Fire Department then lifted Bryce and the driver to safety.

News crews captured the dramatic scene using a drone, and people around the world tuned in live to watch heroes at work. The inspiring moment reminds us all that heroic first responders risk their lives daily in service of those in need.

“I just happened to be the guy at that time, and the right guy for the job,” said Bryce.

He said his first responder training prepared him to remain calm and focused throughout the rescue mission.

“With all of the training and preparation the Louisville Fire Department provides us with, it almost becomes second nature when you get on a scene. During it, I was very focused,” he recalled. “I wasn't letting emotions get to me. We have to stay calm. When they call us, they're having the worst day of their lives. We have to be those guys that are calm and confident.”

The success of the rescue came down to trust, according to Bryce. He said the truck driver had to trust him and he, in turn, had to trust the rest of the team.

“I said, ‘Take a deep breath and here’s what I need you to do,’” Bryce recalled of the moment he reached the driver.

While he remained aware that any extra weight on the truck could cause it to fall, he stayed calm and focused. He talked the driver through the rescue process and worked to gain her trust.

As he began to attach the harness to the driver, Bryce noticed the tangled seatbelt around her. He reached for his pocket knife to quickly cut her out of the seatbelt. He said the tensest moment of the rescue occurred when the driver transitioned from the driver’s seat to the harness. When she removed her foot from the brake, a thundering noise jolted them both. Thankfully, the cab remained still during the remainder of the dramatic rescue.

“This was one of those rare opportunities where the tremendous training and preparedness these firefighters do meets the opportunity to put those skills to work and help somebody,” said Louisville Fire Chief Brian O'Neill.

The unnamed truck driver was later identified as a military veteran, and Bryce concluded that the her military experience likely helped her remain steady and able to follow directions during the rescue.

Sysco, a wholesale restaurant distributor, said in a written statement how “enormously grateful” they were to the rescue team and law enforcement for ensuring the safety of their colleague.

The driver was taken to the hospital for observation and has since been released. The crash remains under investigation by LMPD.

The Foundation For a Better Life and PassItOn believe that Bryce Carden and the entire team of first responders are true heroes. Bryce’s courage and professional training helped saved a life that cold winter afternoon. His action is the perfect example of bravery. Please help us celebrate Bryce by sharing his inspiring story.

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