California: Firefighter recovering after being struck by car

A Cosumnes Fire Department firefighter's condition continues to improve after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to rescue another driver involved in a car accident.

The accident occurred on February 6, in which firefighter and paramedic Eric Oviedo, along with other rescuers, responded to a car accident along Interstate 5, in South Sacramento.

When Oviedo and the rest of his team arrived on the scene, they found the car had run into a tree. While attempting to remove the driver from the car another accident occurred, according to officials.

A Ford Econoline Van collided with a Honda Civic, sending the Civic sliding out of control through wet grass right into the path of Oviedo, officials said.

The impact threw Oviedo several feet, narrowly missing the other rescue crews and a California Highway Patrol officer also on the scene.

The collision resulted in several broken ribs, a large cut over Oviedo’s head and several bumps and bruises, officials said.

Oviedo is said to be doing better now, according to officials.

Officials, however, are using the incident as a reminder for drivers to slow down, and when possible move over, when approaching vehicle accidents, construction zones, and other conditions that may alter traffic patterns, they report.