A Paramedic Saved A Man From A Burning Vehicle. At The Hospital, He Couldn't Believe Who He Saved

April 4, 2015

When Dr. Michael Shannon saved the life of a premature baby 30 years ago, he never imagined decades later, the favor would be returned.

KTLA 5

KTLA 5 News reported that Shannon's SUV was T-boned by a semi-truck, pinning his vehicle underneath the truck as it caught fire. By the time rescue workers arrive, the flames were already burning Shannon's legs.

One of the paramedics who helped free Shannon from his SUV was Chris Trokey, whose own life had been saved 30 years earlier by the pediatrician.

KTLA 5

"I didn't know about until I went to the hospital and started talking about it, Dr. Shannon. And I was like, 'Oh my gosh, Dr. Shannon?'" Trokey recalled on Sunday. "That's when I found out."

Trokey was just 3.2 pounds at birth, and doctors had initially gave him a 50/50 chance at surviving. But his pediatrician, Dr. Shannon, helped save his life, staying with the infant around the clock until his health improved and he was stable.

"It's amazing to watch them all grow up, but to have one come back in your life, on a day you really need it, that's really incredible," Shannon said.

Chris Trokey is now father to a son, and Dr. Shannon is the boy's pediatrician.