Florida Med Student A Hero: He Rescues Driver In Canal

The first-year medical student at Nova Southeastern University got some real-world experience Sunday when he pulled a man out of a sinking car in a Coral Springs canal.

David Carle, 47, of Davie, had driven his Hyundai into the canal on University Drive just north of Southgate Boulevard about 10 a.m., police said.

Ross, 22, of Lauderhill, dived in and pulled Carle out through the driver's side window. Carle was in serious condition when paramedics took him to North Broward Medical Center. He's expected to be fine. When Ross visited Carle at the hospital Sunday evening, Carle thanked him.

''As a medical student, I've always been the one observing doctors and paramedics saving people,'' Ross said. ``This is the first time I've ever led the effort.''

Ross' Sunday morning started out quiet enough. He studied at home for a few hours, then decided to do some more studying at a nearby bookstore.

On the way, Ross spotted bystanders beside the road waving frantically. He pulled over and saw the Hyundai almost fully submerged. Then he dived in.

''The car started to take a nose dive,'' said Ross, who got help from several other bystanders in the rescue effort. ``The water went up around his head and face.''

Ross reached in, grabbed under Carle's arms, and pulled him out. Once Carle was safely ashore, Ross checked his pulse, looked for wounds and asked about his medical history, things he learned in medical school.

''Maybe this will earn me some bonus points on my test,'' Ross said.