CLERMONT, Fla. – Life has come full circle for Clermont Police Sgt. Kris Kruse. He’s taking flight in the same helicopter used to save his life.
”Out of nowhere, blink of an eye life changes. I was covered in gas on fire,” said Sgt. Kruse.
During a Super Bowl Party with friends off duty in 2016, Sgt. Kruse caught fire from a small bonfire outside.
At first, he didn’t think his burns were that severe, but emergency crews called to the scene, including Orlando Health Air Care Paramedic Steve McKinney, knew otherwise.
“The problem you run into is the superheated gases he’s inhaling tend to burn your trachea, the back of your throat. That causes a lot of swelling,” said McKinney.
Kruse had burns on 70% of his body. McKinney and crew had to act quickly.
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“He had that raspy voice. I knew this would be the last time he’d be able to talk to anyone for a while and with the extent of his injuries,” said McKinney.
They decided to put Kruse to sleep with medication and inserted a tube down his throat — allowing him to breathe — and flew him to Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center.
During his recovery, Kruse’s parent figured out the chopper was the same one Sgt. Kruse took a picture on when he was a child.
“They were touring the helicopter at a publicity or PR thing. It was just seeing the helicopter, and making the connection and recognizing that it was the same tail number on it. Looking back at the old pictures, I had to be 5 or 6 years old,” Sgt. Kruse.
After 25 years in the sky, McKinney is retiring from the Air Care.
Kruse surprised McKinney at the hospital in September to celebrate his career and take one last fight in their favorite helicopter.
This month marks the 40th Anniversary of the Orlando Health Air Care Team.
McKinney and Kruse both hope their story can shed light on the team and how they help save lives every day.
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