A Mesquite mother is expressing deep gratitude after an off-duty firefighter stepped in to help save her 13-year-old son’s life during a medical emergency on Interstate 30.
A Critical Moment
Brenda Mesa’s son, Jose, was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bike in front of their home on Dumont Drive in Mesquite last Friday.
“I saw he had a head injury, and I didn’t want him to move anymore. So, I held on to him until the paramedics arrived,” Mesa said.
Mesquite paramedics Justin McConnaughy and Jack London responded and rushed Jose to the hospital, navigating heavy traffic around 5 p.m.
About 10 minutes into the drive, Jose began having a seizure, vomiting, and choking. London quickly called for McConnaughy’s help, forcing them to pull over.
An Unexpected Hero
At that moment, Irving firefighter Josh Sanchez, who was off duty and on his way to dinner with his wife, noticed the ambulance stopping on I-30—an unusual sight for an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens on.
Realizing something was wrong, Sanchez pulled over and knocked on the ambulance door.
“I don’t even know if I introduced myself. I just told them, ‘Firefighter paramedic from Irving. Y’all need some help?’” Sanchez recalled.
The Mesquite paramedics welcomed his assistance, and Sanchez took over driving the ambulance while McConnaughy and London focused on saving Jose’s life.
A Miraculous Recovery
Mesa credits the quick action of all three emergency responders with saving her son’s life.
“My son had stopped breathing. He wasn’t breathing, and those seconds mattered so much. They were able to get him to the hospital quickly and intubate him so he could receive oxygen,” she said.
Jose, who was in critical condition and placed in a medically induced coma, is now home recovering.
“I don’t remember what happened. I only remember waking up in the hospital. I really thought I was dreaming,” Jose said.
London described the event as “one of those miraculous things that happened.”
Sanchez, reflecting on the experience, was just grateful to help.
“I feel like God had his hand in all this because to me, he’s an angel who came out of nowhere and saved my son’s life. And for that, I will forever be grateful,” Mesa said.
Texas Times will continue to follow Jose’s recovery and share updates as they become available.
