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Firefighter-paramedic saved after arson fire causes floor to collapse

Floor “dropping is just a sickening feeling” for firefighter-paramedic rescued by two other firefighters

By EMS1 Staff

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A firefighter-paramedic was rescued after a floor collapsed during a house fire.

News5Cleveland.com reported that Springfield Township firefighter-paramedic Michael Marias was left dangling on a first-floor wall and closet after the floor beneath him dropped to the basement.

“Just that feeling of that floor bowing underneath you and then dropping is just a sickening feeling,” Marias said. “It’s fight or flight and you’re scrambling to do what you can to make sure you’re not hurt.”

Two firefighters grabbed Marias’ gear, pulled him from the hole and dragged him to the front porch.

“Without them being there, there’s no doubt I would have fallen into that basement,” Marias said.

Police later arrested three teens accused of setting the house on fire. Two 18-year-olds and a 15-year-old were charged with aggravated arson and breaking and entering.