Trauma Survivor meets heroes who saved them before the I-95 crashed in Martin County

Martin County, Fla. (CBS12) – A woman who survived a terrible crash on the I-95 near Miracle Mile 96 meets the first aiders who saved their lives on Wednesday.

For first aiders, the incident may have looked like a fatal car accident. The vehicle burned and the driver no longer reacted, but thanks to Martin County Fire Rescue officers' quick answer, the victim is alive to tell their history and thank the heroes who saved their lives.

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It was a long way to recover for Jalen Johnson, 28, a trauma survivor who flashed her life before her eyes.

“I was a little shocked. I was brought back. I was a bit confused,” said Johnson. “I didn't understand that I missed Christmas and that I missed the New Year and it was a lot to take.”

On December 18, 2024, Johnson drove home from an overnight stay when she lost control of her car during a heavy thunderstorm and fell against a power pole. It happened on the I-95 near Mile Marker 96.

Kevin Moore, head of Martin County's fire district, said that the nearby crews had hurried to the scene.

“When the units arrived, the passenger side caught fire and they could quickly pull them out and find them out quickly,” said Moore.

Officials said Johnson remained unconscious during the entire call. Her injuries included a broken nose, orbital breaks and injuries to the back of the head.

She was sedated, intubated and brought to the HCA Florida Lawnwood Regional Hospital, where she spent several days in the intensive care unit. Johnson had no memory of the accident or the following weeks.

“I spent about two weeks on the trauma intensive care unit,” said Johnson. “I was then moved to the Brooks Reha Hospital in Jacksonville. I was there for two weeks and after I was released from the hospital, I came home and immediately started at home.”

With consistency and commitment, Johnson went back from a wheelchair to his own.

“I tried to use a hiker, and after I got the Walker and I got it, I urged myself to put the walker aside and go regularly,” she said.

Now she goes and smiles and on Wednesday afternoon she pushed towards the hero who saved her life.

“Thank you. You are, I honestly owe you a piece of my life because you really helped save my life,” said Johnson in a warm reunion.

District manager Moore said it was humble to meet Jalen and hear their history.

“It's humble,” said Moore. “Because we hear this job every day and often not the background story or those people who recover from their injuries.

Johnson encourages other survivors to never give up, to pass it on and to give himself grace.

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