Mother rescued from burning car in the nick of time

Bartow, Florida - 28 year old Jodi Kathleen Oates of Davenport is a mother of three who has a lot to live for. But her life was
almost cut short on Wednesday night.

Polk County Sheriff's Deputies say Oates ran off the road slamming her car into an oak tree which burst into flames. It happened near the corner of 80 Foot Road and County Road 640 in Alturas.

Mike Gay says he just happened to be driving by. "I looked over and seen the fire and just thought it was somebody burning orange trees."

He turned around and came back to see if anyone needed help and it's a good thing. While talking to a 911-operator he heard Oates call out. Gay says, "It was just a very painful sounding scream. Her screaming somebody help me, help me please."

Gay says everything went blank and he knew he had to help her. "Well by the time I got around there the seatbelt had burnt off her and she leaned over and I leaned in as far as we could both go and I grabbed her and pulled her out through the passenger window."

Gay's hands were severely burned during the rescue but he was more concerned about Oates. "She was in so much pain. I mean like I said I could see that she was on fire when I grabbed her. I knew my hands were burning. I felt nothing I mean through the whole process I didn't feel any pain at all."

Oates is recovering at Tampa General Hospital. She's badly burned over 50% of her body. Her family says she underwent surgery Friday afternoon for a broken femur. She also has a cracked knee cap.

Oates, according to family members wears a pacemaker and defibrillator. She had a doctors appointment scheduled for the day after the accident. Jodi's younger sister, Julia says,
"We really aren't sure yet as to the cause of the wreck.
She could have fallen asleep, passed out, or it is very possible that her pacemaker/defibrillator went off. It could have possibly been one of those things." 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Meanwhile, her family has set up a special account for people to make  donations to Oates to cover any costs or medical expenses not covered by her insurance company.  You can make donations at any branch of Mid Florida Credit Union. The account number is 468139-WA.

The certified nursing assistant is accustomed to caring for patients but now she's in constant need of care. Still her family says they're grateful she's has a second chance at life thanks to Gay.

Julia says "I mean what can you say? There's really not much. A thank you is not enough but it's all that we know what to do."

Gay is humble about the experience and says,  "I'm more of a good samaritan I guess than a hero. I would hope that anyone would do this you know especially when a human life is involved in it."

Due to his burns Gay will have to miss about a week of work. He works for the Board of County Commissioners for Polk County as a surveyor.

Gay's 13 year old son was with him when he rescued Oates.