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Tiny newborn repays lifesaving doctor 30 years on

An extraordinary story of a life saved being repaid has emerged in the US.

Firefighter Chris Trokey has paediatrician Michael Shannon to thank for saving his life 30 years ago - but Mr Trokey repaid the favour when he helped pulled Dr Shannon from a burning vehicle in 2011.

Their remarkable story emerged when the two were reunited at a fundraiser for cancer research.

KTLA5 news reports that when Mr Trokey was born he weighed just 1.45kg and was given only a 50/50 chance of living.


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But Dr Shannon stayed with him constantly until his health improved.

Fast forward 30 years and Dr Shannon was driving along the Pacific Highway in California in 2011 when he was involved in a fiery crash.

Trapped in his vehicle with flames burning his legs, Dr Shannon was pulled free from the wreck by a team of firefighters from Paramedic Engine 29.

Paramedic Chris Trokey was among those who saved Dr Shannon's life. Photo: Getty file
Paramedic Chris Trokey was among those who saved Dr Shannon's life. Photo: Getty file


Dr Shannon was taken to hospital with serious injuries and spent 45 days recovering, KTL5 reports.

Paramedic Chris Trokey was among those who saved Dr Shannon's life.

“I didn’t know about until I went to the hospital and started talking about it, Dr. Shannon. And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, Dr. Shannon?'” Mr Trokey recalled. “That’s when I found out.”

Dr Shannon said: “It’s amazing to watch them all grow up, but to have one come back in your life, on a day you really need it, that’s really incredible."

Mr Trokey now has a son of his own, and his pediatrician? Dr Shannon.