Seminole County, Fla. (June 4, 2024) –  On October 29, 2023 at 7:17 a.m., 26-year-old Marcus Frutchey was traveling in a car going 60 mph on west bound I-4 under the Central Pkwy Overpass in Altamonte Springs, Florida and another vehicle also traveling 60 mph was going the wrong direction. This resulted in Marcus being involved in a terrible head-on collision. Crews recently reunited with Marcus along with Orlando Health’s trauma team. Seminole County Fire Department crew members were also be presented with a Unit Team Citation.

About the call: Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) crew members arrived on scene to find Marcus on the ground. Time was of the essence for medical care for his intestines, cecum and appendix were out of his body due to the high impact and severity of the crash.  

Since the wreck, Marcus has had 10 surgeries and his injuries included severed intestines, 13 broken ribs, a broken back, a broken sternum, he broke both hands, his left wrist and right arm and had a punctured lung. Marcus has made a remarkable recovery over the past seven months.

His mother and father – Dr. Sandra Frutchey and Dr. Mark Frutchey – credit the SCFD crews for their swift action and professional attentiveness to the scene and getting him to the hospital so quickly. They also thank all the team at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center who treated him. ORMC is proud to be home to Central Florida’s only Level One Trauma Center.

“Our ambulance bay doors have swung open too many times for patients who have suffered immense trauma after high-speed, wrong-way crashes,” said Dr. Tracy Zito, Trauma Medical Director at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center. “To see such an incredible recovery is why we do this job. The fight that we see in our patients is what drives our trauma team to do all they can to give our patients that second chance.”

“Our Seminole County Fire Department crews always enjoy meeting our patients,” said Lieutenant Ben Fulton, who was a crew member on the call. “Seeing Marcus walking around and healthy is a true testament to the expertise and partnership that our fire department has with our hospitals. We have outstanding service and care, and we are we are proud to serve Seminole County.”