A Suffolk County woman recovering after a car crash is crediting a co-worker she calls her hero for helping save her life.
What started as a routine drive last Sunday quickly turned into a life-threatening situation when Alisa Globuschutz was struck by another vehicle in West Hills. The impact left her trapped inside her car, unable to move her legs.
Nearby was Keith Gunsel, Globuschutz’s co-worker at Henry L. Stimson Middle School and a longtime member of the Huntington Manor Fire Department. After calling 911, Gunsel rushed to the scene.
When he arrived, he found Alex DeMoris, a former firefighter and colleague, already trying to help.
“He was preventing her from trying to get out of the car. It looked like, to both of us, her legs were broken. The bones were out and she was bleeding,” Gunsel said.
As the situation grew more urgent, the men, along with a third good Samaritan, sprang into action. They cut through the airbag, freed Globuschutz's seat belt, and carefully worked to reach her.
Throughout the rescue, Gunsel stayed by Globuschutz's side, helping keep her calm.
“He actually broke open the glass and he sat right beside me. He was there for me,” Globuschutz said.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and transported her to South Shore University Hospital. She suffered serious injuries to her spine, legs and knees and is expected to begin rehabilitation this week.
“He did such a good thing. I don't know if I would've ever gotten out of that car if he didn't break the car open to get me out,” Globuschutz said. “He's the angel on my shoulder,”
For his part, Gunsel said helping her was instinctive.
“We had talked just the week before and I've known her for many years and she's a good soul,” he said.