Teamwork saved Detroit resident Latashia Collins, trapped in her burning car after a January 2026 crash. Detroit Firefighter Donald Faulkner heroically pulled Ms. Collins from the burning vehicle, a selfless, dangerous act caught on first responder body cam. The fire department immediately took Ms. Collins to DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center and Burn Center, Michigan’s largest adult burn care facility.

The DMC Trauma and Burn Center teams, led by DMC Trauma Center surgeon Dr. Jessica McGee and DMC Burn Center surgeons Dr. David Springstead and Dr. Alfred Baylor, worked intensely with multiple surgeons from Orthopedic Surgery, Urology and other DMC teams to save Ms. Collins. Bleeding injuries to her abdomen required immediate surgery, and she suffered severe burns to her hands, leg, eyes and face, as well as a dozen rib fractures and broken bones in her arms and legs from the crash.

“Firefighter Faulkner’s heroic actions gave the DMC Trauma and Burn Center teams a chance to continue extraordinary care and help Ms. Collins survive the initial crash and fire,” Dr. Springstead said. “It’s been a long road, but she’s determined and well on her way to recovery. We’re grateful to be part of her journey and to have such a strong partnership with the Detroit Fire Department, to provide the highest level of care for the community.”

Learn more about the Burn Center at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital.