Into Murky, Freezing, 12-Foot-Deep Water to Help

When an un-named passerby jumped into a frigid river to pull this woman from her car, he was doing something that is even more dangerous than it first seems.  Often that first plunge into ice-water causes an instinctive inhalation.  If that happens while submerged the stage is set for lungs full of water.  Not only that, if the trapped woman had gotten a solid grip on the rescuer, he could have found himself fighting for his own life with the person he went to rescue.  Glad it all worked out.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_lake/good-samaritan-rescues-woman-who-drove-off-perry-township-road-into-grand-river

Ms. Revathy Pulls Sleeping Child From Burning Home

Even when the child's own grandmother chose not to go back in, Ms. Revathy took action instantly and got the child out of a fast-spreading fire.  No injuries!

http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/woman-risks-life-to-save-child-from-blazing-home-1.39647

Omari Takes on Machetes to Protect Kenyan Orphans

This is courage.  The picture at the bottom of this link will give you the chills.  That was truly close!

http://www.dailydot.com/society/reddit-money-kenyan-orphanage-machette-omari/

Jason Craft, Awakened by an Explosion, Braved Fire to Help

Even in this short story, there are several great lessons.  First, Jason called 911 before he did anything else.  It looks as though that saved at least one life. Second, it helps to know your neighbors and be on good terms.  Jason knew that his neighbor was disabled, and that contributed to his determination to help.  Third, the fire department was there VERY quickly, which can make all the difference.

http://www.kiiitv.com/story/16627948/man-saves-neighbor-from-burning-home

UPDATE: Steven Santiago Pulled Man From Tracks, Then Got Hit by Train

The story below went up several weeks ago.  A story at this link reports that Mr. Santiago has succumbed to his injuries.

http://gothamist.com/2012/02/26/good_samaritan_who_saved_drunken_fi.php


This kind of thing remains high-risk, and this is a case in point.  Last reported in critical condition with serious head injuries, Mr. Santiago was able to get another person clear, but did not leave enough time to get himself to safety.  A link contained in this article leads to a bit more information.  Hopefully Mr. Santiago will recover.
http://gothamist.com/2012/01/10/man_who_saved_drunk_from_si_train_t.php

Jacqui O'Conner Braves Live Powerlines in Bid to Help Balloon Crash Victims

This was risky business.  Often High-Tension lines can kill without even being touched.  If moist, the ground around them can become sufficiently electrified to incapacitate anyone nearby.  This was a terrible tragedy, and Ms O'Conner and her friend showed a lot of moxie to even try to help.

http://m.smh.com.au/world/nz-hot-air-balloon-crash-11-killed-20120107-1pozl.html?page=2

Shankar Maity On the Mend After Saving Hopital Patients from Fire

I failed to include the link to his actions the first time that I mentioned Mr. Maity.  You can learn more about what he did at this link.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2704663.ece

But now it appears that he and many others who volunteered to help may be offered jobs as a way of saying "thanks".  Good to hear!

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amri-fire-mamata-offers-jobs-to-youth-who-rescued-patients/1/164187.html