TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 A Florida firefighter and paramedic is recovering after he became the center of his own emergency.<\/p>\n
Two weeks ago, ABC affiliate WFTS reports J.C. La Verde was shooting an instructional video for his company when he was attacked by a 12-foot alligator as he swam in Lake Thonotosassa, near Tampa.<\/p>\n
Drone video shot from overhead captured La Verde\u2019s brush with death. As soon as he realized he was inside a gator\u2019s mouth, he said he tried to open its jaws.\u201dWhen I felt the teeth, I immediately knew,\u201d La Verde said, \u201cAnd then as I opened it, I knew that I either turned it or it turned me. But it was confused, just as I was confused, and then it just let go.\u201d<\/p>\n
He swam to the dock, hoisted himself up and was driven to the hospital by a good Samaritan. He even called 911 himself to explain what happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not going to put extra stress on somebody that is already driving a bloody man somewhere,\u201d he said. \u201cLike if I can ease that load off of this lady\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
La Verde underwent an emergency six-hour surgery and will need another in the future. He now must wear a helmet to protect the right side of his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people want to see this any other way than a legit miracle, it\u2019s silly of you,\u201d La Verde said. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"