Firefighter remains in intensive care, breathing on his own

A Tulsa firefighter hospitalized New Year's Eve is doing better, but remained in intensive care Monday.

A news release from the Tulsa Fire Department said 35-year-old Jame O'Neil was breathing on his own after having all the ventilation machines and breathing assistance disconnected.

He remains hospitalized at OSU Medical Center. The exact cause of what made him collapse and why a mayday call went out for him remains unreleased.

O'Neil was part of a team battling a fire on North Ellwood. While fighting the fire he collapsed and became unresponsive. When found he was not breathing and had no pulse. His fellow firefighters had to perform CPR to resusitate him.

The fire was later ruled arson and Monday the reward was increased to $1,500 for information leading to the arrest of whomever set the fire.

Call 918-596-ARSN. That's the arson tip line.

O'Neil may be in intensive care for a couple more days. How long he will remain hospitalized is unclear.

Doctors were not allowing him to speak Monday because of the breathing tube that was taken out.

O'Neil's family has declined to be interviewed but would like to express appreciation for the support they've received. Visitors are not allowed to see O'Neil, but may visit the family in the waiting area.