MIAMI -- A man who was critically injured in a motorcycle crash made a special visit Wednesday to thank the firefighters who helped save his life.

Rafael Rios, 22, spent nearly a month in a hospital following the July 4 crash. An SUV collided with his bike, sending Rios and a 16-year-old passenger airborne. Rios was driving the motorcycle at the time.

The 22-year-old spent four days in a coma. He suffered several broken bones and bears lifelong scars.

Firefighters and doctors gave family members grim hope about a recovery.

"They saved my life," said a sobbing Rios as he hugged and thanked Miami-Dade firefighters at the station. "It's a really good thing to come back and say thank you to them because they save so many lives -- and for some people, they don't care."

Firefighters gave Rios a tour of the fire station and admitted they were equally as moved by his warm actions.

"I've been doing this 16 years and this is only the second time anyone has ever come back to say thank you," said firefighter Ricky Rodriguez.

Rios' teenage passenger is still recovering from his injuries but has since moved out of state.

Both of the victims were wearing helmets at the time. Detectives later determined that speed was a factor in the crash.

Rios told the team of firefighters that his life was forever changed because of their heroic efforts and for the fact that he was given a second chance at life.

"I used to not care about life," said Rios. "I used to ride around and be stupid. Then something like this happens and you realize you should listen to your parents or your wife or your girlfriend."