PORTLAND, Ore. -- A man who lost control of his vehicle and crashed in Canby spent the night outside and suffered from exposure in the cold weather.

Firefighters credited the crash victim's young Labrador Retriever with helping to save his life.

Canby Fire Department personnel rescued the man Monday after he lost control of his vehicle Sunday night, careened down an embankment, struck a tree and submerged his car in a small creek.

The man, who was described as in his mid-60s, was found outside his vehicle in below-freezing temperatures with wet feet, head and shoulder injuries, as well as hypothermia and frostbite.

He had been unable to stay warm in his truck because of the smashed windows, firefighters said.

A few coats and the dog's warmth helped keep him warm enough to hang on until help arrived, officials said.

Firefighters said he was in critical condition and they radioed a LifeFlight helicopter to transport him to a hospital.

Due to the freezing temperatures and weather a helicopter was unavailable so an ambulance was called to transport him to OHSU.

The victim’s core body temperature was in the mid-80s by the time he reached the emergency room, dangerously below normal, paramedics said.

The man also had a young Labrador Retriever with him overnight in the car. Paramedics returned the dog to the victim’s family so they could care for it while he was hospitalized.