Burpengary Tavern punters save Rod Rose, as he chokes

A woman who rushed to save the life of a choking Moreton Bay pub patron has shared what happened in those critical moments as locals rushed to save his life.

Rod and Susanne Rose have been married for over fifty years and when they went to the Burpengary Tavern one lunch, a group of good Samaritan punters were forced to step in

An elderly couple who have been married for over 50 years, were sent into panic when husband Rod began choking at a popular Moreton Bay pub, causing a group of good Samaritan punters to leap into action.

Rod and Susanne Rose were enjoying a Thursday lunch at the Burpengary Tavern on February 15, when suddenly Rod began choking.

Nearby patron Paula Pryor rushed to assist as two other men provided help, while emergency services were on their way.

Susanne said events happened so quickly and she was eternally grateful for the heroic efforts of the local punters.

“Rod has advanced dementia and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), he looked as if he was choking, he went blue, his mouth closed and his face was blown up,” she said.

“There is a shut off mechanism that happens when fluids don’t enter the lungs, he then get pneumonia, this can happen at anytime and it’s no one’s fault.

“There is no way I could have got Rod back on my own I am more than thankful that these people were around and jumped in to help.”

Paula Pryor was the first to help and said she was just glad Ron is OK.

“It took three of us to get Rod breathing, there were two men who administered back blows and I stayed with Rod and his wife until he went in the ambulance,” she said.

“All I could think of that night was how he was going and how his beautiful wife was coping, I am so pleased the outcome was a happy one and glad he will be able to enjoy a rum and ginger beer real soon.”

The Burpengary Tavern posted on social media to thank the amazing customers who sprang into action and the Queensland Ambulance Service for arriving so quickly.

Rod received minimal bruising from the incident and made a full recovery.