State Labor, Liberal MPs join forces to help ill man

TWO opposing Victorian MPs have set aside their political differences to administer first aid to a visitor who fell ill in Parliament.

Two opposing MPs set aside their political differences to administer first aid to a visitor who fell ill in Parliament yesterday.

TWO opposing MPs set aside their political differences to administer first aid to a visitor who fell ill in Parliament yesterday.

Liberal MP Dee Ryall — a former nurse and Labor MP Paul Edbrooke — a former firefighter — sprung into action when a 62-year-old man had a suspected seizure at the end of Question Time.

In a true showing of bipartisanship the MPs worked together to keep the man’s airways clear, check his pulse and keep him comfortable while paramedics arrived

Liberal MP and former nurse Dee Ryall. Picture: Steve Tanner

Frankston state Labor MP and former firefighter Paul Edbrooke. Picture: Jason Sammon

Mr Edbrooke, Frankston Labor MP, said his medical training kicked in when he saw the attendants helping the stricken man.

After making a quick assessment Mr Edbrooke was joined by trained nurse Ringwood MP Dee Ryall.

“We actually made a pretty good team. Especially since we spent the morning yelling at each other during Question Time,’’ Mr Edbrooke said.

“There was definitely a bipartisan approach to First Aid.”

“I think it shows that it is important to have a range of skills in Parliament.”

Ms Ryall said the Parliament’s Clerk called her over to help after they saw the man collapse.

She checked his pulse, made sure his airways were clear and that he was conscious.

“When emergencies happens you put everything aside and do what you can to help the person in need.”

“It is just so important that there are people around who know First Aid and some CPR.”

The man was taken to hospital for further tests.