Four paramedics and two local doctors dining at a local restaurant rushed to the aid of a woman who had collapsed during her meal on Friday, 10 November.

The paramedics managed to revive the woman’s pulse three times and transport her via ambulance to Potchefstroom Mediclinic, but, unfortunately, she went into cardiac arrest and died a short while after she arrived at the hospital.

The cause of death is believed to be choking. The incident occurred at Ambrosia Restaurant in Baillie Park at around 19:30.

Aldus Smith, a local paramedic and three of his colleagues from Johannesburg (EPIC EM) hosted a training workshop during the week and decided to spend their Friday evening at a local restaurant.

The woman, who was also dining, had collapsed in her chair.

The paramedics and two doctors (Dr Flip du Plooy (specialist surgeon) and his wife, Dr Jossie du Plooy (general practitioner), who were also at the restaurant, rushed to her aid.

According to Smith, the initial assessment of the woman’s condition was not positive, but the paramedics and doctors on the scene did everything they could to save her life.

“We got a pulse back three times, but we did not know that she choked at the scene.

We asked, but the man who was with her also did not know that she had choked. All four of us were off-duty when it happened. When she hit the ground, four paramedics and two doctors were with her, but we could not save her,” added Smith.

The restaurant owner of Ambrosia, Mr Spiros Angelides, stated that it was a sad event, knowing that a loved one had passed on.

“I saw that she was weak. At first glance, it did not look like she had choked on anything. I just saw her head tilt back. At that stage, the paramedics jumped in.

They took control and calmed everyone down,” says Angelides.

He sincerely thanked the medical personnel for their speedy response and calmness during the incident.

“On behalf of everyone at Ambrosia, we send our condolences to the family.

“I also want to thank the paramedics and doctors for their amazing work. They did everything to save this lady’s life.”

• The Herald contacted the family, but they chose not to speak to the media about the incident.