One more advantage to being a doctor AND a political candidate? If someone in the audience at a debate needs medical attention, you’re close at hand. (h/t Ben Smith)
From the AP:
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Former Governor John Kitzhaber wants his old job back, but he returned to his days as an emergency room doctor during his debate with Bill Bradbury in Eugene.
The Register-Guard newspaper reports that Wednesday night’s forum was suspended for about 20 minutes after an audience member suffered an apparent seizure.
When someone asked if there was a doctor in the house, Kitzhaber rushed up the aisle to provide first aid.
He checked the man’s vital signs and ensured he had an open airway until paramedics arrived.
“I heard someone say is there a doctor in the house,” Kitzhaber said. “I thought they were kidding and then I looked up and there was someone obviously in distress. And so the old ER reflex kicked in.”
“Some things you don’t forget,” he said.
UPDATE: The same apparently holds true for Senate committee hearings.