Brackenfell firefighter praised for saving sick baby

A Brackenfell mother has thanked local firefighter Arlin Thielman for helping save her four-month-old son after he began choking late at night.

According to the City of Cape Town, Miriam Pharoe had given her baby, Daniel, a dose of Panado after he felt unusually warm on Friday, November 14, shortly before 9pm. Moments later, Daniel started choking.

When the family panicked and decided to rush the baby to the hospital, the City said Ms Pharoe quickly thought about starting at the fire station, hoping someone there could assist.

Firefighter Thielman immediately stepped in. He helped stabilise the infant and arranged emergency transport to the hospital.

The two reunited again on Wednesday, November 26, during a follow-up visit, where Ms Pharoe thanked him for his quick response.

“(His) help really turned our situation around. That five to ten minutes of help, tapping him, showing us which position to keep him, reassuring us, calling for a rescue vehicle, and the check-ins on our way, and while we were at the hospital, we appreciated it,” she said.

Mr Thielman said the incident was "frightening," as he had never dealt with a case like this before.

“I’m just grateful that I could help at the time. I simply reacted the same way anyone would in that moment. At that particular time I just used the training, the knowledge that I have."

Mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, expressed gratitude to the firefighter for his compassionate response.