Northam: doctor, citizen redux

Back in 2007, when Ralph Northam was running for Senate for the first time, I wrote about how he provided medical care to a boy who had just been hit by a car. Yesterday, the senator found himself in another situation that allowed him to use his medical training:

… the Norfolk Democrat used his medical skills Tuesday when a visitor to the State Capitol observing Senate action from balcony seating tripped and hit his head, opening up a gash.

Northam, a pediatric neurologist, rushed to aid medics who were treating the man.

“All in a day’s work here at the Capitol,” Northam said after one of the rare occasions he’s had to provide medical care in the Senate.

Two years ago, Northam aided fellow Sen. Linda “Toddy” Puller, D-Fairfax County, when she had a choking episode on the Senate floor.

Tuesday, Northam attended to the injured man before he was taken to a nearby hospital.

I have to admit: this is the first I heard of the choking episode, but it’s not a surprise. Ralph is the kind of guy who looks out for his fellow man. That’s the kind of person we need more of in our society, both in and out of office. Obviously, I’d prefer him to be in office, and him aslieutenant governor would be even better