Rep. Raul Ruiz Helps Save Passenger During Medical Emergency on Flight

A California politician is being called a hero after he helped a fellow passenger who collapsed on a flight.

Democratic Rep. Raul Ruiz stepped in help the troubled passenger during a medical emergency on an American Airlines flight from Washington to Fort Worth, Texas, POLITICO reports.

"The passenger collapsed and Dr. Ruiz stepped in," Ruiz's spokesman, Michael Ford told POLITICO.

The California congressman also happens to be an emergency room physician. He was heading to Palm Springs, Calif., when a fellow passenger collapsed on his connecting flight. The flight had to make an emergency landing in Raleigh, N.C., due to the incident.

Ruiz and another doctor on board helped stabilize the passenger. It is not clear exactly what they did.

"They did receive medical attention from the congressman," Ford confirmed to POLITICO. Ford wasn't sure if the passenger was taken to a medical facility after the plane landed. Ruiz continue on his trip to Palm Springs following the incident.

Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Tex., also happened to be on the flight and witnessed the incident. He took to Twitter to explain the situation. "Medical emergency on flight from DC to TX. Passenger collapses. @CongressmanRuiz, an MD, on board. Passenger stabilized. Landing in Raleigh," Gallego wrote. "Hope
@CongressmanRuiz is on all my flights home! An emergency room dr by training, was impressive to see him in action. He saves lives!"

Ruiz joined the U.S. House of Representatives in November when he received the winning vote over Mary Bono Mack in the 36th District.