Em Rusciano praised for stepping in to assist a fan who collapsed and 'momentarily stopped breathing' at her stand-up comedy show
Comedian Em Rusciano has won tributes from fans after she stepped in to help a distressed woman during her Outgrown stand up show in Thirroul, NSW on Friday.
Eyewitnesses have reported that the 45-year-old podcaster stopped her performance after an audience member experienced a medical episode.
Em was then seen to race down the aisle of the auditorium of the south coast theatre to comfort the stricken fan and calm onlookers.
Taking to social media, one eyewitness said that Em 'stage managed' the medical response before resuming the show.
Em later shared a thank you from the woman's daughter who advised that her mother was recovering.
'Thank you to so many lovely people helping my mum, I'm so grateful she was in such good hands.
Comedian Em Rusciano (pictured) has won tributes from fans after she stepped in to help a distressed woman during her Outgrown stand up show on Friday in Thirroul, NSW
'Thanks for your care and concern Em and for everyone's patience while mum was being taken care of,' she said.
Em shared other tributes to her efforts to her Instagram on Friday, including one featuring a picture of the comedian on stage with the caption: 'Em Rusciano you are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
'What a night!' shared another fan who attended Em's gig in Thirroul.
Eyewitnesses have reported that the 45-year-old podcaster stopped her performance after an audience member experienced a medical episode. Pictured: A fan shared this tribute to Em
'Thank you you for so many laughs. After a terrible moment during the show (glad the lady is ok) we all had a moment to allow us all to breathe (and tear up). Em you were amazing to be able to continue tonight!'
'In awe of this Queen,' another eyewitness to the drama posted and included a picture of Em back stage after the show.
After describing how Em stopped the show and 'stage managed' the medical response the fan added she also kept the audience calm.
Em was then seen to race down the aisle of the auditorium to comfort the stricken fan and calm onlookers. Pictured: A fan posted this tribute to Em after the show
She continued: 'When the situation was handled, [Em] led the crowd through some deep breaths and brought them back to laughter. She did not miss a beat for the rest of the show while the rest of us shook with adrenaline. She was laser-focused, duck-paddling, awe-striking perfection.
'Bow down. This the queen of the stage.'
Em later shared her own thoughts about the episode to her Instagram, and thanked the audience and first responders for getting her distressed fan into the right care safely.
Em later shared a thank you from the woman's daughter who advised that her mother was recovering. (Pictured)
'Thirroul… What can I say?' she bagan.
'Thank you for coming with me, that was certainly a show I won't forget.
'During the show a lady passed out and momentarily stopped breathing. My audience are mainly mothers, gay men, lesbians, nurses, cabin crew, paramedics, doctors (sometimes all of those things at once) - you know the best kind of people.
Another fan described the drama in a post thanking Em for her efforts
'Everyone sprung to action and remained calm. We've heard the lady is ok, her husband (a doctor) came and got her and she's in fine spirits, which is all that matters. Thank you for holding me as I paced around like an unhinged panther,' she added.
'Again - BEST AUDIENCE EVER. See you tomorrow night Sydney.'
Em continues her Outgrown tour at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on Saturday evening.
