‘It was clear she was dead’: Doctors bring Olympic equestrian back to life
Two doctors who provided CPR to former Olympic equestrian Vicki Roycroft when her aorta ruptured while show jumping at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, say “it was a privilege” to be able to help.
Obstetrician — and part-time veterinarian — Dr Mark Schembri, and orthopaedic surgeon Dr Stephen Ruff were attending the show in April, when Ms Roycroft slid from her horse unconscious, in the arena.
Dr Schembri was having lunch at a restaurant, but after receiving a mobile phone call about the incident, dashed to the arena, apparently scaling a 2m-high fence on the way.
“As we were going over there we thought that she had a spinal injury, but when we got there, it was clear she was dead,” Dr Ruff told Nine News this week.