When little Daniel began choking on his medicine, his mom rushed to their local fire station in Brackenfell, where Firefighter Arlin Thielman turned their desperation into immediate relief.
Brackenfell, South Africa (30 November 2025) – On the Friday evening of 14 November, moments after Miriam Pharoe gave her son some medicine to relieve a fever, little Daniel unexpectedly choked, sending the family into panic. Their first instinct was to rush to the hospital, but they ended up at the nearby local fire station instead.
Upon their arrival, Firefighter Arlin Thielman quickly stepped in to assist. In a moment of crisis, he acted with calmness and expertise, managing to stabilise baby Daniel and ultimately save his life. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis praised Thielman for his remarkable composure during the family’s hour of need.
Thanks to the firefighter’s swift actions, by the time the family reached the hospital, Daniel was stable, having shifted from a critical yellow status to a much safer green.
Miriam expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dependable firefighter, whose timely intervention transformed their terrifying situation into one of hope and relief.
“Thank you … that 5 – 10 minutes of help, tapping him, showing us which position to keep him, reassuring us, calling for a rescue vehicle, the calls to CapeGate Mediclinic and the check-ins on our way and while we were at the hospital, we appreciate it,” the grateful mother told the Cape Arugus.
Hill-Lewis also extended his gratitude to the Brackenfell hero:
“Mnr Thielman is ’n ware Kaapstad-held! Ons stad is trots op hom,” said Hill-Lewis.
South Africans have responded to the heroic act shared online with heartfelt words and praise for Thielman, who went beyond his basic job description and the extra mile to save a little boy.
“Aaaaw, little Daniel is a cutie. God is Great, thanks to his hero Arlin Thielman,” Reign Reign commented.
“Mr Thielman, you are a real hero. Always nice to hear about wonderful people like you,” Erika Maria Bandat wrote.
“So good to hear. Well done to the officer,” Margy Matthews shared.
For Arlin, this may have been just another day of service, but it brings immense pride and joy to witness the incredible lengths our local heroes go to help those in need, reminding us that the greatest assistance often comes from those who have the most willing hearts.
Sources: Various (Linked Above)
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