Doctor in the House Ewart Brown had to take time out during the Throne Speech yesterday after two people collapsed at the Cabinet Building.

Warwick West MP and medic Dr. Brown tended to two people overcome in a packed Senate Chamber -- one of them Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Fuhrtz.

First to fall was Jay Butler, son of teacher and would-be MP Dale Butler, who recovered after getting some fresh air.

Mr. Fuhrtz, however, was taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital as a precaution.

Dr. Brown said: "He lost consciousness briefly, so it was best he went to the hospital for a check-up.'' A spokeswoman for the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital said yesterday afternoon that Mr. Fuhrtz had been treated in the emergency room, but was not expected to be detained.

Dr. Brown admitted: "I didn't expect to be called upon while I was doing my second job.'' But he said he was used to having his professional expertise called on outside surgery hours.

He added that he has delivered emergency treatment in airports and aeroplanes -- but said the medical profession had its upside.

Dr. Brown explained he had recently been given a seat boost by a grateful airline after stepping in during a mid-air crisis.

Dr. Brown said: "I assisted with a baby who was having seizures on a flight to California and they gave me a free upgrade ticket.''