Hawaii Gov. Josh Green jumped down from the stage during a Memorial Day service to render aid when a 46-year-old woman experienced respiratory distress and began to lose consciousness, according to the governor’s office and the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.

The woman was attending the Memorial Day service on Monday at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe -- and sitting behind first lady Jamie Green -- when she began to show signs of distress. The first lady waved to the governor, who was on stage. 

“The woman was not breathing properly and began to have what appeared to be a hypoxic seizure,” Green said in a statement. “Honolulu Police Department Chief Joe Logan called 911, and I gently opened her airway. She immediately began to breathe on her own and regain consciousness. She was doing well within about three minutes.” 

A Honolulu Emergency Medical Services spokesperson said the woman was evaluated at the scene, but she declined to be taken to an emergency room.

“The family was a little shaken up,” the governor said.

Green was an emergency room doctor on Hawaii Island before entering politics. On May 18, he also assisted in a medical emergency. The governor and his security detail were driving to an opening ceremony for a renewable energy project in Waikoloa on Hawaii Island when they saw a vehicle crash and flip over. The governor and several other bystanders pulled over and assisted the male occupant as emergency services made their way to the site. 

“I urge everyone to learn basic life support and to get certified in CPR. Rapid response makes all the difference,” the governor said.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.