Mayobridge businessman laid to rest as calls for choking emergency awareness grow
Brian McPolin, 67, died in hospital days after the choking incident at The Posh Pig Bar and Bistro in Warrenpoint, prompting calls for greater awareness of choking emergencies and measures restaurants can take to respond.
THE death of father-of-three Brian McPolin has prompted calls on social media for greater awareness of choking emergencies and the measures restaurants can take to respond.
Family and friends gathered in Mayobridge on Sunday to pay their final respects to businessman Brian McPolin, who died in hospital days after a choking incident at a Warrenpoint restaurant.
Mr McPolin, 67, died on Wednesday, October 14, surrounded by his family, following the incident at The Posh Pig Bar and Bistro on Marine Parade on Sunday, October 11.
His funeral Mass was celebrated at St Patrick’s Church, Mayobridge, on Sunday, October 18, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Mr McPolin was the owner of BMP Furniture, a business based in his home village. His death notice described him as a beloved husband, loving father of three and cherished grandfather of eight.
The notice said he had passed away peacefully in hospital, surrounded by his family, and was “deeply regretted and sadly missed” by his family, extended family circle and friends.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it received a 999 call at 9.59pm on October 11, reporting an incident in the Marine Parade area of Warrenpoint.
Three emergency ambulances were dispatched. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital.
The Posh Pig Bar and Bistro expressed its sadness following the incident and offered its sympathies to Mr McPolin’s family and loved ones.
“Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” the restaurant said in its initial statement.
The business later reiterated its condolences and thanked staff, customers and the wider community for their kindness and understanding.
In the days following the incident, social media comments have raised questions about choking emergency preparedness in restaurants.
Several people called for eateries to have access to devices such as LifeVac, which is marketed as an airway-clearance device for choking emergencies.
Others suggested that restaurant staff should receive training in how to respond to choking incidents.
One commenter called for such equipment to be available in restaurant dining areas, while another suggested that at least one member of staff should attend a choking-response training course.
The comments reflect concern about how choking emergencies are handled, but do not establish what equipment or training was available at The Posh Pig when the incident occurred.
Nor do they establish whether any particular device or measure could have changed the outcome for Mr McPolin.
The discussion has highlighted calls from members of the public for greater awareness of choking emergencies and the importance of knowing how to respond.
Mr McPolin’s death has brought sadness to his family, friends and the wider Mayobridge community.