News
Welsh Ambulance Service go live as a co-responding station


Milford Haven: Part of the co-responding station team
MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE, in collaboration with the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAST) are pleased to start the new year by announcing that Milford Haven Fire Station is the first Station of 2016 to become a co-responder in the Service area.
For many years Mid and West Wales Fire Authority and WAST have been involved in a co – responding joint scheme that aims to provide the earliest possible response to life-threatening medical emergencies.
Milford Haven is the 15th station to take up co-responding duties, the first having been introduced in 1998. Since that time, Fire Service co-responding crews have attended 14, 610 medical related calls. Milford Haven is the first to go live in 2016, with Llanelli, Port Talbot and Builth Wells to follow suit.
Milford Haven have not had long to wait for their first co-responder incident. Yesterday (Thurs) at 1.16pm the crew were called to attend a female in need of medical attention and were on the scene within minutes, closely followed by an ambulance.
Steve Roberts, First Responder Officer at WAST said: “This is exactly what the scheme is designed to achieve and shows how effectively the Fire Service and WAST can work together for our communities”.
Milford Haven Crew Manager, Alun Griffiths said: “As a station we are very excited to be part of this exciting initiative. We have only been doing it for one day and can already see how beneficial the initiative is to our community”.
The Welsh Government and all public service bodies are committed to improving the quality of services provided to the public of Wales. One of the key enablers of improvement is an enhanced level of partnership in Wales to deliver services which better meet local needs and make a difference to the communities we serve.
Greg Lloyd, Head of Clinical Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Every second counts in an emergency.
“If our fire service colleagues can get to a scene before one of our ambulances they can begin to deliver life-saving treatment – that’s only going to improve that patient’s chance of surviving.
“Co-responders play an important role alongside frontline ambulance staff in making sure patients get appropriate help quickly and efficiently, and they’re very much part of the Welsh Ambulance Service family.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rob Quin said: “We are delighted to be able to offer further support to the Welsh Ambulance Service through the inclusion of these additional locations as co-responder Stations.
“The Geography of Mid and West Wales means that we have many largely isolated towns and communities across the region. This partnership is a vital component to reaching those in isolated communities; during 2013/14 alone MAWWFRS co-responder teams attended 1,875 medical emergencies.
“The fact that MAWWFRS have firefighters located in the heart of these communities means that we are in a perfect position to offer help when it is needed. Our role, in supporting the Welsh Ambulance Service to shorten the time it takes to reach people in need of help can make the difference between life and death for many”.
ACFO Rob Quin continued: “I am also pleased to announce that another initiative is currently under development within the Service to equip front line fire appliances with automatic defibrillators; all donated to MAWWFRS by the charity Cariad.
“The medical response trial will see front line fire appliances at Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Llanelli, Port Talbot and Rhayader equipped with defibrillators.
“For the first time in Wales, the initiative will allow WAST to mobilise MAWWFRS appliances that are equipped with defibrillators to confirmed cardiac arrests. Whilst firefighters will provide an initial response to certain categories of call, Ambulance crews will also be mobilised to these calls taking over from the firefighters when they arrive”.
Charity founder Mr Anthony Hamilton-Shaw said: “Cariad is delighted to be working closely with MAWWFRS, providing the Zoll AED Plus defibrillator and training to front line appliances and personnel. This partnership including the Welsh Ambulance Service will be vital in achieving the aims of the charity to reduce the number of deaths caused by Cardiac Arrest within our communities. Time is critical when responding to a Cardiac Arrest, having defibrillators with trained fire fighters close by can be the difference between life and death within our communities.
“8000 people will suffer a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital environment each year in Wales. Sadly the current survival rate in Wales is just 3%. Working together we can make a difference”.
ACFO Rob Quin concluded: “Primary responsibility for responding to medical emergencies lies with the Ambulance Service, these initiatives will not replace these services but rather enhance them in a practical way by making good use of medically trained and suitably equipped firefighters who are often closer to the scene of an incident than Ambulance crews.”
Entertainment
Let’s ‘raise a little hell this spring’ at The Torch Theatre

STARRING Tony-Nominee Jeremy Jordan and Olivier-Nominee Frances Mayli McCann, this award-winning, cult-favourite production Bonnie and Clyde The Musical (including Best New Musical – What’s On Stage Awards 2023) re-tells the unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Watch the lovers as they go on a crime spree on the Torch Theatre screen this May.
Captured in stunning, world-class quality, the musical follows the most notorious lovers and bank robbers who take the country by storm in a sexy and compelling adventure. Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.
At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie and Clyde went from being two small-town nobodies in west Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes who created a serious headache for the law enforcements. From kidnappings to murders in the 1930’s, the lovers robbed gas stations, restaurants, and smalltown stores in the areas of New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas and it is believed that they murdered at least nine police officers and four civilians before being shot and killed in an ambush near Sailes, Louisiana.
Bonnie and Clyde The Musical can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Thursday 1 May at 7pm. Tickets: £15.00 | £13.00 Cons | £8.50 Under 26. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Community
Give Cardigan Bay marine wildlife the space they deserve

Visitors and residents reminded to stay at least 100 metres away
VISITORS and residents enjoying the stunning coastline of Cardigan Bay are being urged to keep their distance from marine wildlife as the nesting season gets underway.
Under the North and West Wales Marine Code, people are advised to stay at least 100 metres—the length of a football pitch—away from dolphins, seals, seabirds and other wildlife, whether on the water, cliffs or shoreline.
This is a crucial time for nesting seabirds, and disturbances can have fatal consequences. Chicks or eggs may be knocked from the cliffs into the sea if humans or dogs get too close.
Melanie Heath, Marine Protected Area Officer for Cardigan Bay, said: “If you encounter any sick or injured wildlife, such as a stranded seal or dolphin, do not attempt to intervene.
“Do not try to put the animal back in the water yourself. They have stranded for a reason—because they are unwell or injured and need urgent professional medical assessment. Keep your distance and ensure others, including dogs and gulls, are kept away too.”
Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member, added: “It’s important to follow the Marine Code and stay at least 100 metres away. We are proud to work in partnership with many agencies to protect wildlife along our coastline and inland.”
To report a live stranding, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999. For dead strandings, contact the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333. Disturbances can be reported online at: www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk/disturbance/
The North and West Wales Marine Code has been developed by the Wales group of European Marine Site Officers to help protect the region’s unique coastal ecosystems.
Cardigan Bay is cherished both for its rich marine biodiversity and as a popular location for recreational activities on, in, and under the water.
However, past disturbances have included motorboats, kayaks and paddle boarders getting too close to marine mammals, passing through flocks of resting seabirds, and people attempting selfies with seals and pups hauled out on the rocks.

Business
Caban Pendine celebrates launch of new 12-hole crazy golf course

A BRAND-NEW 12-hole crazy golf course has officially opened at Caban Pendine, bringing fun and adventure to the heart of Pendine Sands.
The course was unveiled at a special launch event held at 2:00pm on Friday (April 11), with families, residents, and visitors among the first to enjoy the colourful and creative course. The attraction features imaginative obstacles, bold designs, and plenty of twists and turns—offering a light-hearted challenge for players of all ages.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Pendine Sands, the new course adds to the area’s growing reputation as a leisure and tourism hotspot.
Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, said:
“We are delighted to officially open the Crazy Golf course at Caban in Pendine. It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting into the spirit of friendly competition. This new addition enhances our leisure offering and provides a great activity for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.”
Course now open daily
The Caban Crazy Golf Course is now open every day between 11:00am and 5:00pm, offering an affordable and entertaining experience. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a casual game with friends, or just looking for something different, the course promises plenty of fun and laughter.
Visitor information
Location: Caban Pendine, Pendine Sands
Opening hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm daily
Admission: Adults £5, Children £4, Concessions £4
For more information, visit www.cabanpendine.wales or follow @CabanPendine on social media for updates, events, and special offers.
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