News

Off-duty paramedic in right place at right time

Published

5 years ago

August 5, 2021

AN OFF-duty paramedic who came to the aid of a patient in cardiac arrest has been awarded a commendation.

Andrew Oakman, of Llandissilio, Pembrokeshire, had parked his car at Haverfordwest ambulance station in May as he visited a nearby gym when he was approached by a concerned lady looking for a defibrillator.

The 37-year-old dad-of-three said: “The gyms had only just reopened after lockdown and as the changing rooms were closed I thought I’d park at the station and get changed there as I was doing the school run later that day.

“It was about 1.15pm and I was just lowering the garage door on the station preparing to leave when a young lady ran up to me asking if there was a defibrillator inside as somebody had collapsed at a nearby house.

“I explained I was an off-duty paramedic and put my foot under the door to stop it closing fully and as quickly as I could went inside to get the equipment I may have needed.”

Andrew retrieved a defibrillator, a kit bag and personal protective equipment from one of the Trust’s rapid response cars which was not operational at that time and followed the lady back up the street to the house in question.

He continued: “I went into the house and there was a patient on the floor.

“Thankfully, one of their neighbours who was an off-duty police officer had started cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

“I asked the officer if he was happy to continue with the CPR and he agreed he was.

“I put the pads of the defibrillator on the patient’s chest and it confirmed they were in arrest.

“I shocked them once and got them back for a little while but they slipped back into arrest so I shocked them for a second time and they returned to breathing on their own.

“It was about this time the ambulance crew arrived and took over the scene.”

Andrew provided a handover brief to the incoming crew and took time to call ahead to Swansea’s Morriston Hospital and even returned to speak to the family to explain what had happened.

“In the midst of what just happened, the family were clearly still in shock so I went back to speak with them and put them at ease,” said Andrew.

“When we’re in situations like that we’re so patient-focussed that everything around you can seem to disappear.

“It was then that it dawned on me that I had to do the school run and my poor son was waiting for me.

“I phoned him and explained daddy had to do something urgently – he’s a good kid and he was okay.

“When I got home and began to settle I felt ‘did that just happen?’

“I couldn’t believe the sequence of events that had unfolded.”

The patient was treated at Morriston Hospital where they remained for two weeks before they sadly passed away.

Andrew continued: “From what I understand, although they knew the patient was critically ill, the family are very grateful to have been able to say their goodbyes in a calm, controlled and dignified way.”

Presenting the commendation to Andrew on Tuesday in Pembroke Dock was Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Jason said: “Andrew was presented with a pressurised situation that would have come as a big shock as he relaxed whilst off-duty.

“Using his training and thinking quickly he was able to source life-saving equipment and along with the off-duty police officer resuscitate the patient and give the family precious extra time with their loved one.

“Andrew’s actions personify the values of care and compassion we instil in our staff and we are very proud of him.”

On receiving the commendation, Andrew said: “It was the last thing I expected. I was just there, I helped out and you know, just carried on. It feels like a privilege really.”

News

Heatwave disruption: Train cancellation warning for Pembrokeshire travellers

Published

41 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Rail operators urge passengers to check before travelling as extreme heat threatens delays and cancellations across Wales

RAIL passengers from Pembrokeshire are being warned to expect disruption this week as soaring temperatures place pressure on Wales’ railway network.

Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway and Network Rail have all issued warnings as an extreme heat alert remains in force across much of Wales, with temperatures forecast to reach the high 30s in some areas.

While no services in Pembrokeshire have been cancelled, passengers travelling to Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol and London are being advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.

Transport for Wales has already suspended services on two routes in south Wales due to the forecast conditions, while further disruption is expected elsewhere on the network.

Rail operators say extreme temperatures can cause overhead power lines to sag, increase the risk of trackside fires and, in severe cases, lead to rails buckling. Temporary speed restrictions may also be introduced, resulting in delays and cancellations.

Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first.

“We’re asking passengers to check before travelling and only travel if absolutely essential during the peak of this weather event.”

Great Western Railway has also advised customers to travel only if necessary on Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday (June 25).

The operator said reduced timetables may be introduced during the hottest parts of the day, with fewer trains running and journey times taking longer than normal.

To help passengers affected by disruption, ticket restrictions have been relaxed, allowing some tickets to be used on alternative travel dates.

Passengers are being urged to carry water, plan ahead and check the latest service information before setting off.

Education

Pembs parents watch closely as Carmarthenshire schools shut in extreme heat

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE parents are being urged to check school messages as neighbouring Carmarthenshire prepares to close all secondary schools on Wednesday and Thursday because of extreme heat.

The move in Carmarthenshire has raised questions across west Wales about whether schools in Pembrokeshire could also be affected as temperatures continue to rise.

All secondary schools in Carmarthenshire are set to close for two days, with some primary schools also deciding to shut. There has been no blanket closure decision for primary schools in that county.

In Pembrokeshire, no county-wide secondary school closure announcement has been made at this stage.

Parents should check directly with their child’s school for the latest information, including texts, emails, school apps, websites and social media pages.

The situation may vary from school to school, depending on building conditions, ventilation, classroom temperatures and local circumstances.

The closures in Carmarthenshire come as Wales faces exceptional weather conditions, with concerns about pupil and staff welfare during the heatwave.

Many school buildings, particularly older sites, can become extremely hot during prolonged periods of high temperature.

A Wales-wide picture is now emerging, with schools in several counties considering closures, early finishes or remote learning.

For Pembrokeshire families, the key message is not to assume schools are closed unless official confirmation has been received.

The Herald will continue to monitor updates from Pembrokeshire schools and the county council.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

6 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”