Paramedic, aged 51, dies after testing positive for Covid-19

The Welsh Ambulance Service has paid tribute to "one of its own" after a paramedic became the first in Wales to die after testing positive for Covid-19.

Gerallt Davies MBE, aged 51, was based at Cwmbwrla Station in Swansea and had been a paramedic since 1994.

Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, Jason Killens, described Mr Davies' death as "a devastating blow for us all."

In a statement, Mr Killens said: “Today, Monday 20 April 2020, the Welsh Ambulance Service lost its first colleague to Covid-19.

"Gerallt Davies MBE (pictured) was a paramedic at Cwmbwrla Station in Swansea and his passing is a devastating blow for us all.

"Gerallt, who joined the service in 1994, was not just a valued member of our team but of St John Cymru Wales, where he was National Operations Officer, a role for which he was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his services to first aid provision in Wales.

"Gerallt’s loss will be sorely felt by everyone here at Team WAST, and we extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to his family.

"Our focus now is on supporting Gerallt’s family and bereaved colleagues at this very difficult time.”

Mr Davies was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his role as National Operations Officer at St John Cymru Wales.