#carmarthen — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #carmarthen, aggregated by home.social.
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CARMARTHEN: ‘I woke up seven days later and was told what had happened’ — the job centre staff who saved a man’s life with a defibrillator they’d never used before
Stephen Booth walked into Carmarthen Job Centre Plus in March last year.
He never expected to leave in an ambulance.
As he stepped out of the lift, security officer Chris Manfield noticed something was wrong.
Seconds later, Stephen collapsed.
He had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest – one of the most serious medical emergencies a person can face. Without immediate intervention, he would not survive.
Manfield had recently completed basic life support training and didn’t hesitate. He called 999, began CPR and shouted to colleague Endaf Davies to fetch the defibrillator from the entrance.
“I instinctively knew he was in cardiac arrest,” Manfield said. “So I called 999, followed the call handler’s instructions and began CPR.”
For Davies, a Job Centre service manager, this was his first cardiac arrest emergency – and he had never received CPR or defibrillator training in his life.
He grabbed the defibrillator, opened the lid and simply followed the voice instructions.
“I’m still amazed today, just as I was then, at how easy it was to use,” Davies said.
Together, the two men performed CPR for more than five minutes and delivered two defibrillator shocks until Welsh Ambulance Service Senior Paramedic Stephen Bowles arrived and took over.
Stephen was blue-lighted to Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where he spent the next two weeks. He woke up seven days after the cardiac arrest with no memory of what had happened.
More stories like this
She thought her husband was snoring. He was having a cardiac arrest in his sleep.
One of our most-read survival stories.Ystalyfera cardiac arrest survivor reunited with lifesaving neighbours
Another remarkable bystander rescue – and reunion.“I don’t remember anything about that day,” Stephen said. “I woke up in Morriston Hospital seven days later and was told what had happened.”
He had one stent fitted and underwent numerous tests before being discharged.
Save a Life Cymru recently reunited Stephen with the people who helped save him – including Manfield, Davies and paramedic Bowles – where he presented them with Bystander Commendation Certificates.
“I was later told I’d received excellent CPR, which was vital to my recovery,” Stephen said. “I would encourage everyone to learn these lifesaving skills.”
Bowles said meeting cardiac arrest survivors was always special for ambulance crews, who rarely get the chance to see the outcome of their work. “I think he was glad too, as I could explain from a medical perspective what had happened to him that day,” he said.
Julie Starling, Clinical Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Programme Manager for Wales, said bystander intervention was the only way to increase survival rates. “We want to build a nation where people feel confident to call 999, start CPR and use a defibrillator when someone collapses,” she said.
A cardiac arrest happens without warning. The person collapses, becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally. If you see this happen: call 999, start CPR and use a defibrillator if one is available – they are designed to be used by anyone, with no training required.
Anyone who has been affected by a cardiac arrest and needs support can visit resus.org.uk/public-resource/support-after-cardiac-arrest.
More survival stories from Swansea Bay News
Port Talbot cardiac arrest survivor reunited with amazing lifesavers
Another incredible reunion story from closer to home.Teen who aided two medical emergencies in one day commended by ambulance chief
A remarkable young bystander recognised for extraordinary calm under pressure.Pembrokeshire dad of three thanks emergency services that helped save his life
Another survivor’s story of gratitude and recovery.Man who survived being hit by a van thanks ambulance crew who saved his life
A different kind of emergency – the same life-changing gratitude.All our Welsh Ambulance Service coverage
#cardiacArrest #Carmarthen #CPR #defibrillators #SaveALifeCymru #WelshAmbulanceServiceTrust
Our full archive of stories about the crews who respond across south-west Wales. -
EASTER OPENING: Final stretch of Tywi Valley Path set to welcome walkers and cyclists
Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed the final stretch of the Tywi Valley Path — linking Carmarthen to Llandeilo — will be ready for the public within weeks.
The last section of the 13-mile route, between Abergwili and Ffairfach, marks the completion of the flagship project.
Landmark bridges complete final phase
The final phase includes two major new bridges crossing the River Tywi and River Cothi — described as a key milestone in delivering the scheme.
Once open, the route will provide a continuous, traffic-free path for walkers, cyclists and families travelling through the Tywi Valley.
Scenic route through historic heart of Wales
The path runs through some of Carmarthenshire’s most picturesque countryside, offering views of landmarks including Paxton’s Tower, Dryslwyn Castle and Dinefwr Castle.
Visitors will also be able to explore nearby attractions such as National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney Gardens, along with independent food stops and cafés along the route.
Boost for tourism and local economy
Council leaders say the completed path will help bring more visitors to the area while supporting local businesses.
Cllr Hazel Evans said the scheme was a “once in a generation project” that connects communities while showcasing the valley’s natural beauty and heritage.
Cllr Edward Thomas added that completing the bridges provides “a stunning new way to experience the county” while supporting active travel and tourism.
Years in the making
The full opening follows years of development, including major funding backing and the phased rollout of different sections of the route.
When complete, the Tywi Valley Path will stretch from Carmarthen to Llandeilo, offering a safe and accessible route for residents and visitors alike.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Consultant appointed to progress Llandeilo bypass
A major step forward for the long‑awaited route around the town.Four‑mile section of Carmarthen–Llandeilo cycle path opens
A key stretch of the Tywi Valley route is now ready for riders.Tywi Valley communities asked for views on new woodland
Residents invited to help shape a major commemorative planting project.Tywi Valley Path gets £16.7m Levelling Up boost
#ActiveTravel #Carmarthen #Carmarthenshire #cyclePath #cycling #Easter #Infrastructure #Llandeilo #tourism #TywiValley #TywiValleyPath #WalesNews #walking
A huge funding injection accelerates plans for the scenic route. -
I’m planning to cycle the Twyi Valley trail this weekend but I’m not 100% sure it’s been finiahed yet. Does anyone know/Dych chi’n gwybod? #TywiValleyPath #Cymru #Wales #Cycling #Beicio #TywiValley #Carmarthenshire #Carmarthen
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I’m planning to cycle the Twyi Valley trail this weekend but I’m not 100% sure it’s been finiahed yet. Does anyone know/Dych chi’n gwybod? #TywiValleyPath #Cymru #Wales #Cycling #Beicio #TywiValley #Carmarthenshire #Carmarthen
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I’m planning to cycle the Twyi Valley trail this weekend but I’m not 100% sure it’s been finiahed yet. Does anyone know/Dych chi’n gwybod? #TywiValleyPath #Cymru #Wales #Cycling #Beicio #TywiValley #Carmarthenshire #Carmarthen
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I’m planning to cycle the Twyi Valley trail this weekend but I’m not 100% sure it’s been finiahed yet. Does anyone know/Dych chi’n gwybod? #TywiValleyPath #Cymru #Wales #Cycling #Beicio #TywiValley #Carmarthenshire #Carmarthen
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I’m planning to cycle the Twyi Valley trail this weekend but I’m not 100% sure it’s been finiahed yet. Does anyone know/Dych chi’n gwybod? #TywiValleyPath #Cymru #Wales #Cycling #Beicio #TywiValley #Carmarthenshire #Carmarthen