When Steve Parsons's grandfather collapsed at his Monmouthshire home, his family immediately dialled 999.
However when they were told there were no ambulances available, they had to take measures into their own hands.
In desperation, Mr Parsons drove and then carried the 83-year-old, who had suffered a cardiac arrest, into the Grange Hospital near Cwmbran, Torfaen.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) and Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) admitted the incident did not match the service they wished to offer - but said it was indicative of the "unprecedented" pressures both organisations were under.
Mr Parsons said: "It was horrible. They're on the phone, you're there and he's grey in the face and looks horrendous. You just panic."
By the time Mr Parsons drove to the hospital, his grandfather had gone into cardiac arrest. He then carried his relative on his shoulder across the car park "yelling for help".
A passing nurse heard his calls and was able to help save the 83-year-old's life using CPR.
His grandfather is now recovering at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, but Mr Parsons said his family has been traumatised.
"It makes me feel angry," said the 31-year-old.
"If my grandfather had that ambulance, had that oxygen, I fully believe he wouldn't have gone into cardiac arrest and my family wouldn't have gone through what they've gone through these past seven days."
Source: BBC News, 4 January 2023
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment