Pensioner, 84, forced to lie on the pavement for FIVE HOURS waiting for ambulance after falling in street

AN 84-year-old pensioner was forced to lie on the pavement for five hours waiting for an ambulance after a fall while cutting the hedge. Donavon Marsh slipped in Waunarlwydd, in Swansea, around 4pm on Tuesday afternoon. His son, Dave Marsh, 58, was alerted to the incident after his dad was found by local pub-goers, who called […]

AN 84-year-old pensioner was forced to lie on the pavement for five hours waiting for an ambulance after a fall while cutting the hedge.

Donavon Marsh slipped in Waunarlwydd, in Swansea, around 4pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Media Wales

Pensioner Donavon Marsh was left waiting five hours for an ambulance after a fall on Tuesday afternoon [/caption]

His son, Dave Marsh, 58, was alerted to the incident after his dad was found by local pub-goers, who called an ambulance.

He said he contacted the emergency services four times in five hours when no one arrived.

Dave told the Western Mail: “We were told not to move him and to not give him food or water and were told to tell them if he deteriorated.

“We rang four times in the five hours, he was in an uncomfortable position on his side and was getting cold as time went on.

“I was worried because at his age a fall could turn into something more serious and he’s the type of person who would usually get up after a fall.

“Luckily, on Tuesday it was fairly mild and dry.

“But even though it was mild, he was getting colder and colder and ended up with four blankets on him by the end.”

Daily Post Wales

Concerned residents put four blankets over Donavon as they waited for the ambulance to arrive [/caption]

Dave said the paramedics were “very professional” when they finally reached his dad.

He said: “When you call up you are asked questions and they obviously have to prioritise serious cases.

“They took him to Morriston Hospital to the old persons’ assessment suite and kept him there overnight.

“They rang me yesterday and moved him to the main hospital since he has a urinary tract infection, so he’ll probably be in there for a couple of days and he’s on antibiotics.

“I can see why it takes a long time – when they came, they had to do an assessment and paperwork before leaving for hospital.

“And at the end of the day, it’s about resources and the size of our population – the NHS can’t cope.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service said demand on its services has risen to pre-coronavirus levels, and it had its busiest day of the year last month.

Lee Brooks, the trust’s director of operations, said: “Contrary to popular belief, demand on our ambulance service actually fell during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s fair to say that normal business has resumed with regards to demand.

“Through all of this, our crews show up and deliver the best possible care for those who need us, often in full PPE.”