Frontline emergency workers including paramedics, nurses and police officers stopped to applaud last night in a moving tribute to their colleague who died days earlier.
Gerallt Davies, MBE, was the first paramedic in Wales to die with Covid-19 on Monday, April 20, and emergency crews paused in his memory during the weekly Clap for Carers at 8pm on Thursday.
A paramedic at Cwmbwrla Station in Swansea, Gerallt was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his work with St John Ambulance Cymru, where he was a national operations officer.
Gerallt's death was described as a "devastating blow" by Jason Killen, chief executive at the Welsh Ambulance Service, where he had worked as a paramedic since 1994.
Outside hospitals, police and ambulance stations across Wales sirens sounded in memory of Gerallt as emergency workers clapped and cheered.
St John Ambulance Cymru crews in Cardiff were "clapping extra hard" last night to remember their colleague.
At Singleton and Morriston Hospital in Swansea nurses, doctors, police officers, ambulance crews and paramedics gathered for a poignant tribute to their "much-loved" colleague.
Two nurses standing in front of an ambulance at Morriston's A&E department held a banner that said "in memory of our friend and colleague Gerallt Davies MBE".
In Newtown, Powys, representatives of the fire service, police and ambulance parked their vehicles with the flashing emergency lights on and clapped for call sign 6332.
Gerallt's paramedic pin, 6332, was laid out in front of them with a St John Ambulance Cymru and Welsh Ambulance service high-vis jacket and helmet alongside.
A final message to Gerallt was broadcast from the Welsh Ambulance Service control room at 8pm last night.
The radio message said: "Central and West control to paramedic Mr Gerallt Davies. We are incredibly grateful for your service, your professionalism, laughter and friendship over the years.
"For the final time, RTB (return to base) and stand down - 6332 your shift is complete, many thanks." The message was followed by a round of applause from staff in the control room.
At the Liberty Stadium in Swansea a tribute to Gerallt was displayed on a screen outside the ground where he had co-ordinated matchday paramedic teams.
Gerallt, from Pontarddulais, was also as a member of the stadium's safety advisory group and his loss was described as a "devastating blow to both the Ospreys, Swansea City, the medical services his family and friends."
Andrew Davies, Head of Operations and Facilities at the Liberty Stadium, added: “We are all deeply saddened to hear of Gerallt’s passing.
"In everything he did with and for us, he brought the highest possible level of professionalism, dedication and care all achieved in a modest, unassuming manner and with his unique sense of humour. He worked extremely closely with our medical and safety teams and was greatly respected by us all.”
The number of people in Wales who have died after contracting coronavirus in Wales hit 641, after 17 new deaths were recorded on Thursday.
