A 49-year-old father died after experiencing severe chest pains following a shopping trip, raising concerns about ambulance response times

Ystrad Mynach: A fit and healthy 49-year-old dad, Paul Furness, tragically died after a shopping trip. He returned home feeling short of breath and had chest pains. His family believes that if an ambulance had arrived sooner, he might still be with them.
On June 6 last year, Paul was off work when he went to the shops. After getting home, he quickly felt unwell. His daughter recognized the signs of a heart attack and called for help. His mom, Elaine, rushed over from Cardiff, realizing the situation was serious.
Elaine called the ambulance again, but they told her it was marked as “Amber one,” meaning it was serious but not the highest priority. She felt helpless as time passed and Paul’s condition worsened. When she called back, she was told it could take up to three hours for help to arrive.
Desperate, Elaine decided to take Paul to the nearest hospital herself. They went to Ystrad Mynach minor injuries unit, which didn’t have a cardiac unit, but it was better than waiting. The nurses there were quick to help, but Paul was already in serious trouble.
After tests, they confirmed he was having a heart attack and needed to be transferred to a cardiac specialist. Sadly, while Elaine stepped outside to make a call, Paul went into cardiac arrest and passed away shortly after midnight.
Elaine was shocked that no ambulance arrived despite the urgency. She later learned that Paul had suffered a heart attack due to an aneurysm and aortic rupture. The ambulance service acknowledged the call but said they had to prioritize based on his condition.
Elaine expressed her frustration, feeling that if help had come sooner, Paul might still be alive. She wants to raise awareness about the challenges people face when calling for an ambulance, even in serious situations.
In a heartfelt tribute, Elaine described Paul as a healthy, hardworking man who was a beloved son, father, and partner. The family is devastated by their loss. The Welsh Ambulance Service has apologized and is working to improve response times amid ongoing pressures in the NHS.