Alfie Boe fan’s life saved by ex-paramedic in ‘miracle’ after Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod concert
Organisers of an international festival are searching for a former paramedic who came to the aid of an Alfie Boe concert-goer when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
The victim collapsed in the car park following Llangollen International Musical Festival’s opening concert on Tuesday night.
The opening concert of one of Wales‘s most renowned annual events, starred Alfie Boe and former Britain’s Got Talent contestants, Welsh of the West End.
Llangollen Eisteddfod organisers are keen to identify the “quick-thinking” ex-paramedic who ran to the nearby rugby club to fetch a defibrillator and perform CPR.
The man’s family are also keen to thank the man for what he did “which probably meant the difference between life and death”, organisers said.
The Eisteddfod have offered free concert tickets to the rest of the festival as a reward for the man’s rapid response.
Alfie Boe performing at Westminster Abbey in London. Pic date: 15 December, 2022.
The incident happened shortly after 11pm and the former paramedic’s presence at the scene has been described as a “miracle” by the Eisteddfod’s executive producer.
Camilla King said St John’s Ambulance staff who were on site quickly followed up the man’s actions with further support at the scene.
After his cardiac arrest, the man was taken by ambulance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital where his condition was said to be stable.
“A couple who had attended the concert were in the car park when the man collapsed and by an absolute miracle there was a couple nearby and the man is a former paramedic,” said Ms King.
“There were so many people leaving the Alfie Boe concert that we were worried the ambulance might get held up but it also arrived quickly and so it was an excellent response by everyone.
“By the time the ambulance was taking him to the Maelor Hospital he was able to speak to his wife. It was a fantastic response all round and we’re very grateful to everyone concerned.
“I spoke to the man’s wife and it was good to hear that his condition was stable and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
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St John’s Ambulance said they wished the patient “all the best in their recovery”.
“We are proud of the volunteers who responded quickly and delivered a high standard of care synonymous with St John Ambulance Cymru,” said head of community operations, Darren Murray.
Mr Boe thanked those who came to the concert and told fans he “loved being back in this beautiful part of Wales”.
Assisted dying could become legal in England and Wales after the bill was backed by MPs in a historic vote.
Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill received 330 yes votes compared to 275 noes at its second reading in the House of Commons – a majority of 55.
Politics Live: MPs voting on historic assisted dying legislation
The bill would allow adults who are terminally ill with just six months left to live to request medical assistance to end their lives.
Today’s result means the legislation will now progress to the committee stage for scrutiny, with the Lords also to be given opportunities to express their views on the measure before it potentially becomes law.
MPs were given a free vote – meaning they could side with their conscience and not along party lines, with the government staying neutral on the matter.
The division list showed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the proposal, as did Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
But other cabinet members like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood voted against the bill, having previously warned about vulnerable people being coerced and of a “slippery slope of death on demand”.
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MPs debate assisted dying
The vote came after a five-hour debate in the chamber, which drew emotional arguments on both sides.
Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell revealed he changed his mind on assisted dying after finding himself with “tears pouring down my face” on hearing the stories of constituents whose loved ones had died “in great pain and great indignity”.
On the other side of the argument, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott said assisted dying could result in sick people “feeling like a burden” on society, adding: ” I can imagine myself saying that in particular circumstances.”
She warned: “If this bill passes, we will have the NHS as a fully-funded 100% suicide service but palliative care will only be funded at 30% at best.”
Bill about ‘choice and dignity’
Opening the debate on the topic, Labour backbencher Ms Leadbeater said the bill was about giving dying people “choice, autonomy, and dignity” – saying the current law was “failing” them.
Kim Leadbeater: PA
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She has insisted her bill contains “the most robust safeguards” of any assisted dying legislation in the word.
This includes two independent doctors having to approve the decision, followed by a high-court judge, with the person having to administer the drugs themselves.
The legislation also includes a maximum 14-year prison sentence for anyone who coerces someone into requesting assisted dying or taking the medicine.
Speaking to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby after the vote, an emotional Ms Leadbeater said she was “incredibly proud” of the result and parliament must now “take on board everything that’s been discussed in the chamber”, including the state of palliative care and the rights of disabled people.
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