Individuals Recognised for Role in Saving Drowning Woman

Three members of the public and two PCs have been commended for their efforts in preventing a woman from drowning by pulling her out from a car submerged in flood water, performing CPR and saving her life.

Arwel Morgan, Emyr Morgan and Paul Jones provided help at a road traffic collision in January 2018 that undoubtedly saved a woman’s life.

Her car had veered off the road and overturned. It was completed submerged in flood water with only its wheels visible.

David William Morgan witnessed the original collision happen and raised the alarm to emergency services.

Without hesitation, David Morgan’s son, Arwel Morgan, entered the cold flood water and managed to remove the elderly woman from the car. Mr Morgan then performed CPR on the woman on the embankment.

Arwel Morgan managed to revive the female and continued administering first aid until paramedics arrived.  All the way through, he was assisted by his brother Emyr Morgan and father David Morgan. Paul Jones arrived at the location where he provided further first aid to the casualty.

Arwel Morgan said: “My instinct just took over. I knew I had to get in the water to see if anyone was in there. She was like a rag doll when I pulled her out of the car. I will never forget her eyes. I thought she was gone.

“After she went in the ambulance I broke down. It was very emotionally tiring.

“The lady has fully recovered now. I went and knocked on her door. She didn’t recognise me or remember me so I told her ‘I’m the man who saved your life!’ We keep in touch now. I would do it all again for definite.

“I was shocked when I received the news that I was to receive a commendation. It is a real privilege to receive it from Dyfed-Powys Police.”

PC 550 Lynette Jones and PC 234 Dafydd Edwards responded to the emergency call and once at scene entered the flood waters to search the car for any further occupants. Thankfully there were no other casualties.

Chief Constable Mark Collins said: “Without the intervention of Mr Arwel Morgan and the vital support of all present, the lady would not have survived. All those involved are recognised and thanked for their courageous and selfless actions.”

“The Commendations and Certificates of Appreciation recognise the hard work and dedication of police officers, Police Community Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables, Police Staff and members of the public across the force area in protecting the public and safeguarding our communities.”

The Dyfed-Powys Police commendations and presentation ceremony was held at Police Headquarters on Friday, January 25. The officers, staff and members of the public awarded at the ceremony were recognised for bravery, professionalism and a commitment to duty.