A health worker has become the first paramedic in Wales to die after contracting coronavirus, according to the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Gerallt Davies, 51, who was based at Cwmbwrla Station in Swansea and had worked for the ambulance service for 26 years, died on Monday.

Mr Davies was also national operations officer for St John Cymru Wales, a role which saw him awarded an MBE for his services to first aid provision in 2009.

Jason Killens, chief executive at the Welsh Ambulances Services NHS Trust, said: “Today, Monday 20 April 2020, the Welsh Ambulance Service lost its first colleague to Covid-19.

“Gerallt Davies MBE was a paramedic at Cwmbwrla Station in Swansea and his passing is a devastating blow for us all.”

Mr Killens added: “Gerallt’s loss will be sorely felt by everyone here at Team WAST, and we extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to his family.

“Our focus now is on supporting Gerallt’s family and bereaved colleagues at this very difficult time.”

Peter Hughes, regional secretary for Unite Wales, said: “This is incredibly sad news. I want to pay tribute to Gerallt on behalf of the entire Unite family. Gerallt was a hugely popular individual and a dedicated NHS worker and a member of our union for over 25 years.

“His incredible service to first aid as national operations manager for St John Cymru, was rewarded with an MBE just last year. He will be hugely missed by his fellow Unite members, colleagues and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

“Gerallt was a hero alongside all of our frontline NHS staff. Day in, day out they are selflessly putting themselves at risk in order to protect us all from this terrible virus. When all of this is over we must never forget their brave service and all of the sacrifices they have made.

“Unite Wales offers all its support and deepest sympathies to Gerallt’s family during this difficult time.”