Quick-thinking nurses save 89-year-old man from house fire

Two district nurses who saved an 89-year-old man from a house fire have been praised for their bravery.

When Paula Phillips and Karen Davies arrived at Rhys Bevan’s home in Pontllanfraith for a routine visit on Wednesday June 12, they found a fire had broken out in his kitchen.

Mr Bevan, who was sitting in his living room with his dog, was unaware of the fire – and assumed the sound of the smoke alarm was coming from his television.

Paula swiftly called the fire service while Karen entered the smoke-filled kitchen, throwing a damp towel over the flaming chip pan and carrying it outside to safety.

Speaking after the incident, Karen said: “It all happened so quickly, there was no time to think.

“The kitchen was thick with smoke and we could see the flames. I just knew we had to act fast to keep Mr Bevan safe.”

Paula added: “We’re just so relieved we arrived when we did. The most important thing is that Mr Bevan is okay. That’s what matters.”

Mr Bevan’s daughter, Ceri-Anne Sharp, praised Karen and Paula’s actions and said: “I’m extremely grateful that the two district nurses got there when they did and saved my dad’s life.

“It could have been a lot worse – the firefighters who came to the house said in another four or five minutes the fire would have spread into the rest of the house.

“The kitchen is damaged beyond repair and the chip pan was totally destroyed.”

She added: “We definitely won’t be getting my dad a new one. We have bought him an air fryer instead, which he calls a ‘hair dryer’.

“The bravery of the nurses was fantastic and I’ll be forever thankful for what they did.”

Jennifer Winslade, executive director of nursing at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “This is a powerful example of the vital role our district nurses play – not only providing care and support in the community, but responding with incredible courage in emergency situations.

“Paula and Karen acted instinctively, calmly and bravely. We’re incredibly proud of them.”