A LONDON paramedic is hoping to be first on the scene as he returns to the North East for a very special reunion.
Former King’s Academy student Shane Woodhouse will be among hundreds of ex students and teachers, now living all over the country and overseas, who are set to re-unite at the Coulby Newham school’s ten year anniversary celebration.
As a pupil in year 9 at The King’s Academy, Shane was chosen to meet the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace after coming to the aid of a school friend who fell ill during a Duke of Edinburgh bronze award walk.
“I don’t really remember much about what happened on that day but my training with the St John volunteer ambulance force definitely helped,” said Shane, who started at The King’s in 2003.
“I started in a St John Ambulance youth unit when I was eight after my nana explained how her neighbours were involved in the organisation.
“Ever since then I knew that I wanted to be a police officer or a paramedic - at the time I guess it was something that looked exciting and was different to what everyone else wanted to do.”
Now a fully qualified paramedic, Shane works in the capital attending to everyday life saving emergencies.
“Working in central London is amazing,” he said. “And quite bizarre working around all the iconic sites that everyone recognises.
“On the car it's all about stopping the clock and getting there quickly on the highest priority calls. It's sometimes a mission carrying everything in on your own and it's definitely a test when you have a sick patient. I have to assess the patient, begin treatment and either arrange for an ambulance to take them to hospital or start a management plan so they can be treated and kept at home.”
Shane, who is also studying towards a Masters degree, said he would like to move into a role in emergency preparedness, planning for serious and major incidents. And eventually he wants to move back to Middlesbrough.
The King’s Academy ten year reunion will give all former pupils and teachers the opportunity to catch up with old colleagues, renew friendships and find out what everyone has been doing since they left.
“It’s incredible to think that it's been ten years already,” added Shane. “I still remember turning up on the first day.
“I’ve managed to keep in touch with a few people but getting everyone together at the same time is a mission, so the reunion will be a great opportunity to see everyone and reminisce about our school days.”
The King’s Academy 10th anniversary reunion will take place on Saturday, April 26th 2014 at 3pm in the main school hall. To register your place or for more information visit www.thekingsacademyreunion.org.uk