A Kent teenager who was recently treated by clinicians reunited with them as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award.
14‑year‑old Max from Westerham in Kent visited Paddock Wood Make Ready Centre in January to reunite with Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Emma, and Student Paramedic, Leander, the crew who came out to his home on 2 December 2025.
Max had been unwell for two days prior before the ambulance was called. Despite attending hospital the previous day, his condition worsened and by the evening he became significantly more unwell. At around 21:00, his dad, Joe, called 999 after Max began vomiting and developed a high heart rate, a high temperature and cold skin, prompting concerns that he may have had sepsis.
The call was categorised as a Category 2 emergency, with Emma and Leander dispatched to the family home. Following a full assessment, they made the decision to take Max to Tunbridge Wells Hospital, where he was checked over, stabilised and later discharged home.
Now fully recovered, Max returned to the ambulance station to explore the kit, ask questions, and learn about the life of a frontline clinician. As part of his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Max is completing first aid training and was keen to understand more about how ambulance crews respond to emergencies and care for patients.
During the visit, Max was given a full tour of the make ready centre where vehicles are restocked, refuelled and cleaned. He explored the equipment carried on ambulances and asked all his burning questions.
Emma said, “It was brilliant to see Max again under such positive circumstances. Knowing that his experience has sparked an interest in first aid and helping others is incredibly rewarding.”
Leander added, “Max was curious, enthusiastic and asked some really thoughtful questions. It’s great to see young people engaging with first aid and learning skills that could genuinely save lives.”
Max said, “It was great to get an inside look at the ambulance station and be in an ambulance in much more positive circumstances!”