Paramedic sets sail

EMAS Grimsby based paramedic Steve Reid has set sail on a journey of a lifetime for he is providing the medical support on board the 'Welcome to Yorkshire', sponsored boat which is taking part in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.

Although he'd never sailed before, Steve knew about the race and 2 years ago investigated how to become a crew member. Steve said: "I've always been interested in sailing and I was also inspired by Mark Twain's wise words, used by yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

With those wise words, who could refuse the challenge? I went home, downloaded the application form and was accepted. Although the race will be an epic journey, it'll still be a bit of a 'busman's holiday' for Steve because he is the appointed medic on board and will have to deal with any injuries or illnesses the crew of eighteen may suffer - just as he does in his normal job.

The Clipper Race is the only round the world yacht race, which is open to non-professional crew members and is the longest ocean race in the world. Steve's journey will cover 40,000 miles, 6 continents, 15 stopovers and take 12 months to complete. Steve joined the ambulance service eight years ago as a student paramedic at Louth Ambulance Station. After he qualified as a paramedic, he was based at Grimsby Ambulance Station.