After a busy morning’s training, some of the volunteer base and boat crews from Pett Independent Rescue Boat attended the stunning fireworks event at the Robin Hood in Icklesham on 4th November 2018.

We were invited to attend this popular event, run by the Robin Hood Bonfire Society, to help out as volunteers supporting the First Aid on-site for the occasion. In all, five crew members went along, including some who had recently completed their recent first aid and refresher training.

Robin Hood Bonfire Society, PLIRB First Aid

Setting up the First Aid tent, four of our volunteers – Kathy, John, Isaac and Darren – Jo was also part of the team but managed to avoid the photo!

The evening started off with an amazing procession of various societies within the local (and slightly further afield) community, including bonfire societies from Rye, Hastings, Hawkhurst and Lewes and of course the Robin Hood’s own bonfire society.

With torches and banners held aloft, costumes and face-paint galore and the throb of the drums, the pageantry and excitement of the bonfire lighting was as wonderful as the firework display which followed it.

Robin Hood Bonfire Society event 2018, PLIRB First AidRobin Hood Bonfire Society event 2018, PLIRB First AidRobin Hood Bonfire Society event 2018, PLIRB First AidRobin Hood Bonfire Society event 2018, PLIRB First AidRobin Hood Bonfire Society event 2018, PLIRB First AidRobin Hood Bonfire Society event 2018, PLIRB First Aid

Another reason the event was a resounding success was the fact that there were no major mishaps or first aid needed: a small child was reunited with parents, an off-site incident was alerted to the team but attended by emergency medical services, all of which just left the small matter of attending to one of our own crew who was (for once) not wearing the launch vehicle but instead wearing one of his other volunteer hats: in his role as part of the Robin Hood bonfire team.

Robin Hood Bonfire Event, PLIRB First Aid

Kev (with his other hat on) and Isaac administering first aid (a Mr. Bump plaster turned out to be the most appropriate dressing)!

It really was a great evening, which we’re glad to have been part of. The Robin Hood staff and Bonfire Society made donation buckets for local charities (including PLIRB) available on the evening, so a big thank you to them for both supporting us and inviting us to help … we’re always proud to be part of this event. And thanks to everyone who supported the evening by coming along and by making donations.

See you all again soon!