Robert Mash, then 13 years old from Basingstoke, was travelling home just after nine o’clock from cadets at Basingstoke Fire Station, last September. Robert’s Auntie Lisa was driving him and his mum home, when they heard a loud bang and saw a car driving off at speed, after hitting another car.
Acting fast Robert’s Aunt pulled over and Robert quickly approached the hit car to offer help. In the vehicle was a pregnant woman and her partner. Robert recalled his cadets first aid training and assessed the pair, before calling the police to explain where the incident had happened.
Another driver had pulled over to help and rang for an ambulance, but not being local the driver could not provide clear location details, so Robert took over the call and gave the ambulance their exact location.
Robert Mash said:
“I had to stop and help. If I wasn’t in Fire Cadets, I wouldn’t have known what to do first, I wouldn’t have known to check for danger, how to make sure the couple in the car were alright and I wouldn’t have known what to say to the police or the ambulance.
“I visited the fire service control room with cadets and the call handlers explained what information they need to send the right help. Cadets also taught me first aid, how to check for dangers at the scene of a car crash, so if I hadn’t had experienced all of that at Fire Cadets, I wouldn’t have known what to do.”
The couple were taken to A&E to be assessed. Robert remained at the scene and asked passersby if they’d seen the direction the other car involved travelled in. Robert was then able to give the police enough details that officers found the driver and were able to arrest him for drink driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Robert with his mum Sam and Dad Reece
Reece Mash, Robert’s Dad said:
“I’m incredibly proud of my son, he not only stopped to help when others wouldn’t have, but he remained calm. By remaining calm, not panicking and using his skills from his cadets training he was able to help the couple and help the police arrest the driver.”
The pregnant woman who’d like to remain anonymous, but chose to highlight Robert’s bravery, which has led to his award said:
“The first person to help was Robert, he took control, immediately rang 999 and coordinated all the efforts remaining on the phone whilst checking I was ok.
“I’m very thankful to Robert for stopping to help and I think it’s important that our younger generation get recognised when they go above and beyond. I want Robert to know how much I appreciated his effort.”
Robert was recognised for his actions with a National Fire Chief’s Council, ‘Courage in Adversity’ award, presented to cadets who have found themselves in a situation where they have used their training and experience gained at cadets to have a significant impact on the wellbeing of others.
Robert was presented with his award at his cadets Passout Parade on 12th December 2024 by HIWFRS Area Manager for Service Delivery, Phil Barrett, at Basingstoke Fire Station.
Phil Barrett, HIWFRS Area Manager for Service Delivery said:
“Robert’s confidence and quick thinking to put his cadets training into action is remarkable.
“It was a privilege to meet Robert, his family and to present him with this special recognition award. I wish him all the best for his future, if he can show such compassion and quick thinking under pressure at just 13 years old just think what Robert could achieve next.”
For more information about Cadets click here:
Robert with his Basingstoke Cadet unit