International Rescue Corps

More items from 2004 and before

December 2004

The International Rescue Corps put an 18 strong team on standby, following the devastating earthquake and tidal waves early on the morningof 26th December in South East Asia. However, due to the disaster rapidly moving into the humanitarian phase, the IRC team, specialists in search and rescue, were stood down on Monday 27th.

November 2004

Four International Rescue Corps members have been invited to an award ceremony in Downing Street on November 11th; this follows the Corps’ part in the search and rescue efforts following the Stockline factory explosion in May.

Report Below

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Four members of the International Rescue Corps were today honoured at the Vodafone Life Savers Awards for their bravery in saving the life of a woman buried underneath the rubble after the horrific explosion at the Glasgow Stockline plastic factory in May 2004.

John Anderson from Fraserburgh, Derek Jolly from Dunfermline and Davy Dawson and Anne-Marie McDonald from Grangemouth joined 17 other National Life Savers at a special Downing Street reception held by Prime Minister Tony Blair, before going on to a glittering event at London’s Savoy, hosted by Gaby Roslin and Nick Ross.

They received their award before a 300-strong star-studded audience including Carol Smillie, Claire Sweeney, Fern Britton, Philip Schofield, Simon Weston, Martin Kemp, Jodie Marsh and Daniella Westbrook.  Speaking at No.10, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “Bravery in the face of adversity requires a huge strength of will and we should all be eternally grateful for those who selflessly put others before themselves. “Their fortitude is something that must never be undervalued and they are a true asset to this proud nation.”

The explosion that ripped through the Stockline plastic factory in Glasgow killing nine people was one of Britain’s worst disasters in 2004. Minutes after the blast, emergency services rushed to the horrific scene and began the battle to save those trapped under tons of smouldering rubble. Many became heroes that day, amongst them, men and women working for the International Rescue Corps – a group of specialist volunteers who remain constantly on standby – ready to answer the call for help when disaster strikes and lives are at risk.

The scene that confronted IRC team members John Anderson, Davy Dawson, Derek Jolly and Anne-Marie McDonald when they arrived at the Glasgow factory was one of total devastation – and disbelief that anyone might still be alive. Moreover, wrecked parts of the building were still in danger of collapsing and much of the rubble was unstable. The team were quickly alerted that sounds had been heard coming from deep inside the wreckage and immediately set about tunnelling their way through the smashed beams and concrete, in a desperate race against time.  This kind of dangerous and gruelling tunnelling has been described as ‘polo-minting’ - where only the smallest space is available to squeeze through, inch by inch. And the slightest false move can send tons of debris crashing down.

By now, Anne-Marie McDonald had managed to tunnel her way through 50-feet of twisted metalwork, dust and fallen brick. Her journey in the pitch blackness, with only her helmet light to guide her, had been agonisingly slow. Pausing for breath, Anne-Marie suddenly heard a cry for help and realised she was underneath a woman trapped by her legs.  Unable to pull her back along the tunnel, Anne-Marie, now joined by the rest of the team, called on other helpers to clear the rubble from above. But, just as they started, the injured woman began to slip deeper into the debris. Anne-Marie and the three men managed to grab her from below – desperately holding onto her hips while other workers attempted to free her from above – a task made even more harrowing because first they had to remove a body – one of the woman’s work colleagues.

But the perseverance of the IRC team and the emergency services paid off.  And, with a great cry of relief from everyone involved, the injured woman was gently lifted onto a stretcher and rushed to hospital.

The Life Savers awards – a national search for Britain’s most inspiring rescue stories – were launched in April by Vodafone UK to uncover unsung heroes who have saved a life in extraordinary circumstances.  The IRC team’s story was selected by the awards’ judging panel including Major General Christopher Tyler of the Royal Humane Society, Carol Smillie, Simon Weston and This Morning TV presenters Fern Britton and Philip Schofield.

Bill Morrow, Chief Executive Officer at Vodafone UK said: “Vodafone is proud to be part of these unique awards which so clearly demonstrate the vital role mobile phones now play when minutes matter. Those we honour are an inspiration to us all – and it is a privilege to celebrate their courage today.”

As a build up to the awards ceremony took place on 11th November, four of our group members were interviewed on “This Morning” shown on ITV on 21st October. Also shown was a re-enactment of our involvement in a rescue at the Stockline factory explosion that took place in May this year.  The Corps played a part in the rescue and helped members of the Fire brigade to successfully release the woman who was trapped.

It is also important to remember that several other organisations such as other rescue teams, charities, community workers and local volunteers also played a vital part at this disaster. This teamwork undoubtedly saved lives.

October 2004

Four members of the International Rescue Corps were on ITV’s “Good Morning” programme, which included a re-enactment of the Corps’s involvement in a rescue at the Glasgow factory explosion that took place in May this year.

July 2004

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE CORPS MEMBER SHORTLISTED FOR TOP YORKSHIRE AWARD

Ray Gray, Deputy Operational Director of British charity International Rescue Corps has been shortlisted for the Heart of Yorkshire Awards - Yorkshire Man of The Year. A glittering ceremony this Friday 30th July will decide on the winner.

Ray has been nominated for his ongoing dedication to the corps. Having joined the corps in 1989 Ray has attended several disasters from earthquakes in India, Turkey, Algiers, Iran, to humanitarian aid work in Rwanda. More recently Ray and IRC attended the plastics factory explosion, Glasgow, in May this year where he was instrumental in the search and rescue attempt of people missing in the rubble.

Ray was also heavily involved in the implementation of the corps’ nationally recognised open college qualification in Urban Search and Rescue. He is now a moderator, assessor and trainer to up and coming members. This dedication is testament to the hard work he puts into every aspect of the corps, holding the operational status of Deputy Operational Director as well as the northern region coordinator. He has the utmost respect from his fellow IRC members and a reputation of always being there and always being relied upon.

May 2004

The IRC mobilise teams to assist in rescue efforts following an explosion at a plastics factory in Glasgow, Scotland.

April 2004

The International Rescue Corps had 3 members available to make up part of a 10 strong DFID team in order to respond to the North Korean train disaster in case a search and rescue team is needed.  The team was stood down after a few days.

March 2004

International Rescue Corps put a 4 man strong team flying to Cambodia on Friday 26th March at 1150 hrs from Heathrow to search for Mia-Lucy Rose.  Mia was 24 years old and in Cambodia on her gap year.

International Rescue Corps were contacted by her parents requesting specialist assistance in trying to locate Mia. Unfortunately, as the team were waiting for their flight at Heathrow, news came in that her body had been found.  Our sympathies go out to Mia’s family and friends.

December 2003

The IRC sent a team to Iran in response to the Boxing Day earthquake. See Mission Reports for more details.

October 2003

A UK mission, lower profile than many others but, nevertheless, shows the ongoing work of the IRC. An 81-year-old lady, last seen in Norwich, at approx 1900hrs on Saturday 25th October, was reported missing to the Police later that same evening.

At approximately 0100hrs on Sunday 26th October, Norfolk Constabulary contacted requested IRC assistance with the missing person search. The IRC quickly formed a small team comprising members from Northern, Southern and Eastern Regions. The members mobilised and were on site very quickly, and were tasked to search an area close by to her last known location.

The team successfully located the lady before 0800hrs in an out-building, alive and well and less than a mile away from where she was last seen.

See Mission Reports for more details.

May 2003

IRC send team of 23 members as part of the international response to the Algerian earthquake.  See Mission Reports for more details.

March 2003

A team of 9 IRC personnel helped in a missing person search near Ellon, in NE Scotland. See Mission Reports for more details.

December 2002

A News of the World article 29/12/02 reported that the IRC are to be funded by the UK government to respond to UK “large-scale emergencies with high casualty rates”.  It was certainly news to us!  We continue to be independent and funded by voluntary contributions.

August 2002

An IRC Team is involved with the harrowing search for two missing children in Soham, Cambridgeshire, UK. See Mission Reports for more details on IRC’s involvement.

Also this month, we have a new IRC Press Officer - Julie Ryans.  Julie, a long serving active and experienced Corps member, we wish her well in her new role.

June 2002

A 15 person IRC Team was put on stand-by to respond to the Iranian earthquake (Saturday 22nd June).  As more information became available, whilst waiting for permission to mobilise, it became apparent that the Corp’s services would not be required and the Team was officially stood down on Sunday 23rd.

December 2001

The waiting list for the IRC operational training register has now reached 18 months!   Thanks to all those people volunteering for the Corps - the wait will be worth it.

December 2001

Our member serving with DFID reports he has finally made it to Mazar e Sharif and is able to start on the tasks he’s gone out there to do…

November 2001

Whilst the IRC has not itself mobilised, one of our members is in Termez, Uzbekistan, as part of a DFID/CHAD team, carrying out an assessment of humanitarian needs in readiness for UN agency support operations.  Our latest report is that he is well and in good spirits.

March 2001

After two consignments, Project SALUDE is now looking at a third and fourth ship for Cuba.  The next shipment will be of approximately 90 ambulances and 3 double deck buses along with a few other items.  IRC are involved in co-ordinating the logistics for these projects.

February 2001

22nd: A Team were called to search a collapsed rock face in Kent, England, using the TPL.  No casualties.

IRC have been invited to discuss their activities, particularly in respect to the recent India mission, with members of the Scottish Parliament.

The IRC mission to India was featured in a UK Channel 5 documentary on Wednesday (7th) evening.

January 2001

IRC team in Bhuj, NW India successful in retrieving 2 live casualties.

October - December 2000

IRC members are helping in rescue and relief work in the extensive flooding taking place in the UK, particularly in Yorkshire and Gloucester.

October 2000

Four IRC members returned to Turkey for phase III of the training the Corps has been providing to local civil defence and SAR teams there.  This time, they met up with a woman they rescued from the 1999 earthquake - one of them gave us a brief note on the reunion. See Mission Reports for more details.

August 2000

The National Council agreed to change the name of the Home Counties Group to Southern, to recognise the Group’s new boundaries.

January 2000

The Corp’s patron, Richard Branson, becomes Sir Richard Branson in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.  And Willie McMartin, the IRC’s Operations Director, has been awarded a thoroughly well deserved MBE.  Our congratulations go to both.

September 1999

An offer of help was put into the Taiwanese authorities following the earthquake there.   Initially accepted, they later advised that further assistance was not needed and the Team stood down.

August 1999

A Team of 13 members were mobilised in response to the earthquake that hit western Turkey.

The International Rescue Corps have finally found a new Operational Stores, following our need to depart Glory Mill.  The new premises are at Wethersfield, near Stanstead airport, courtesy of the MoD Police.  We have also come to an agreement regarding a new Operations Office - news to follow.

On a happy note, an IRC photograph was one of the two winners in an Alertnet/Reuters photo competition.

June/July 1999

The International Rescue Corps are providing logistics support (both in the UK and Cuba) to Unison’s project SALUD which is sending ambulances, buses, fire appliances, medical supplies, food, clothing and other items to Cuba.

Good news in our search for new premises - we think we now have a site.  Details when we have it confirmed.

May 1999

The Corps training programme has received accreditation from the Open College for its modules for UK Support (module 3063), UK Operations (module 3064) and Overseas Operational (module 3065).  The International Rescue Corps is one of the only independent, internationally recognised organisations able to offer such accredited training.

IRC had a good week at the Fire EXPO 99 at the Birmingham NEC from May 10th to 13th.  A lot of interest not only in the IRC stand, but also the daily demonstration.   The Corps thanks go to all who supported us.

On a downbeat note, we’ve received news that, due to reorganisation at Glory Mill, we will have to vacate our current Operations Base by this summer.  We are urgently seeking a new site that will suit our needs.

April 1999

Four members of the team from IRC who attended the Yorkshire flood relief effort attended a Civic reception by the chairman of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, David Ireland, on the 9^th.

March 1999

IRC teams are assisting the police with the floods in Yorkshire.  A good test for a recently acquired boat!

December 1998

IRC have been donated a computer by Alertnet to assist in improving our administration processes.  We are hopeful that another local fund-raising organisation will be able to donate a further PC and a new satellite communications unit.

On the downside, some of the kit we used on our recent Nicaragua mission has been damaged beyond repair and we will need to redouble our fund-raising efforts.

Tuesday 11th August 1998

Just before midnight, the Corps received a request from the police to help search for a young boy missing since the afternoon, in Boness (a town less than 5 miles from our Grangemouth HQ).  10 local members were quickly mobilised, along with an ambulance and 3 FWD vehicles.  One team member, travelling in from 30 miles away, spotted a young lad on the streets and, putting 2+2 together, ended up finding the subject before he even got to the briefing.  The family were reunited shortly thereafter.   A successful result in less than 2 hours after the initial call-out!

Saturday 25th July 1998

The Scottish Group were returning from a fund raising day in Fraserburgh when the ambulance was flagged down by a member of the public, requesting help for an elderly gent who was having severe difficulty breathing; he had had a heart attack 10 weeks before. Oxygen was administered until the Scottish Ambulance Service (who had already been called via 999) arrived some time later and took over.

Tuesday 21st July 1998

IRC were requested to assist in a search for a missing woman in Norfolk and were able to supply a team for the day. No success that day but she was found the following day, still alive, in an area not previously checked. She is reported as making a good recovery.