International Rescue Corps - Behind the Scenes

By Susan Anderson

When a natural disaster such as an earthquake or the recent devastation in America occurs, we always feel that we wish we could help. We donate money, clothing and food to such causes, but still wish that we could do more. Some of us have taken that step and thus the International Rescue Corps was born.

It was twenty years ago that a group of Firemen offered help to Italy after an Earthquake hit the country. However, their offer of help was declined because they were not a United Nations Registered disaster rescue service, and had no equipment suitable for any rescue work. That was all the encouragement that was required, and in 1981 the International Rescue Corps was formed becoming a United Nations Registered disaster rescue service. It was a further four years after the charity was established that the members had received the correct training for them to become operational and help abroad. More commonly known as IRC, this independent organisation has built up their membership throughout the years, and now has a strong membership base. The membership of IRC is primarily derived from people from the emergency services, though people who have skills to offer are always encouraged to join.

There have been many disasters over the years, with IRC attending most of them. Within the UK alone, there have been several missions which the IRC have undergone, some of which were floods in Yorkshire, a train crash in Watford, a gas explosion in Edinburgh, a Tornado in Norfolk and missing persons from different areas around the UK. However, the UK is not the only place that has required the help of the IRC in the past.

In March 2000, the IRC attended the floods in Mozambique. This mission required a variance of skills as Team Leader, Willie McMartin states, "IRC would provide a team of small boat handlers, complete with basic logistical support equipment. This team would include a mixture of skills, medical, mechanical, communications, electrical as well as some very experienced disaster rescue veterans."

When an earthquake struck western Turkey in August 1999, there was a team of 13 members who went over to help. For four days, the members searched through buildings and rubble for any survivors that they could rescue. Their hard work was rewarded when they managed to pull one female from the rubble on the first night of their search. This is just one example of how all the hard work, time and effort the members put into the IRC pays off, with them helping to save someone else’s life.

There are many qualities which members bring to the organisation, making it such a successful charity. The members themselves have commented on qualities that they think enhance their membership. Gary O’Shea, who is the Assistant Operations Director and Press Officer, stated that "good communication skills, confidence, and the ability to plan and think ahead, to meet and maintain deadlines" are qualities that enhance his membership.

Robert Barrie is the Scottish group training officer and the deputy group organiser for IRC. He has been a member since 1985 and joined IRC after acting as a casualty at a training session. He pointed out that employers play a big part in helping IRC to operate as they do, by letting members have time off at a moment’s notice. "My employer agrees to me leaving at such short notice and is supportive." Some employers are already used to their employees leaving work at a moments notice, as some work as retained Fire Fighters or are involved with the coast guard. John Anderson joined 1987 and became an operational member in 1992. He works at Hall and Tawse, Fraserburgh and is also the Station Officer at the local Fire Station. He has attended many disasters abroad including the earthquake in Kobe, 1995, the floods in Mozambique, 2000, and the earthquake in Turkey 1999. His boss, Mr David Rennie said that the company "do not mind him leaving as it’s something which has to be done. There is last minute shuffling to do but we always manage to do that. The rest of the workers have grown to accept his sudden disappearances."

He continues, "Mr Anderson’s knowledge of building construction would help within the IRC when he has had to enter buildings after earthquakes. The company has shown their support of IRC through sponsorship at the local Fish Festival and the Managing Director has attended one of Mr Anderson’s talks in Aberdeen. I personally feel that the IRC are a very effective charity as they help to save people’s lives, a small percentage though it may be."

Not only do IRC rely on the support of their employers, but also from their family and the general public. Due to IRC being a registered charity, they have to raise funds for equipment and training themselves. They attend galas and open days where they have stalls and give demonstrations on how their equipment works. The IRC have to rely on the public a lot and without their support would not be able to continue. However, without members helping with the fund-raising, financial support would be just as limited. Robert Barrie comments, "Taking part in fund-raising is important, as that is what pays for our training etc."

Every member of IRC have their own reasons for joining the organisation, however, most would agree with Helen Farley. Helen joined the IRC 6 years ago, as she wanted to do something worthwhile to help others. She is the Eastern Region Co-ordinator and found out about IRC through the Norfolk Fire Service. When asked what her expectations of IRC were, and if they had been fulfilled she commented, "to be able to do something rewarding - Yes most definitely."

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Charity registered in England: 283031 and Scotland: SC038213
Last modified: 04 June 2008