17th May 2008

The 10-strong team of specialist and rescue staff from the British-based International Rescue Corps who arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday in order to help rescue people trapped in the aftermath of the Chinese earthquake have now been stood down and are flying home. They are due to land at Heathrow at 0448hrs GMT and the 6 Scottish members will fly back to Scotland later in the morning arriving in Edinburgh at 0955hrs.

The team, made up of volunteers from the UK were deployed to the area at the request of the British Consulate however due the overwhelming scale of the disaster the Chinese government were unable to issue visas. They did however donate food and medical supplies to assist in the relief efforts.

16th May 2008

(06:30GMT/13:30LOCAL) Awaiting progress with Visas.  Chinese DFID approached officially by the British Consulate but still no word.  A flight is booked from the most local airport on the mainland for 19:00 local time but it seems increasingly unlikely that visas will be issued in time to move personnel and equipment via ferry to the airport to catch that flight.

The whole team are fit and well but are becoming increasingly frustrated.

13th May 2008

A team of 10 volunteers from International Rescue Corps have been mobilised to assist in the search and rescue operation in China following Monday's earthquake. The team plan to depart on a scheduled BA flight at 2215 tonight from Heathrow to Hong Kong.

Team members are drawn from Scotland, Cumbria, Merseyside, East Yorkshire and Norfolk.

16th April 2008

The Channel Five "Britain's Bravest" series featured IRC in their transmission last Wednesday.  Unfortunately, we were not notified in time to let everyone know but we have been told it will be rebroadcast later in the year - we'll post the date on this page when we know.  Meanwhile, we hope to have a number of DVD copies of the programme available for members involved in the mission.  If you would like to borrow a copy, please contact our Press Officer - details at the bottom of this page.

16th April 2008

IRC supports the UK Tick Alert survey.  See their press release here and the website here.

31st March 2008

International Rescue Corps were called out to assist Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service in a search for a missing person.  Full report here.

11th January 2008

IRC were called to search for a possible casualty in the water in Alloa docks.

9th November 2007

International Rescue Corps Mobilised to East Coast Floods

5 members of IRCs northern region were mobilised at 2200hrs last night to assist in any rescue work needed during the predicted east coastal floods.  IRC spent the whole night liaising with the coastguard and were sent to the Humber Bridge and the coastal town of Hornsea.

The flooding was less than expected and the team were eventually stood down at 0500hrs.

31st October 2007

Nestle UK donate coffee and Kit Kats to International Rescue Corps

York based company Nestle UK have donated several jars of coffee and Kit Kats to International Rescue Corps.  he generous offer was made following previous donations to the Big Charity Auction held earlier this year.  Representatives from Nestle presented the items to Julie Ryan, the Corps National Press Officer at the Corps mission office near York on Wednesday 17th Oct.

Willie McMartin, the Corps Director said “As a charity manned entirely by volunteers we rely heavily on donations from the public and industry.  This is a fantastic gesture and will go a long way to help keep our members going on long missions!”

Vicky Whitelock, Nestle’s Senior Consumer Relations Officer said “It was very interesting to visit the Corps mission office and to learn all about the volunteers and the great things they do.  The work the volunteers do is absolutely fantastic and we hope the donation of Nescafé and Kit Kat bars go some way to supporting the volunteers.

18th September 2007

Mike Bunn (sticky) will be running the Great North Run on Sunday 30th September, dressed in full IRC uniform to raise money for IRC. Anyone wishing to sponsor him, please go to http://www.justgiving.com/mikebunn

6th August 2007

During the IRC charity auction in March this year, Jim Barwick successfully bid for a VIP Day Out at RAF Linton on Ouse – he took his son George.

Here’s what he had to say about the day:

John and Julie, we were very pleased to bid and win the prize of a trip round RAF Linton on Ouse and to help the Rescue Corps. The visit to Linton was exceptional; we had a fantastic time taken around the base by Flt Lt Matt Clark.

The highlights were the flight simulator and the fire engine. You'll see by the grin on Georges face that he really enjoyed his time there. I have thanked all at RAF Linton on Ouse but want to thank you for getting the prize in the first place and wish you more success in the future fund raising for the Rescue Corps.

Thanks again
Jim Barwick

‘Kind permission to use the photos given by Jim Barwick’

25th July 2007

Letter of thanks from Humberside Fire & Rescue for IRC's assistance in recent flood relief.

16th July 2007

Possibly the IRC's shortest callout:

On Tuesday 10th July 2007 at approx 1509hrs, a call was placed to Willie McMartin from T Mann, Deputy Chief Officer, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service.  The call requested that IRC attend an incident on Loch Lubnaig.  It was reported that a family boat had sank and that the family were missing, but that they did have lifejackets on.  A boat crew was immediately mobilised to Boness Fire Station to uplift the rescue boat.  The crew was Anne Marie Macdonald and Willie McMartin.

A call was placed to Boness Fire Station asking them to pull the boat from its garage to help speed up the response.  At approx 1525hrs IRC were informed that the family had been rescued and were all alive and well.  The team stood down and the boat was returned to its store.

15th July 2007

A training session with realism - two local callouts:

At approx lunch time as crews were carrying out a search of an offshore island, two members were on shore as security for the equipment.  A loud explosion was heard and chunks of metal and plastic landed near the vehicle. G ordon McTavish and Willie McMartin attended approx 20meters from the vehicle and found a portable gas cooker had exploded.  A woman had been caught in the blast but although not outwardly injured she was showing signs of respiratory distress and shock.  The full top to toe survey was carried out and oxygen was administered.  Her pulse and breathing returned to normal. She was advised to attend a hospital but refused further help.

As the team was pulling away at the end of the session Gordon McTavish heard a woman calling for her son.  She looked distressed and when approached informed him that her son was missing.  He was 11 years old and had been playing at the water's edge.  The beach was searched and as he had not been located it was decided to look further way from where he had last been seen.  A small burn ran into the Loch near to this last location and some of the team started to search this burn.  Kai Goldie, a new member on his first training session as a casualty, located the boy some distance up this burn. The boy was returned to his mum.

12th July 2007

A band of hopefuls set off for the 26 mile three-peaks trek - all in aid of IRC funds - see here.

3rd July 2007

We're getting more UK callouts nowadays - we're pulling some of the reports form these together on a separate page - here.

1st July 2007

Members of the International Rescue Corps have now been stood down from the potential flooding in East Yorkshire. 17 members and 3 boats were mobilised on Friday by Humberside Police to Hull and have been helping emergency services in the city.  This was the second time this week IRC had been called upon to help.

29th June 2007

Due to the forecast of possible further flooding in Yorkshire, IRC are standing by in Hull for the next few days at the request of Humberside police.

The 17 members of IRC have 3 boats ready to spring into action if required to assist in rescuing anyone trapped in any flooding.

27th June 2007

Members of International Rescue Corps have finally been stood down from rescuing people trapped in the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire floods. The team worked for 30 hours solid with the emergency services and rescued approx 132 people, 16 dogs and 6 cats!

The team are tired but well! Ray Gray, team leader said "I would like to thank everyone for their assistance. As you can see it was a very rewarding UK mission."

26th June 2007

Members of IRC have been working tirelessly all night to help people trapped by the flooding yesterday. So far the team have rescued 81 people, 12 dogs and 6 cats with 3 people receiving medical care on scene. The team are now in Wetherby helping emergency services there.

25th June 2007

Members of International Rescue Corps are again assisting the emergency services rescue people trapped in today's Yorkshire and Lincolnshire floods.

Members from Scottish and Northern regions have been involved in rescuing a stranded person in Hull and several elderly residents from a sheltered housing complex in Grimsby.  They are currently awaiting their next deployment from Humberside police.

18th June 2007

Members of the International Rescue Corps have finally been stood down following the search for the missing soldier from Catterick at the weekend.  IRC assisted the police in the recovery of the soldier's body.  The team were also requested by the fire service to be on standby until Sunday afternoon in case there were further floods.

15th June 2007

International Rescue Corps are assisting North Yorkshire Police in looking for the missing soldier from Catterick Garrison.  The team from Northern and Scottish regions cut short an exercise in Hampshire to help in the search.  They are currently on site in Catterick with specialist heat seeking equipment and 2 boats and will also be assisting in any flood relief as requested.

13th May 2007

On the evening of the 11th May 2007, a male, approx 20 years of age had been reported as having jumped from the Humber Bridge.  Humber Rescue had been called out but were unable to locate his body.  A report may be found here.

22nd April 2007

International Rescue Corps teams are assisting in the search for a missing Fife boy, Steven Henderson, in a wooded area in Fife, Scotland.  A report may be found here.

16th April 2007

On Saturday 14th April we held a big charity auction at our local village pub – the Crown and Cushion.  After writing several letters to local businesses and beyond we managed to secure an enormous 20 auction items and 14 raffle prizes (you can see these in our previous correspondence).  People from the area were invited to have a 5 course dinner with us and then bid for the items.  We spent hours leafleting villagers, talking to Radio York presenters and basically bugging anyone who would listen!

Chris and Claire, the landlords at the Crown and Cushion looked after everyone and we had a lovely dinner of Yorkshire beef and chocolate mousse.  Local parish councillor, Michael Cleary was our auctioneer for the evening and did us proud!  Things were getting a little rowdy at times but he managed to keep everything under control! Incredibly we managed to make a whopping £3,700!!  This has more than paid for a new Northern Region boat!

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this such a huge
success!

John and Julie Ryan – Northern Region Members.

25th March 2007

Members of IRC's northern region recently became Champion Team of the Year finalists in the Sunday Sun’s Champion of the North Awards.  A small team attended a glittering ceremony on board the Queen of Scandinavia in the Port of Tyne, North Shields.  However, they missed out on the top prize to two amazing pensioners who have raised £1m for their adopted charity Children North East.  Mark Dawson from the Port of Tyne who sponsored the award said: “It’s my experience that the teams that function the best are the ones that don’t get paid.”

During the ceremony a video was played explaining the different champions short listed.  Please see our photo gallery of the event and to see the IRC video you can visit www.sundaysun.co.uk.

26th February 2007

Members of IRC's northern region are holding an auction to raise funds for a new regional boat. The auction is to be held on April 14th at the Crown and Cushion pub, Welburn. Prizes include a weeks holiday in a luxury villa in Florida, a signed England cricket bat, a VIP day at RAF Linton-on-Ouse with a ride in the flight simulator, a helicopter dunking session, a chef for the night and a Sunday lunch meal for 2 at the Wood Hall Hotel, Leeds. Please see attached flyer for further details - more donated auction prizes will be gladly accepted.

If you need further information please contact Julie Ryan - the National Press Officer on press@intrescue.org or call 07786 881908

24th February 2007

International Rescue Corps, more used to going to earthquakes, assisted the emergency services last night in helping casualties caught up in the Virgin train derailment. 18 members from IRC's Northern and Scottish regions were on the scene from 2230 hrs and managed to lead, carry and stretcher at least 8 people from the stricken train.

Several carriages were left on their side after a Virgin London to Glasgow service crashed at Grayrigg, near Kendal, at 2015 GMT, at about 95mph.

Team leader Ray Gray said “We offered our assistance to Cumbria Police and they accepted straight away. The police knew us from our work at the Carlisle floods and knew our capabilities. We worked through the night with the police and fire crews moving casualties to the waiting ambulances and helicopters - it was a really good team effort”

The team were stood down at 0500 hrs this morning.

A Team Leader's report is here.

15th February 2007

IRC will be running three music night gigs in Aberdeen - 19th March, 9th April and 28th May - at Drummonds in Aberdeen.  Each gig will run from 7pm to 2am and with a selection of local bands invited to play.  Tickets £4 at the door (£3 in advance from local reps on Aberdeen University campus).  Contact intrescuegigs@hotmail.com for further information.

Click here for the poster.

13th February 2007

The International Rescue Corps have put in an offer of help in the Commercial Road, Whitechapel building collapse, London.  A four storey building collapsed today (Tuesday) at 1640 hours.  It is unknown whether there are people trapped inside and the Corps has  offered its 25 years of expertise in finding people in collapsed buildings following earthquakes.

18th January 2007

Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell MP, visited IRC’s Admin office today in Grangemouth, Scotland.  Mr Mitchell MP spent a couple of hours talking to Willie McMartin (the Corps Director) and Rab Barrie (a founder member of IRC).  He wanted to learn more about the history of the Corps, its present work and future aspirations and asked lots of questions.

Willie McMartin said: “He was very interested in how we work with DFID and wanted to know more about what he could do to assist in future missions.  All in all, he seemed genuinely interested in the work IRC does and, you never know, we may be seeing more of him in the future!”

January 2007

Another chance to party!!  A Tartan Ball - click here for details.

December 2006

Benefit gig for IRC fundraising, 2nd December at The Crown, Littlehampton - four bands - one cause.  Come and enjoy The Valves, The Slapheadz, Mallard Fizz and The Mad Slappers.  From 5pm.  Click here for more.

21st May 2006 - Daily Record Honours IRC Members

On the 21st of May the International Rescue Corps were awarded the Daily Record Volunteer Heroes Award at a ceremony held in the Hilton hotel, Glasgow. This was in recognition of IRC’s contribution to the rescue effort following the Pakistan earthquake. Five of the six Scottish members who were on the team accepted the award on behalf of the group and the IRC.

Saturday 27th May 2006

Following an earthquake, measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale, which struck Sumatra at 0130hrs(GMT) Saturday 27 May. An offer to deploy a team to the region has been placed by the Corps. At this moment in time, our assistance is not required.

Sponsored Dive

IRC members recently held a sponsored scuba dive in South Shields - a relay team of divers spending 24 hours underwater.  Read more about it here.

25th Anniversary Summer Ball

To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we're holding a grand "Summer Ball" - see here for details.

Castleford Tigers present cheque to Quake heroes

Members of International Rescue Corps who have recently returned from the earthquake in Pakistan are to be presented with a cheque for £1,000 by the Castleford Tigers on the 9th Dec.

Customers of the Commercial Hotel in Castleford have been fundraising for the past year and have decided to donate the money to IRC at a special supper and Karaoke.

Kevin Law, landlord of the Commercial Hotel said, “We chose IRC because they attend and respond to a range of disasters worldwide. We also wanted to support the team because every members is a volunteer – it’s our way of showing them that their community is proud of what they do”

Ray Gray, Deputy Corps Director of IRC said: “ It is always great when our local community supports us this way. We left over £10,000 worth of equipment in Pakistan to help with the relief effort and this money will go a long way to help us replace what was left. The corps would like to thank everyone at the Commercial Hotel for their kind generosity”.

Members of IRC and the Castleford Tigers players will be attendance at the evening and are available for interview and photos.

Please contact Julie Ryan on 07786 881908 or press@intrescue.org for further information or to book an interview.

Sunday 16th October 2005

The 14 strong team from IRC have completed their mission to assist in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Pakistan. The exhausted, but happy team arrived back into East Midlands Airport at 02:30 Sun 16 Oct.

During the mission 3 children were recovered alive from collapsed buildings and the team used their expertise to advise and assist local authorities in the Kashmir region.

The team donated £9000 of kit to the aid effort including tents, sleeping bags, medical equipment and water filtration gear.

Earlier reports from this mission cane be found here.

Sunday 16th October 2005 (14:30 GMT)

The 14 strong team from IRC have completed their mission to assist in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Pakistan. The exhausted, but happy team arrived back into East Midlands Airport at 02:30 Sun 16 Oct.

During the mission 3 children were recovered alive from collapsed buildings and the team used their expertise to advise and assist local authorities in the Kashmir region.

The team donated £9000 of kit to the aid effort including tents, sleeping bags, medical equipment and water filtration gear.

Monday 3rd October 2005

It is with sad regret that we announce the tragic death of Stuart Gray, the son of Corps members Ray and Ronnie Gray. Stuart died in a motorcycle accident on the 23rd September and leaves a partner and 7 year old daughter.

Stuart was an experienced member of the Corps, joining when he was only 10 years old and, over the years has helped the corps in many ways, often being a casualty on numerous training exercises. He became UK Operational a few years ago and has since attended many missions in this country including the Selby Floods and several missing persons searches.

Everyone in the Corps will miss Stuart and we offer our prayers and sincere condolences to the family.