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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.

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Large Donation

Following its work with Strathclyde Fire Brigade at Stockline Factory disaster, IRC have been donated seven thousand pounds by the brigade.  It is anticipated that the money will go towards the purchase of a new IRC ambulance – this will help the corps transport its equipment and personnel when requested.

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Life of Grime

One of our Scottish members who works for the City of Edinburgh Council as a Team Leader Environmental Warden is currently taking part in the new series of Life of Grime. 
The work of environmental health is the basis for the TV programme but IRC will be receiving some coverage due to the link.  Watch out for the new series next April / May.

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Heinz comes up trumps

Heinz Soup have been running a film competition for schools and colleges.  The idea is for them to make a short 3 min video and they will place them on the web site below. The winner will be the film most people voted for.  Cumbernauld used the IRC ambulance in the film they made.  It can be viewed on www.heinz.co.uk/soupcupshorts; its name is "go rallying".

The film short which wins will be shown on national TV.  Please view and vote.  It was number one at the last visit.

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Still for Sale

T-shirts, baseball caps and pens are for sale:-
T-shirts = £8
Baseball caps = £5
IRC pens = £1
Anyone interested in buying any of these please contact Julie Ryan - details below.
(NB: a postage fee will be charged if appropriate)

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Don’t forget our new promotional video and new brochure

A new 12 minute promotional video is now available to promote the work and ongoing dedication of IRC. Members are able to use this for talks and lectures.

A new brochure has been printed also. This can be downloaded on the ‘download’ section of the web site www.intrescue.org.

Anyone wishing a hard copy of the brochure or a copy of the video (available in CDROM, DVD and VHS formats) please contact Julie Ryan - details below.
(NB: a postage fee will be charged if appropriate)

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Fundraising

Giving talks still remains one of our main fundraising activities. Requests are still coming in for talks mainly for next year. So if anyone is interested in hearing about the work of the corps and individual experiences then please contact me below and I will arrange someone to attend.

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In the next edition

Experiences from the big day.

If anyone has any more news please feel free to send me your article for the next edition!
Julie Ryan – National Press Officer
press@intrescue.org
07786 881908

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