International Rescue Corps

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The International Rescue Corps is a volunteer organization involved in disaster rescue, based in the United Kingdom.

It is an independent (i.e. non-governmental funded) United Nations registered disaster rescue service with an accredited UK Open College qualification in Urban Search and Rescue. Being a charity, the IRC is supported entirely by donations from the public and sponsorship from industry. IRC members are unpaid volunteers and all the IRC's services are provided free of charge - the Corps' aim is purely to save life. The group takes its name from the philanthropic rescue specialists in the TV series Thunderbirds. That show's creator, Gerry Anderson, was made honorary president of the IRC around the time of its formation.

The Corps was formed in 1981 in the aftermath of a major Italian earthquake and became operational in 1985; it has since undertaken numerous missions at home and across the world. In many cases, missions are co-operative efforts working alongside other agencies both nationally and internationally.

Volunteers come from all walks of life. Initially, the Corps tended to just attract members of the emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) but today they also include a website designer, a union representative, a management consultant, NHS Managers, engineers and joiners - and many others.

To carry out the Corps' role, operational members are required to satisfactorily complete a three year training programme through the UK National Open College Network. Training consists of learning about earthquakes, specialist SAR (search and rescue) equipment, building construction, medical aid and casualty handling, boat handling, advanced rope skills, orienteering and map reading, helicopter coordination, humanitarian logistics and communications. Following the first year of training the member is able to participate in local and national missions in a support role; only after the full three years (with extensive assessments) will he/she be able to participate in overseas missions. They will then have one of the few recognised qualifications in Urban Search and Rescue in Europe.

The IRC is continually seeking to expand its expertise to cope with the wide range of prospective disaster scenarios. Even though independent, the Corps is frequently mobilised as part of the British search and rescue response coordinated by the Department for International Development (DFID), which becomes the umbrella organisation, effectively coordinating the command, control and logistics of the teams in affected areas.

The IRC is also part of the UK International Search and Rescue Group (UKISARG).

Equipment taken by the team will vary according to the nature of the disaster. Principal items include thermal image cameras, sound detectors, fibre optic probes, portable generators and lights, cutting equipment, tents, fifteen days supply of food and water purification equipment, thus allowing the team to operate without imposing any additional strain on the host country. Satellite communication systems enables the Corps provide a reconnaissance and co-ordination service for the United Nations (UN) and other agencies if requested.

Over the last 25 years IRC has undertaken a variety of work both in the UK and abroad. Overseas missions include several earthquakes, hurricanes and subsequent floods, mudslides and logistical / aid work, whilst UK missions include gas explosions, terrorist attacks, train crashes, highline rescues, missing person searches and floods.