Through the Rubble: From Earthquakes to War Zones. A Story of Survival and Service

An unforgettable life of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience.

In Through the Rubble, Alan Playford recounts his extraordinary life, marked by the dramatic moment he emerged from the wreckage of the Newcastle Workers Club during the 1989 earthquake. Alan became a national hero after rescuing Norm Duffy from beneath the rubble. In news coverage that circled the globe, Alan embodied the courage and determination of paramedics whose lives inspire admiration.

For the paramedic known as 'Scoop,' this was simply another day on the job. To those who know him best, it was his destiny. Alan has been at the heart of defining moments in Australian history and global conflict, moments that forever changed the practice of paramedicine and saved millions of lives.

This gripping memoir traces Alan’s remarkable career, from his early struggles to modernise the ambulance service and launch helicopter rescue in Australia, to his life-saving work in global conflict zones. Alan served on the frontlines in Rwanda, East Timor, and the Solomon Islands, providing aid in dangerous environments and rescuing countless lives from the brink of death.

A pioneer in the field, in 1989 Alan founded the Westpac helicopter service, which has since been integral in saving lives nationally. His bravery continued during domestic crises like the 2003 Canberra bushfires, where his calm under pressure earned him Australia’s highest honours.

Alan shares dramatic moments of heroism and the emotional toll of a career spent on the frontlines. He reveals the psychological burdens borne by those who serve, offering a deep look into the personal sacrifices made to protect others. This memoir is both a thrilling account of one man’s life of service and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable odds.

Alan Playford’s Through the Rubble offers an unforgettable portrait of a true hero—someone whose courage, compassion, and determination have shaped paramedicine and saved countless lives, both in Australia and around the world.