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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.
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.
344 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 2, 2025
I’ve often looked into the sky at Westpac Rescue Helicopters and wondered what emergency they were heading towards. Alan Playford was integral to establishing the service and those scenes were his daily life.
From Rwanda to East Timor, house fires and earthquakes – Alan’s memoir, written alongside Penny Keogh, has everything. He’s a natural storyteller, often describing extraordinary moments with quiet modesty. I was gripped from the opening chapter which set the scene for many harrowing stories to come.
“…in the middle of an emergency, bravery doesn’t enter your mind. The only thing that matters is doing the job you signed up for - and doing it well.”
My knowledge of the Rwandan genocide largely stemmed from Hotel Rwanda and learning about it during high school. It was another thing to read Alan’s moving account of delivering medical assistance on the ground. Alan and Penny make the reader feel like they’re there – it’s immersive, tense and often heartbreaking.
“We always seemed to arrive too late. That sentiment has echoed across much of the Western world’s reflection on Rwanda. It remains a stain on the humanitarian ideals we claim to uphold.”
I was continually amazed at the resilience and courage shown by those working in Rwanda. Horror scenes filled the pages – when I thought atrocities couldn’t get worse, they somehow did. The level of human suffering was immense.
Many scenes will stay with me – such as the boy missing a leg in the triage line. Heartwarming moments provided welcome relief from the turmoil – Alan visiting the gorillas in Rwanda, the friendship he shared with Joachim in Timor and the uplifting survival story of young Joseph. Alan later displays an impressive level of self-awareness, honesty and vulnerability when talking about the challenges adjusting to life post-Rwanda.
“For most of us who bore witness, we have spent our lives since doing all we can to avoid speaking of it. Yet, silence has never erased the images burned into our minds.”
Closer to home, Alan’s account of the Newcastle earthquake placed the reader on the ground amongst the rubble and fight for survival. It gave me greater appreciation for the life and death decisions that first responders make each day. Meanwhile, the Canberra bushfires were an adrenaline fuelled chapter that showcased both the heroics and physical toll that comes with service in apocalyptic scenes.
Through the Rubble is a remarkable look at those who give so much of themselves for others, tending to them in their darkest hours. Alan’s story exemplifies triumph over trauma and will no doubt linger in the minds of readers.
“The memories of near-misses - and of those we couldn’t save - never fade. But I don’t want them to. They remind me why I keep going.”
Many thanks to Big Sky Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From Rwanda to East Timor, house fires and earthquakes – Alan’s memoir, written alongside Penny Keogh, has everything. He’s a natural storyteller, often describing extraordinary moments with quiet modesty. I was gripped from the opening chapter which set the scene for many harrowing stories to come.
“…in the middle of an emergency, bravery doesn’t enter your mind. The only thing that matters is doing the job you signed up for - and doing it well.”
My knowledge of the Rwandan genocide largely stemmed from Hotel Rwanda and learning about it during high school. It was another thing to read Alan’s moving account of delivering medical assistance on the ground. Alan and Penny make the reader feel like they’re there – it’s immersive, tense and often heartbreaking.
“We always seemed to arrive too late. That sentiment has echoed across much of the Western world’s reflection on Rwanda. It remains a stain on the humanitarian ideals we claim to uphold.”
I was continually amazed at the resilience and courage shown by those working in Rwanda. Horror scenes filled the pages – when I thought atrocities couldn’t get worse, they somehow did. The level of human suffering was immense.
Many scenes will stay with me – such as the boy missing a leg in the triage line. Heartwarming moments provided welcome relief from the turmoil – Alan visiting the gorillas in Rwanda, the friendship he shared with Joachim in Timor and the uplifting survival story of young Joseph. Alan later displays an impressive level of self-awareness, honesty and vulnerability when talking about the challenges adjusting to life post-Rwanda.
“For most of us who bore witness, we have spent our lives since doing all we can to avoid speaking of it. Yet, silence has never erased the images burned into our minds.”
Closer to home, Alan’s account of the Newcastle earthquake placed the reader on the ground amongst the rubble and fight for survival. It gave me greater appreciation for the life and death decisions that first responders make each day. Meanwhile, the Canberra bushfires were an adrenaline fuelled chapter that showcased both the heroics and physical toll that comes with service in apocalyptic scenes.
Through the Rubble is a remarkable look at those who give so much of themselves for others, tending to them in their darkest hours. Alan’s story exemplifies triumph over trauma and will no doubt linger in the minds of readers.
“The memories of near-misses - and of those we couldn’t save - never fade. But I don’t want them to. They remind me why I keep going.”
Many thanks to Big Sky Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2025
As a former intensive care paramedic who trained around the same time as Alan, I was immediately drawn to his book. Normally, I avoid ambulance memoirs — too often I’ve been disappointed by them — but seeing 'Scoop’s' story, I decided to give it a chance. I’m so glad I did.
Having written my own ambulance memoir (You Must See Some Terrible Things, 1999), I was curious to see how our experiences compared. While my stations were in Sydney and Alan’s were mostly in Newcastle, we shared the same world of high-stakes calls, quiet moments of humanity, and the unspoken bond of those who serve on the front line.
I’ve always thought I’d led an eventful life, but Alan makes me look positively sedentary. His story is brimming with energy, humour, heartbreak, and above all, humility. It’s a book that celebrates leadership, bravery, and the enduring spirit of service.
I’m not a fast reader, so I was surprised to find myself 100 pages in on the first day. The writing is gripping — authentic, vivid, and deeply moving.
One of the elements that resonated most with me was Alan’s work in Rwanda during the 1994 humanitarian crisis, a period that claimed nearly a million lives in the genocide. In another book I co-authored with Dr Andrew Browning, A Doctor in Africa, we explored similar ground — Andrew’s experiences treating those caught in the tragedy. Alan’s account brought that horror back to life with honesty and compassion. It’s harrowing reading at times, but utterly compelling.
This is an extraordinary book that shines a light on courage and kindness in the darkest of circumstances.
As Alan writes at the end, “I hope that by sharing my story, I’ve inspired you to give something of yourself to others. Service is not a sacrifice – it’s a privilege.”
What a better world we would live in if more people embraced that philosophy. Being a Christian, it brought to mind Jesus' desire for us all to love others as He loves us.
Five stars — not only for the book, but for the remarkable man behind it, Al “Scoop” Playford.
Having written my own ambulance memoir (You Must See Some Terrible Things, 1999), I was curious to see how our experiences compared. While my stations were in Sydney and Alan’s were mostly in Newcastle, we shared the same world of high-stakes calls, quiet moments of humanity, and the unspoken bond of those who serve on the front line.
I’ve always thought I’d led an eventful life, but Alan makes me look positively sedentary. His story is brimming with energy, humour, heartbreak, and above all, humility. It’s a book that celebrates leadership, bravery, and the enduring spirit of service.
I’m not a fast reader, so I was surprised to find myself 100 pages in on the first day. The writing is gripping — authentic, vivid, and deeply moving.
One of the elements that resonated most with me was Alan’s work in Rwanda during the 1994 humanitarian crisis, a period that claimed nearly a million lives in the genocide. In another book I co-authored with Dr Andrew Browning, A Doctor in Africa, we explored similar ground — Andrew’s experiences treating those caught in the tragedy. Alan’s account brought that horror back to life with honesty and compassion. It’s harrowing reading at times, but utterly compelling.
This is an extraordinary book that shines a light on courage and kindness in the darkest of circumstances.
As Alan writes at the end, “I hope that by sharing my story, I’ve inspired you to give something of yourself to others. Service is not a sacrifice – it’s a privilege.”
What a better world we would live in if more people embraced that philosophy. Being a Christian, it brought to mind Jesus' desire for us all to love others as He loves us.
Five stars — not only for the book, but for the remarkable man behind it, Al “Scoop” Playford.
September 5, 2025
As President of the Australian Bravery Association, I have the privilege of reading and listening to many accounts of bravery. Few, however, capture the essence of service and resilience as powerfully as Through the Rubble, the memoir of Alan Playford, written with Penny Keogh.
A Life Forged in Crisis
Alan Playford’s life was not defined by one act of bravery, but by a lifetime of turning up when others could not. The book begins with the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, where Alan’s rescue of Norm Duffy from the Workers Club rubble became an enduring image of Australian courage. Yet as this story makes clear, that moment was only the beginning of a career shaped by commitment to others, regardless of the dangers or personal cost.
The Evolution of Paramedicine and Service
Readers are taken on a journey through the transformation of paramedicine in Australia, where Alan was instrumental in establishing the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in 1979. From there, his path led beyond our shores—into Rwanda, East Timor, and the Solomon Islands—where he witnessed humanity at its most fragile, yet also its most resilient. His service with Aspen Medical in some of the harshest environments on earth underlines his unyielding dedication to preserving life.
Calm in the Midst of Chaos
Domestically, Alan’s role during the 2003 Canberra bushfires together with his police colleagues and with the Special Casualty Access Team demonstrates the quiet professionalism and composure that are the hallmarks of true bravery. These chapters remind us that courage is not only found on foreign battlefields but also in the service of communities here at home.
Humanity Behind the Hero
What makes this book especially compelling is the collaboration with Penny Keogh. Her ability to draw out Alan’s story gives voice to the man behind the uniform—his humility, his struggles with the weight of memory, and his deep sense of duty. It is a reminder that those who act with bravery also carry burdens that are often unseen.
Why This Story Matters
Through the Rubble is more than a memoir of one man’s life. It is a tribute to the quiet, continuous acts of bravery that underpin our society. Alan Playford embodies the principle that bravery is not a single moment—it is a way of living, defined by service, endurance, and the determination to step forward in the darkest of times.
Final Reflections
This book will resonate with anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or admired acts of bravery. For members of the Bravery Family and for the broader Australian community, Through the Rubble is a reminder that true heroism lies not in recognition but in action—actions that save lives, inspire others, and leave an indelible mark on our nation’s story.
Peter White ML MBE OAM MCS
National President
Australian Bravery Association
www.forbravery.org.au
September 24, 2025
Got it! Let’s add more detail and keep it specific to Alan's story. Here's a revised version:
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A Remarkable Life Well-Lived
Alan’s memoir is a powerful testament to a life full of adventure, courage, and authenticity. He’s lived a life many would envy—filled with unforgettable experiences and moments of extraordinary bravery. From the Newcastle earthquake to the atrocities of Rhawanda Alan proves that good people, capable of great acts, still exist in the world. His story is not just inspiring but also a reminder that sometimes the most incredible lives are the ones led with purpose and heart. If you’re looking for a book that showcases true resilience and a life well-lived, this is a must-read.
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A Remarkable Life Well-Lived
Alan’s memoir is a powerful testament to a life full of adventure, courage, and authenticity. He’s lived a life many would envy—filled with unforgettable experiences and moments of extraordinary bravery. From the Newcastle earthquake to the atrocities of Rhawanda Alan proves that good people, capable of great acts, still exist in the world. His story is not just inspiring but also a reminder that sometimes the most incredible lives are the ones led with purpose and heart. If you’re looking for a book that showcases true resilience and a life well-lived, this is a must-read.
September 10, 2025
I finished the first chapter of this book with tears in my eyes and I could not wait to read the rest of Alan 's life experiences. I was not disappointed!! Penny Keough 's writing talent powerfully brings to life what Paramedics just like Alan Playford endure in their daily lives and how fortunate our society is that people like him fought for the advancements in Paramedicine that we have today
This book is a must read and follows the heroic life and events which led Alan Playford to be the most decorated civilian in Australia.
David and Linda Hughes
This book is a must read and follows the heroic life and events which led Alan Playford to be the most decorated civilian in Australia.
David and Linda Hughes
September 7, 2025
Great insight to an ordinary man who’s lived an extraordinary life. The sacrifice, the drive and the commitment to help others that has left remarkable, poignant and traumatic memories that have since shaped his life. Gives the reader a real insight to both the history and lives of paramedics.
October 3, 2025
Great read. Alan epitomises bravery and humility. Fascinating insight into situations far beyond my reality.
Alan has made an extraordinary difference to the thousands of lives he has touched and his story is compelling.
Alan has made an extraordinary difference to the thousands of lives he has touched and his story is compelling.
September 8, 2025
A powerful, compassionate memoir — beautifully told and important. A raw and unforgettable story of one man's experiences in extreme circumstances.
September 12, 2025
What an amazing story! Could not put the book down , the author is a great story writer! A must read!👍
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews