‘Cats would envy Alan Playford. Nine lives are not enough to cover this life that is so rich in experiences‘ – General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd)
‘It is a story of selfless service both at home and abroad. It is a story about giving … and giving again …’
Alan Playford has lived an extraordinary life of service, courage, and quiet heroism—long before the day he crawled from the rubble of the Newcastle Workers Club during the devastating 1989 earthquake. That moment, captured in headlines around the world, saw Alan hailed as a national hero after rescuing Norm Duffy from beneath the debris. But for those who knew him, it was just one chapter in a far greater story.
Known as ‘Scoop’ among colleagues, Alan had already played a crucial role in transforming the ambulance service in Australia—modernising equipment, advocating for change and helping to establish helicopter rescue operations. His vision and determination were reshaping the very practice of paramedicine.
Yet his most defining experiences came far from home. Alan served on the frontlines of some of the world’s most harrowing humanitarian crises—in East Timor, the Solomon Islands, and most searingly, Rwanda. The five months he spent amid the aftermath of genocide changed him forever. The things he witnessed haunted him, reshaped him, and deepened his understanding of trauma, loss, and what it truly means to serve.
Still, he pushed on.
Despite the nightmares, despite the weight of what he carried, Alan remained a steady presence in the darkest of hours—most notably during domestic crises like the 2003 Canberra bushfires, where his calm leadership under pressure earned him one of the country’s highest honours.
This is the story of a man who has given—and given again. It honours not only Alan’s lifetime of service but the countless medics, rescuers, and volunteers who have stood beside him. It is a deeply human account of bravery, trauma, and resilience—and a powerful reminder of the quiet strength found in those who choose, again and again, to show up when the world is at its worst.
‘… That our nation chose to honour Alan with the Star of Courage speaks not only to his actions but is a reflection on all those who serve our community and keep us safe’ – General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd)
Interview with Richard Fidler on ABC National’s Conversation Program. Listen here
Rowan MacDonald – Goodreads –
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.
Patrick –
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.
Peter White –
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.
Anthony –
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.
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.
Kate Brown –
reat 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.
Chris Keating –
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.
Zoe W –
Wow this book blew me away. It was fast paced and action filled, you honestly can’t believe some of the places Alan finds himself! I hope more people read this book, he’s an everyday hero. What Australia and the world would have missed if he hadn’t found the Ambo’s!