
At the moment that Alan Playford emerged from the dusty rubble of concrete at the Newcastle Workers Club just behind Norm Duffy, Alan became a national identity. The shockwaves of the Newcastle Earthquake reverberated into the souls of a nation in mourning. Norm’s rescue the panacea for a vulnerability laid bare. In the news coverage that circled the world, Alan embodied every bit the symbol of the fearless paramedics whose lives inspire our curiosity and admiration.
For the paramedic they call ‘Scoop’ this was just part of the job. To those who know him best though, it might seem this was his destiny. In a career led before and since, Alan has been at the heart of defining moments of Australian history and global conflict that would forever change the practice of paramedicine and save the lives of millions.
Now, Alan Playford tells his gripping story at the forefront, from his beginnings during the controversial first days of paramedicine in Australia and his battle to reimagine the ambulance service and help launch helicopter rescue in Australia. A lifetime of service followed on the frontline of war zones in Rwanda, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, to the life-threatening moments of the Canberra bushfires which earned him the highest of bravery honours.
In this inspirational and thrilling account of a life of service, Alan tells of the spirit of courage in the face of death and carnage that forsakes his own health to save others’. In finding your purpose beyond yourself to fight the good fight against those who would pursue selfish and harmful ends.
Through The Rubble is a compelling portrait of the depths and heights of humanity, as told through the enduring strength of a man whose life has been well lived.
From the publishers of 'Murder in the Pacific' and 'The Sherrin' comes another compelling biography. Big Sky Publishing an Australian owned, independent publisher of non-fiction books in the genres of military history, lifestyle, biography
In a career spanning 5 decades, Newcastle, NSW, based paramedic, Alan Playford, has seen it all. At the forefront in the early days of the paramedics, and the NSW Ambulance helicopter rescue, to the Newcastle Earthquake and war zones across the world, Alan's story is one of hope and humanity in the most extreme of emergencies.
Alan’s story is told alongside business writer and journalist Penny Keogh. Penny’s meeting with Alan while writing the NSW Ambulance commemorative 125 year anniversary book led to a friendship which inspired this book. Over three years the pair pieced together Alan’s story.
Be the first to buy the book. Release date in July 2025. We'll let you know when the book is our and ready for purchase online.
For inquiries about the book, please use the form to contact us. Alan and Penny thank you for your interest, and we will do my best to get back to you soon!
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