IRC members are unpaid volunteers and all services are provided free of charge – the organisation's sole aim is to save life.

The IRC is named after the fictional emergency response organisation International Rescue in the Gerry Anderson TV series Thunderbirds.

To carry out the IRC's role, operational members are required to satisfactorily complete a three-year training programme through the UK National Open College Network.

Principal items include thermal imaging cameras, sound detectors, fibre-optic probes, portable generators and lights, cutting equipment, tents, 15 days' supply of food and water purification equipment, enabling the IRC to operate without drawing on the resources of the host country.

Satellite communication systems enable the organisation to provide a reconnaissance and coordination service for the UN and other agencies if requested.