Paul Featherstone is a unique individual who spent over 40 years perfecting skills in the recovery and care of people in life threatening situations, placing his own life at risk on countless occasions in order to save the lives of others.

Joining the NSW Ambulance Service in 1972, Paul pioneered the Ambulance Service’s acclaimed Paramedic system in 1976. He conceived and developed the Special Casualty Access Team (S.C.A.T.) in 1986 and until his retirement in 2013 was a team leader in developing patient access methods and high levels of care under hostile environments.

Paul’s broad experience positioned him as a specialist in situations where lives were at stake. Situations where perfect planning, quick assessment and responses are critical for the prevention of injury. In situations where injuries have occurred, Paul is skilled and equipped to access, treat, recover and transport injured individuals whether by foot, road, air or sea.

Paul developed unique training methods in high-risk areas based on “real world” experience, with strong emphasis on self-motivation and teamwork. This is where Paul focused a great deal of his time and energy as a SCAT instructor in order to pass on his vast knowledge and skills in the training of new team members.

Twice the recipient of the Ambulance Service’s highest award for bravery, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Australian Bravery Medal, the Humane Society’s Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals, Prince Phillip Helicopter Rescue Award and the Ambulance Service Medal as part of the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honour List.

Paul has also been honoured as 2007 Sutherland Shire Citizen of the Year and has been an Australia Day Ambassador for the last seven years.

Major Emergency Events In addition to regular Paramedic duties, Paul has played a role in aiding multiple victims from the following major emergencies.