Dedication, determination, decisiveness, diligence and duty – all fundamental elements of emergency service; and all elements Paul Featherston consistently applied throughout his 41 year career with NSW Ambulance, plus 12 years of voluntary Service however, Paul is adamant there is another very important ingredient to service, “comprehensive care” - “When one life is in danger, many lives are changed – the victim, their loved ones and the ones who step in”. Joining the NSW Ambulance Service in 1972, Paul has perfected his skills in rescue and recovery and emerged very early in his career as an outstanding trainer and leader. Paul pioneered the Ambulance Service’s acclaimed paramedic system, drove advanced medical care training and logistics; and conceived and developed the Service’s Special Casualty Access Team (expert response capability in hostile environments, where access presents further danger to victims and rescuers); and went on to deliver specialist training in water, cave, cliff, air/helicopter and entrapment rescue underpinned by technical excellence, teamwork, self-motivation and compassion. Paul has had the privilege of working on joint operations and exercises with an array of our dedicated emergency services personnel, including NSW Police, NSW Fire and Rescue, the State Emergency Service, the Rural Fire Service (of which he is also a volunteer member); and numerous interstate and international rescue and government bodies. Paul has also developed and delivered training for professional volunteer and community groups. Through it all, whether doing the rescuing or training front-line responders and leaders, Paul has lived by the creed that “everyone matters”, “you are faced with trauma, fear and isolation; you are the hope the victim and the family cling to and you are the support the rescue crew so much deserves”. Paul has had a decorated service, he amassed ten awards and commendations for bravery and distinguished service, including 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 since 2007.