Dunsborough paramedic humbled by award

Dunsbourgh volunteer officer Stuart Ratcliffe received the Commandery Commendation award from the Chair of the St John board, Sally Carbon, at Government House. Image supplied
Stuart Ratcliffe’s dedication to saving lives has earned him the Commandery Commendation at Government House this April.
Yet, for this humble Dunsborough St John Ambulance volunteer, it remains all about keeping his community safe.
Over the past seven years, Stuart has transformed access to life-saving equipment across the region.
When he began checking local defibrillator availability, he found only two units accessible around the clock.
Today, thanks to his tireless efforts, 49 defibrillators are ready in public locations from Dunsborough to Yallingup, Wilyabrup, and Busselton.
“About seven years ago, I started researching defibrillators in this area,” Stuart told the Mail.
“I found a surprising number, but they weren’t available 24 hours a day. Many were kept within premises and, sadly, quite a lot were seriously neglected.”
The significance of this work recently proved vital when an English tourist suffered cardiac arrest in Dunsborough.
Quick-thinking bystanders accessed a nearby defibrillator and performed CPR, saving the visitor’s life before ambulance crews arrived.
After retiring from the mining industry eight years ago, Stuart sought meaningful ways to use his skills.
“The thought of retirement worried me. I delayed it, then finally did it. But then I began asking, ‘How can I occupy my time using my remaining skills in a worthwhile way?'”
He found his answer with St John Ambulance by joining Dunsborough’s all-volunteer sub-centre.
Unlike Margaret River and Busselton, which combine professional paramedics with volunteers, Dunsborough’s crews consist entirely of dedicated community members.
“We have around 30 volunteers here who deal with all sorts of ambulance requirements, from high-level emergencies to transfers and community events,” Stuart explained.
Working on a roster system, he typically covers weekend shifts; however, the centre operates 24/7 and often supports neighbouring communities when needed.
As a volunteer officer, Stuart took on multiple roles, including recruitment officer and community liaison, bringing ambulances to schools and local fairs.
However, his passion for improving access to defibrillators became his defining mission.
Every three months, he travels hundreds of kilometres in his own car to check each unit’s batteries and operation.
Through Lotterywest grants and community donations, he’s helped place units in accessible locations and replace aging equipment.
“Defibrillators don’t get used often, so they’re easy to forget,” he noted.
“Unlike fire extinguishers, they’re not legally required to be checked. Someone needs to ensure they’re maintained.”

Stuart also conducts free CPR and defibrillator demonstrations for community groups and businesses.
“Many people fear using CPR or defibrillators. We aim to demystify these skills. If someone needs CPR, start straight away – don’t hesitate. That’s how you save lives.”

While honoured by the award he received alongside his wife and son at Government House, Stuart emphasises the broader commitment of all volunteers.
“You don’t do this for pats on the back. You do this because you want to help the community.
“The defibrillators are only part of my work – we respond to everything from cardiac arrests to ocean emergencies and children in need.
“My main role is to listen for that call, rush to the ambulance centre, and help wherever I’m required.”
His latest mission involves spreading the word about the free St. John First Responder app.
“This app can save lives. You must put it on your phone if you don’t have it!
“Not only does it show you the nearest defibrillator, but it also provides comprehensive first aid guides for everything from choking to blue ring octopus stings, and even includes a CPR rhythm metronome.”
The app’s location tracking feature proves invaluable in emergencies.
“Recently, an injured Cape to Cape walker needed help but couldn’t identify her location.
“Through the app’s coordinates, we found her before darkness fell. It’s an invaluable tool for everyone’s phone.”
The First Responder app is available to download from Google Play and the App Store.