THE honour of an ambulance service medal has been awarded to Soldiers Point resident Paul Stewart.

The medal recognises Mr Stewart's efforts in promoting better pre-hospital care for heart attack victims.

"I am overwhelmed, I am one of only 180 people who have been awarded this medal," he said.

Mr Stewart has served in the Port ambulance service since 1999 and played a major role in increasing the number of officers at the Nelson Bay station from three to 15.

Mr Stewart now manages a Hunter-wide project that allows paramedics to better deal with cardiac attack victims and reduce damage to their hearts before they get to hospital.

He also submitted a successful application for funding to launch an awareness program in Aboriginal communities.

Mr Stewart said the $90,000 funding was helping paramedics educate Aborigines across NSW about symptoms and signs of coronary problems.