The report questioned the future of RotorlinkChr(39)s Central West Rescue Helicopter Service, and the funds of sponsors, following efforts to launch a similar project in northern Tasmania.

The report alleged Rotorlink director and chief pilot Stuart Caton made a series of unsubstantiated claims to health and rescue professionals during a meeting at DevonportChr(39)s Mersey Hospital in June.

Among them, that he had secured 8000 members for his central west operation, was an experienced ambulance officer and enjoyed a "close relationship" with Dubbo Base Hospital.

Author of the report, Tasmanian ambulance chief Grant Lennox, claimed Mr Caton was also forced into a number of embarrassing admissions including the fact he operated one (at Dubbo) and not three rescue services and had never personally participated in a rescue.

Mr Lennox, who filed his report with the Tasmanian health minister, said he became worried about the future of the Dubbo service after Mr Caton revealed plans to "relocate" his operations to rural Victoria, Devonport or Emerald in Queensland.

"Of particular concern to me is the financial viability of his current helicopter venture in Dubbo," he said yesterday. "I believe the voracity of each and every statement made by Mr Caton should be thoroughly checked.

"My own very basic research, based on the meeting in Devonport, has revealed a great deal of cause for alarm about funds raised in local communities to support a service which is of dubious financial viability."

Since allegations about Rotorlink first emerged the Daily Liberal has learned Mr Caton has no official links with Dubbo Base Hospital, NSW Health or the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).

A contract to train air crew for the ACT SouthCare helicopter rescue service, and referred to by Mr Caton in a company profile, was terminated because of equipment failure on the Rotorlink chopper.

The NSW Ambulance Service revealed Mr Caton was not an experienced ex-ambulance officer and had served "no longer than 12 months".

The RFS is now reviewing an accreditation application by the pilot following recent allegations in State Parliament and the fact the rescue service is currently without an aircraft.

Mr Caton could not be contacted yesterday but revealed in an earlier interview the rescue chopper had been "stood down" and he was currently in the process of obtaining an interim helicopter until a new model arrived. He also denied making any statement about membership numbers to the Devonport meeting.

Last week NSW health minister Craig Knowles warned the Government could not vouch for the safety of people who used the Rotorlink rescue service. A Melbourne-based university frequently linked with the service also moved to sever any ties.

Andrew Naunton, one of two young paramedics linked with Mr CatonChr(39)s bid to establish a helicopter rescue service in Tasmania, said he felt physically sick by the end of the Devonport meeting.

"It was particularly distressing to see what this fellow had done with the greatest moment of my life - heChr(39)d turned it into a nightmare," he said.

"I learned more about him that day than I had in all the months weChr(39)d been working together. In retrospect I guess I was a bit naive."

Mr Naunton said in his first telephone conversation with Mr Caton he was told Rotorlink operated aircraft in four states. He said he was also given the distinct impression the Dubbo service had been up and running since Easter.