NSW:Paramedic dies during canyoning rescue

AAP General News (Australia)
12-25-2011
NSW:Paramedic dies during canyoning rescue

EDS: Reissuing to fix keyword



SYDNEY, Dec 25 AAP - A NSW paramedic has died trying to rescue an injured canyoner
on the NSW south coast.

The paramedic died during the rescue at Carrington Falls after being called to rugged
location about 5pm (AEDT) on Saturday.

The NSW Ambulance Service's helicopter rescue crew tried to save the man just before
sunset using a winch when the paramedic died.

Rescue teams decided another winch operation was too dangerous and abandoned the rescue.

Emergency teams were on the scene on Sunday trying to rescue the canonyer and to recover
the body.

Another canonyer is believed to be in the area.

A spokeswoman for the NSW Ambulance service said: "This death is, first and foremost,
a tragedy for the family and also a tragedy for us.

"The Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will
commence an investigation into this accident. NSW Ambulance will cooperate fully."

The paramedic's name has not been released yet but his family has been informed.

More details will be released later on Sunday.

AAP mat/jel

KEYWORD: CANYONING (REISSUING)

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