Paramedic dies in NSW canyoning rescue

Tragedy struck Ambulance NSW on Christmas Eve when one of their paramedics died trying to rescue an injured canyoner on the NSW south coast.

The NSW Ambulance Service's helicopter rescue had two crew onboard when it was called to a rugged location to save a canyoner late on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.

The paramedic, who had 15 years experience, died during the winching operation at Carrington Falls.

Ambulance Service of NSW Director of Aeromedical and Medical Retrieval Services Ron Manning, told reporters on Christmas Day "it is with sadness that I inform the community of NSW of the death of an Ambulance Service of NSW paramedic overnight while on duty.

"An incident during the winching operation has tragically resulted in the death of one of the paramedics.

"The death is a terrible tragedy for the family and the Ambulance Service of NSW."

The paramedic's name was initially released, at the request of the family.

The canyoner was rescued on Christmas Day and was in a stable condition in hospital on Sunday.

Support for the paramedic's family and colleagues has been provided.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will begin an investigation on Christmas Day, Manning added while NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner offered her condolences to the paramedic's family and colleagues.

Minister Skinner and NSW Ministry of Health Director-General Mary Foley, met senior staff from the Ambulance Service on Christmas morning to extend their condolences.

A statement from Minister Skinner read "this is a very sad and difficult day for the family, friends and colleagues of this most highly regarded paramedic.

"It takes a special kind of person to be a paramedic - one who is prepared to face dangerous situations or unpredictable conditions to save the lives of others - so it is particularly tragic to learn of this incident.

"I understand this is the first time in more than 30 years that a NSW paramedic has been killed on duty and for this to occur on Christmas Day only deepens the pain this family must be feeling."

Dr Foley said the paramedic's family and colleagues would be given full support.

Image: Carrington Falls