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Paramedic dies rescuing canyoner 27-Dec-2011 At 11:22:25 AM Sabu

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On 27/12/2011 BA wrote:
>ABC news said last night that the winch "cable was cut". Purposefully?
>Accidentally? There is apparently a back story that will probably take
>some time to become public.

I know from a family member who used to be in a mountain rescue group, that when a chopper for whatever reason loses stability or lift while the winch is being used there is (was) a mechanism to cut the cable allowing the chopper to perform an emergency dive in order to regain lift.

Now I have no idea whether this procedure still occurs in rescue scenarios (perhaps someone more familiar might be able to correct/clarify) but your comment reminded me of that.

Either way this is a terrible accident and I agree with Wendy that this is a tragic reminder that when calling for a rescue those responding are risking their own lives in order to help you.