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Paramedic dies rescuing canyoner

bobic

26-Dec-2011
4:24:06 PM

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/paramedic-swung-into-ravine-and-to-his-death-20111225-1p9lb.html

From today's Sydney Morning Herald

Wendy

26-Dec-2011
6:50:04 PM

This is really tragic stuff and I imagine those who were being rescued are also struggling enormously.

Bugger the expense to the taxpayer complaints about rescues, the best reason for not putting yourself out of your depth or calling rescues before investigating your possibilities for self rescue is that other people are putting their lives at risk to get you out of there, which they are all happy to be doing, but doesn't mean they should be called to do so for less than necessary events.

(PS, I am by no means saying this was an unnecessary rescue call, I have no idea of the details, I am just making a general comment about people doing stupid things like Syrinx in 36 degrees with a hangover and 1/2 litre of water and, surprise, surprise, needing rescue. And that numpty who had 4 major rescues in 1 year).

kieranl

26-Dec-2011
9:38:01 PM

Just tragic. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

BA

27-Dec-2011
10:38:01 AM

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.

Sabu

27-Dec-2011
11:22:25 AM

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.

Dr Nick

27-Dec-2011
1:48:06 PM

Read the SMH story above - there are enough details to get a fair idea of what happened. Sounds like a freak accident. Condolences to family and friends.

IdratherbeclimbingM9

27-Dec-2011
1:49:08 PM

On 26/12/2011 davidn wrote:
>My thoughts and condolences are with his family.

+1

Wendy wrote;
>This is really tragic stuff and I imagine those who were being rescued are also struggling enormously.

Good point. My sympathy goes to the rescued in this scenario also.

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