Yup, here's the sad human side of it. met a few of these guys, sometimes at the business end where i have had to call them in, no where near as many as Nigel and John have, but one cannot go away from such encounters without being affected by their zest for life, enthusiasm, professionalism and clear eyed judgement.
I would take care though in believing the details in the gospel according to our ABC.
tet
Black box analysed in paramedic death probe
Posted December 28, 2011 20:52:58
Photo: Mike Wilson and his wife Kellie. (ABC)
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Related Story: Investigators probe paramedic's canyon death
Related Story: Wife pays tribute to dead paramedic
Map: Carrington 2324
Investigators expect a preliminary report within 30 days into the death of a paramedic on the New South Wales south coast.
Elite ambulance officer Mike Wilson, 41, was being winched down to an injured canyoner at Carrington Falls near Wollongong on Christmas Eve when he died.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman Stuart Godley says officials are analysing black boxes from the rescue helicopter before releasing their findings.
"The preliminary report will be out within 30 days of the accident and that will have all the preliminary findings so far, and the final report will come out within 12 months," he said.
On Monday Mr Wilson's wife and a paramedic colleague paid tribute to the "inspirational" and "incredibly committed" father of three.
His colleague, Greg Kirk, suggested Mr Wilson's line had to be cut because the helicopter became at risk during the operation.
It is understood Mr Wilson was injured before the winch line was cut and that he fell onto rocks below.
"If the aircraft is under risk then it is part of the policy of the aircraft that the winch cable will be cut," Mr Kirk said.
Mr Wilson had been a paramedic for 15 years and had received awards for his work.