Paramedic dies in NSW canyoning rescue

Tragedy has struck Ambulance NSW at Christmas 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 on Christmas Eve.

The paramedic, who had 15 years experience, died during the winching operation at Carrington Falls at about 5pm (AEDT).

"It's with sadness that I inform the community of NSW of the death of an Ambulance Service of NSW paramedic overnight whilst on duty," the director of Aeromedical and Medical Retrieval Services at Ambulance Service of NSW, Ron Manning, told reporters on Christmas Day.

"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 has not been released, at the request of the family.

Rescue teams had decided another winch operation was too dangerous but resumed the rescue the next morning and brought out the canyoner.

The man 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, Mr Manning said.

NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner offered her condolences to the paramedic's family and colleagues.

The family of the paramedic later decided to reveal his identity, the Ambulance Service of NSW said.

He has been named as special casualty access team paramedic Mick Wilson from the Ambulance Helicopter Retrieval Service.

The Ambulance Service has offered its condolences and support to Mick's wife, children and family.

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

"This is a very sad and difficult day for the family, friends and colleagues of this most highly regarded paramedic," Ms Skinner said in statement.

"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 today.

"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.