Inquest into the death of Michael WILSON

42y · Male·Extensive blunt trauma injuries sustained during the course of rescuing an injured canyoner

Michael Wilson, an experienced SCAT (Special Casualty Access Team) paramedic, died from extensive blunt trauma injuries sustained during a rescue operation at Bridal Veil Falls on 24 December 2011. A canyoner had fallen and required winching extraction in difficult terrain. The crew developed a complex rescue plan involving modified hi-line procedures and self-belay systems that deviated significantly from standard operating procedures. Critical issues included: poor inter-agency coordination between RCC, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance; lack of ground-based backup despite SCAT protocols recommending redundancy; inadequate planning with unclear belay anchoring and weight-bearing systems; radio communication failures; and deteriorating light conditions. The helicopter crew proceeded despite conditions exceeding operational limits. Wilson became disconnected from the rescue hook during extraction, fell approximately 30 metres onto rocks, and died at the scene. The coroner identified systemic failures in coordination, command and control, communication procedures, and risk management. Recommendations focus on early handover of PLB responses to NSW Police, clarification of helicopter winching operations within emergency legislation, improved inter-agency MOUs, completion of training frameworks, simulator operations, and enhanced equipment protocols.