Emergency services rescue operation, NSW

Emergency services have safely rescued a man who fell from a cliff while abseiling in the Central Tablelands.

About 12.30pm yesterday (Saturday 23 November 2019), police attended the Kanangra Boyd National Park following two Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activations.

Officers from Chifley Police District were advised a 37-year-old man had fallen about 10 metres while abseiling. He was in company with two women – aged 27 and 31.

A joint search and rescue operation was launched involving Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, and the NSW State Emergency Service, with paramedics winched by helicopter to the group’s location, while other ground crews abseiled down or walked in.

It was established that the man had been stung by a wasp, which caused him to suffer an anaphylactic reaction, which is believed to have caused the fall.

The man was stabilised and treated for bruising and swelling of his head, a fracture to his leg, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung.

After poor weather conditions hampered attempts for an extraction via helicopter, a decision was made to suspend the operation. The rescue team was provided additional resources for an overnight stay.

The operation recommenced today (Sunday 24 November 2019), and the group were walked out a short time ago with the assistance of the rescue teams.

The man has been taken to Oberon, where he will be airlifted to Westmead Hospital for further treatment. He remains is a serious but stable condition.

Senior officers from Chifley Police District would like to commend all parties involved in the successful search and rescue operation.

/Public Release. View in full here.