A STUDENT from San Diego who was hiking in the Carnarvon George was winched to safety yesterday after a rock ledge he was sitting on gave way.

The 23-year-old, who is on exchange at the University of Queensland, was exploring the gorge with friends when the accident occurred.

He was taking a break on the ledge when it disappeared from under him.

He fell about 30 metres sustaining a suspected broken left leg.

He was carried by stretcher by his colleges and the park ranger to a more suitable winching location.

Once the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue chopper was on scene the intensive care paramedic and rescue crewman were winched into the location to stabilise the patient before he was winched into the aircraft.

The helicopter then flew to Rolleston where the SES utilised the stored fuel drum stock, allowing the helicopter crew to transport the patient to Rockhampton for further treatment.