Paramedic killed on way to emergency farewelled in Mackay memorial

The 32-year-old father was farewelled at a memorial in Mackay on Thursday, two-and-a-half weeks after his death, which was described by an ambulance official as "the most tragic day" for the service.

"The McCulloch & Ball families would like to thank everybody from Queensland Ambulance Service ... and Queensland Police Service ... or their understanding and support," a statement from Mr McCulloch's family said.

"[We] also thank Qantas and Virgin for the compassion shown to us in changing flights and the people that were inconvenienced to accommodate us.

"To the broader Mackay community, we would like to thank you for all the kind words and support.

"It is truly humbling to know in such a short time that Craig touched so many lives and was thought so highly of."

Mr McCulloch left behind a partner and two young children who live on the Gold Coast.

He had almost 10 years experience as a paramedic, having been trained in Queensland before working in London, on the Gold Coast as well as in and around Mackay.

Deputy commissioner Gerard Lawler, who described Mr McCulloch's death as the "most tragic day" for QAS in the aftermath, said the family held a private funeral in Tweed Heads last week.

"It's important the community along with family and paramedics get the opportunity to be with each other and to say goodbye ... to pay tribute to Craig and his work and his contribution to the Mackay community," he said on Thursday.

"The death of a staff member on duty is one of the most challenging aspects of our work.

"The QAS is, in essence, a family ... not only has it affected the paramedics here within Queensland but tributes have come from across Australia and internationally as well."

Mr McCulloch was driving alone in his ambulance when it veered off Mackay-Eungella Road in Benholme, west of Mackay, just after 8am on January 28.

The ambulance rolled several times and hit a tree. Bystanders did what they could to save him before fellow paramedics arrived but they could not save their colleague.

Mr McCulloch had an aunt and uncle in the Mackay region with whom he would stay while he was working and then travel back to the Gold Coast to be with his young family on his days off.

Leading up to the crash, the Mackay area received significant rainfall on the back of a weather system that drenched the state's north, a factor police and the coroner were set to investigate.

Mr Lawler declined to share details of the original medical emergency Mr McCulloch was responding to but gave assurances that other ambulances had continued to the scene.

He said it was common for rural paramedics to be driving solo, with back-up from other vehicles.

- with AAP