Police have been swamped with allegations made by paramedics about their colleagues following the ambulance commissioner's invitation to staff to report criminal conduct to the police.

NSW Ambulance acting chief executive David Dutton wrote to a former paramedic who runs a support group for emergency workers last week encouraging his members to contact him with allegations of misconduct and police with allegations of criminal conduct.

"Some have been physically assaulted, some have had death threats": Steve McDowell. Credit:Dallas Kilponen

The former paramedic, Steve McDowell, had raised concerns with Mr Dutton about systemic bullying within NSW Ambulance and allegations of criminal offences ranging from death threats to rape.

Mr Dutton encouraged paramedics to outline to police the specifics of their allegations.