Emergency medicine across the State is to get a boost as Ambulance Victoria (AV) prepares to welcome four new planes to its air ambulance service.
Announced by Minister for Ambulance Services, Martin Foley, the new aircraft, fitted with high-tech patient care systems, are to replace AV’s current fixed-wing fleet in 2024.
“Fixed-wing aircraft provide a vital link between rural communities and metropolitan health services,” Mr Foley said.
“In 2020/21 the fleet transported 5,065 patients – with most of those trips from regional Victoria to Melbourne,” he said.
“The state-of-the-art aircraft will feature the latest technology and provide additional comfort, safety and care for patients and flight paramedics.”
Mr Foley said each plane would be fitted with the high-tech Stryker stretcher loading system, “which will mean a faster and smoother ride for patients and less risk of injury for paramedics and flight crews”.
The Minister said AV’s air ambulance helicopters had been fitted with the loading system last year, which had reduced the time taken to transfer patients into the aircraft by up to 20 minutes.
Chief Executive Officer of AV, Tony Walker said patients would benefit from a reduction in transfer time between road ambulances and the aircraft, “which in turn helps get our crews back on the road faster”.
“We’re proud to be leading the way when it comes to using innovative technology to provide an exceptional experience for our patients, right across Victoria,” Professor Walker said.
