A cool vehicle has been added to Ambulance Victoria's fleet, taking patient care on the ski fields to new heights.
Specifically designed for snow conditions, the "Can-Am Oversnow Ambulance" is the first of its kind in Australia.
Stationed at Falls Creek for this year's ski season, the vehicle has been rigorously tested for almost 12 months.
Ambulance Victoria Hume region Area Manager Rob Heaslip, who helped with the design, said it's a game-changer for those injured on the slopes.
"AV already had an effective fleet of transport for the snow, including Ski-Dos and four-wheel drives, but the addition of the 'Can-Am Oversnow Ambulance' will help provide the best care," he said.
"This all-rounder increases the effectiveness of AV resources and is specifically targeted at patients who are seriously injured."
He said critical patients were previously transported in a sled behind Ski-Dos, which was a challenge for care and comfort.
"Now they can be effectively treated and stabilised while being accommodated in an enclosed stretcher."
Excited about the prospect of this multi-functional vehicle, AV is building a further two, which will be located at Mt Buller and Mt Hotham in time for the 2023 ski season.
