People heading to the NSW snowy mountains this season will be safer on the slopes, thanks to four new state-of-the-art snowmobiles as part of NSW Ambulance's Alpine operations fleet.
The new vehicles can quickly respond to patients who injure themselves or experience a medical episode on the snow fields or in difficult locations in the alpine back country.
The snowmobiles, which replace four older models, are vital for reaching patients who are only accessible over snow.
These vehicles are used alongside the Kassbohrer, which is a large tracked-snowcat that can travel over difficult snow terrain, with the rear of the vehicle fitted-out as a fully operational ambulance that can transport patients.
The Alpine Operations team also use The Hagglund vehicle, currently leased from the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions, as well as 4WD vehicles.
Established in 1986, Perisher Ambulance Station has operated during the ski season for nearly 40 years, with paramedics ready to provide emergency care every day of the week.
The seasonal ambulance station operates each winter, with paramedics responding to patients experiencing a medical emergency, as well as major traumatic injuries including spinal injuries, concussions, broken bones and torn ligaments.
The Alpine Operations team work out of Perisher Ambulance Station from the June long weekend until the October long weekend, as well as from Jindabyne Ambulance Station all year round.
The ski season sees large numbers of people visit the region, with additional paramedics sent to both ambulance stations to cover the significant increase in demand.
Paramedic Amy Long is working her first season at Perisher Ambulance Station but is no stranger to the slopes. An experienced down-hill ski racer, Amy went to boarding school in Jindabyne and has celebrated Christmas at Perisher with her family for over 30 years - experiencing two white Christmases.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"NSW Ambulance have a wide range of vehicles that can travel over snow and difficult terrain in order to quickly reach patients in need.
"These new snowmobiles are a fantastic addition to the fleet and ensure that our Perisher paramedics have the very best equipment at their disposal so they can respond no matter the snow conditions, and no matter the medical emergency."
Quotes attributable to Member for Monaro Steven Whan:
"Our region sees a significant increase in visitors each year throughout the ski season, and with the crowds comes an increased risk of injuries on the ski slopes.
"These new snowmobiles provide our hardworking paramedics with the very best equipment to respond quickly to those in need, and ultimately, save lives."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"People need ambulances no matter what the conditions - rain, hail or shine - or snow. Travelling or working in the snow doesn't stop the range of medical needs that patients experience.
"With snowmobiles and our other specialised vehicles, the Alpine Operations paramedics at Perisher Ambulance Station can access patients quickly to ensure they receive emergency medical care, no matter where they are."
Quotes attributable to Paramedic Amy Long:
"I remember coming to Perisher with school and thinking the paramedics who work there have a great job, and now I get to do it.
"The new snowmobiles are amazing as they enable us to get to patients in the snow fields quickly, and they will also be great when rescuing people in remote areas in the snow."
