Adult Retrieval Victoria (ARV) is part of Ambulance Victoria and provides clinical coordination, retrieval and critical care services.
Adult critical care advice and bed access
Retrieval of critical adult patients
Victorian adult major trauma advice and referral
About Us
Who we are
ARV is a department of Ambulance Victoria and provides clinical coordination, retrieval and critical care services. The service has a 24-hour phone line (1300 36 86 61), through which clinicians can request advice and/or a retrieval. For routine ARV referrals, clinicians can refer to ARV electronically via REACH – https://reach.vic.gov.au
What we do
Our Crews
ARV uses a mixed model of retrieval crewing, with paramedics, critical care nurses and physicians working together to provide the right level of care for every patient. Our doctors are emergency physicians, anaesthetists or intensivists and are always teamed with paramedics. Many ARV retrievals are performed by highly qualified and experienced MICA, MICA Flight paramedics and Flight paramedics.
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Careers
There are a number of different roles available at Adult Retrieval Victoria.
Registrars
ARV employs advanced registrars in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics or Intensive Care for six-month, full-time positions at our metro base commencing February and August each year. Reporting to the ARV Clinical Lead, the primary role of these positions is to provide advanced clinical care during acute inter-hospital transfer of critically ill patients.
Consultants
Critical care consultants (Emergency, Intensive Care, Anaesthetics) are employed in coordination and retrieval roles. Comprehensive induction is provided and roles require a commitment of at least one shift per week.
Administrative Support Officers
ARV employs administrative staff in call taking and office support roles. Retrieval Administration Support Officers (RASOs) are involved in acute case management, providing assistance to our consultant coordinators.
View Current Positions
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Referral
Case Enquiries and Requests
All clinical enquiries and requests for service (via phone or internet) go straight to ARV’s call takers,), who obtain basic case information then connect the caller with an ARV physician critical care coordinator.
E Referral
Refer to ARV electronically via REACH for routine ARV referrals: https://reach.vic.gov.au (no login required).
The e-referral form can be completed by the referring physician, nurse or clerical staff.
Phone Referral
education
If you require immediate advice or support, escalate to your local response team or system immediately, and call ARV on 1300 36 86 61.
The ARV e-referral form collects of all the information an ARV call taker would request from the referring person when making a phone referral in addition to a brief patient history. ARV will respond to an e-referral within 15 minutes.
Education and Research
Research
Research is integral to Adult Retrieval Victoria achieving its vision of improving the health of our community.
View our Research Publications
Trauma Victoria
Trauma Victoria is an education-based system for support of clinical guidelines and knowledge related to major trauma care. It is auspiced by DHHS and the State Trauma Committee and is managed by ARV.
Education
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ARV has systems for induction and training of all staff groups, including six month certification processes for clinical staff. This is a formal educational program and ensures clinical staff reach specialist practitioner competency. Research activity is supported with a range of projects and publications produced regularly.
Preparation for Retrieval & Transfer
Preparation for retrieval from a referral site can commence early in the clinical scenario. It is approached methodically and thoroughly. Guidelines and checklists are provided by ARV:
resources