World-first ambulance snow vehicles hit the slopes

June 28, 2024 | in News

With the start of the snow season and school holidays upon us, Ambulance Victoria (AV) has unveiled six new state-of-the-art snow vehicles to help those heading to the mountains.

Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek branch locations each received a new Can-Am Defender and Skidoo, ready to assist those in need this winter.

Two yellow and black emergency snow vehicles parked in front of a building.

The new Can-Am Defenders are lighter to improve manoeuvrability on Victorians mountains.

Specifically designed for snow conditions, the Can-Am Defender is a side-by-side over-snow vehicle purpose-built to handle Victoria’s mountainous conditions.

The Skidoo is a smaller over-snow vehicle that allows paramedics to respond to ski fields and adjoining areas that remain unsuitable for the Can-Am to access in a timely manner.

Hume Acting Director Regional and Clinical Operations Steve Doyle said significant work had gone into redesigning and improving the snow vehicles.

“Last year we rebuilt the existing Can-Ams to improve the design and make them more light weight, so they were easier to operate in Victoria’s unique alpine conditions,” he said.

“The two-person Skidoos have also been improved and will have rapid response equipment on board thanks to the in-built weatherproof storage box.

“These vehicles have been specially designed to operate on Victorian snow fields and have undergone three years of rigorous on-mountain testing and improvements.”

Emergency vehicles, including several snow vehicles, are parked outside a building, prepared for quick deployment in case of emergencies.

AV now has three new Can-Am Defenders and three new Skidoos.

This will be the first year AV has both a Can-Am Defender and Skidoo at all three mountain locations.

The improved manoeuvrability of the new Can-Am’s will reduce transport time while the design allows patients and paramedics to travel in an enclosed, heated space without exposure to the elements.

For anyone heading to the snow these school holidays, Mr Doyle said there are simple steps you can take to remain safe.

“Our Alpine crews regularly respond to motor vehicle incidents in snow areas which can be avoided by taking important safety steps,” he said.

“If you’re driving up to the snow, ensure chains are fitted and your vehicle is in good working order, use low revs and gears, brake gently especially around corners and don’t use cruise control.

“Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.”

Three people standing next to four emergency vehicles, ready to provide emergency medical assistance.

AV’s complete snow fleet including the new Can-Am and Skidoo vehicles.

All vehicles visiting Mt Buller or Mt Stirling in the declared snow season must carry diamond pattern wheel chains.

For those who would rather take public transport, buses will be running from nearby towns to the base of the mountains.

Paramedics also recommend checking the VicTraffic website for ice warnings before leaving, letting someone know where you are going and allowing plenty of time for your trip.