May 2005

Front line response from ambos

Victoria’s ambulance services are on the front line of disaster and terrorist attack response with three new vehicles that enable paramedics to be in the thick of the action as it unfolds.

Launching the $700,000 initiative, Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the Metropolitan Ambulance Service’s two emergency support vehicles could be deployed to a major disaster scene to provide paramedics with the medical supplies, stretchers, linen, lighting and communications they need to treat up to 400 patients on the spot.

‘These two mobile mini-hospitals allow care and treatment to start before patients are transferred to hospitals,’ Ms Pike said.

At the same time, the MAS command and communication truck would enable authorities to be at the scene, operating as a forward command post and readily communicating with their base and other emergency services.

‘Should the unthinkable happen, we want the response to be as rapid and comprehensive as possible.

‘These vehicles can be deployed on short notice and operate as an independent mobile field hospital, providing a triage area, advanced medical care, logistics and operational planning.

‘Victorians can have the confidence that the best care and technology is available in case of a major fire, chemical spill, transport accident or any other disaster with numerous casualties.’

Ms Pike said the command truck—part of the Government’s counter-terrorism initiative—had satellite, microwave and radio communications, computer networking, fax and closed-circuit television.

‘The mobile command truck will provide communications systems linking people at the scene directly to air and road ambulances, co-ordination centres, major trauma hospitals and across the ambulance services.

‘Its inbuilt generator allows it to remain on scene for a prolonged period.

‘The mobility of the vehicles is an absolute key to their use, as they can be quickly dispatched to any location or incident across Victoria,’ Ms Pike said.