Ambulance Victoria's (AV) state-of-the-art over-snow vehicles have received well-deserved recognition at this year's 35th annual WorkSafe Awards.
The Can-Am Defender all-terrain vehicle was one of three finalists in the Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year category.
Specifically designed for snow conditions, the vehicles are purpose-built to handle Victoria's mountainous conditions by providing smoother and quicker transport for patients and paramedics in an emergency.
New Can-Am Defenders were stationed at Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek last winter.
AV Can-Am Defender
AV Hume Area Manager Rob Heaslip said a lot of planning went into the specialist response vehicles.
"The Can-Am Defender is a multi-factorial solution to many risks with alpine ambulance responses," he said.
"These improvements ranged from paramedic and patient comfort and safety, enhanced functional operation in adverse environments, and better patient clinical outcomes.
"After years of rigorous testing, we've modified the design to make the vehicles lighter and easier to operate in Victoria's unique alpine conditions."
"The entire project was a massive undertaking, and the result is testament to the collaboration between our operational Alpine staff, AV's health and safety teams, our fleet and equipment colleagues and vehicle engineers at Mader International."
While originally created for the Victorian mountains, Mr Heaslip said the Can-Am is a multipurpose vehicle.
"The Can-Am significantly and positively impacts our response to Alpine communities, but is also adaptable to other terrain and environments, making it an extremely valuable tool," he said.
"The vehicle carries all the response equipment that is required on a general ambulance, while also substituting some larger items with more compact and lightweight solutions, when required.
"The Can-Am can be quickly retro-fitted with wheels to replace the multi-terrain tracks and has already been trialled in difficult to access settings, such as the 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
"Ultimately, these vehicles enable a higher level of clinical care, which translates to improved clinical outcomes.
"We are proud to have these innovative vehicles recognised as a finalist at the WorkSafe awards."
