Mildura paramedics are trialling a new all-wheel-drive (AWD) stretcher ambulance to help them reach areas typically inaccessible for regular ambulances.
The branch has been equipped with a new Mercedes Sprinter ambulance vehicle which looks like other Ambulance Victoria (AV) ambulances but is elevated approximately 100mm.
Acting Team Manager Jessica Johnson said the vehicle would provide new capabilities for local paramedics.
"The new vehicle will be used for all normal on-road emergency case responses, but also on a greater range of road conditions without sustaining any vehicle damage," she said.
Mildura's new All-Wheel Drive ambulance vehicle.
"This might include rough trails, driveways, private roads or farmland, as well as some complex locations that a two-wheel drive ambulance would not be able to access.
"It is not a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, but rather an all-wheel drive, making it accessible to all AV paramedics as 4WD training is not needed."
The AWD ambulance can be utilised on designated 4WD-only roads if the paramedic driving is 4WD trained.
Ms Johnson said the main difference in the structure of the vehicle was the increased height.
"Modifications have been made to ensure paramedics and our patients can safely enter and exit the ambulance," she said.
"The vehicle is equipped with electric slide out steps on the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle, as well as a manual fold out step at the sliding door of vehicle."
Ms Johnson said crews could opt to use the vehicle during the six-month trial.
"We will be using the AWD vehicle alongside our regular fleet, so crews can choose to use the vehicle for their shift, they can swap into the vehicle for a case or request a second crew to bring the vehicle to them," she explained.
A second AWD ambulance is being trialled at AV's Belgrave branch.
