The Can-Am Oversnow ATV revolutionises alpine emergency response

Victoria’s alpine resorts have grown into bustling winter communities, bringing new challenges for paramedics responding to emergencies in harsh, snowy environments. Traditional ambulance equipment struggled to meet the demands of these settings, leaving paramedics exposed to extreme conditions and making patient transport difficult.

After a comprehensive safety review, Ambulance Victoria introduced the Can-Am Oversnow ATV – a game-changer in alpine emergency response.

Paramedics faced serious challenges transporting critically ill patients across snow and ice. Without a dedicated vehicle, they relied on makeshift solutions or other services, increasing risks for both patients and responders. Manual handling was particularly hazardous, often requiring paramedics to move patients over slippery terrain in the dead of night. The exposure of patients to extreme cold also raised concerns about clinical outcomes.

A hazard report from an alpine paramedic triggered a full safety review, leading to the formation of a project team to explore potential solutions. Over three years, various snow transport options were tested, along with patient handling tools, to develop a practical and effective setup. The Can-Am Oversnow ATV is a purpose-built, all-terrain vehicle designed for alpine emergency response. It features a warm, enclosed cabin shielding paramedics and patients from harsh conditions, space for a driver, paramedic, seated patient, supine patient, and a family member, and the ability to navigate snow, ice, rough terrain, and sealed roads. The setup includes essential medical equipment modified for weight and size, a SKED stretcher system designed for snow and confined spaces, and specialised lifting and handling gear such as a stair chair, inflatable lifting cushion, and spinal immobilisation tools.

The project team included paramedics, health and safety reps, and industry experts who worked together to refine the best solution for alpine conditions, ensuring maximum safety for crews and patients. Now in use across Victoria’s major alpine resorts, the Can-Am Oversnow ATV has proven its effectiveness in real-world conditions.

Beyond the snowfields, its versatility is being explored for major events, mountain bike trails, and coastal rescue operations. This innovation has transformed alpine ambulance response, ensuring paramedics can provide top-level care in even the harshest environments. As new challenges emerge, solutions like this pave the way for safer, more effective emergency care.