Air Ambulance contract extended

AMBULANCE Victoria has announced a five-year extension of its contract with helicopter operators, to continue providing air ambulance operations for patients across the state.

Since January 2016, Ambulance Victoria has partnered with Babcock Australasia to support paramedics in providing best car via its Air Ambulance helicopter fleet, which is valued at more than $370 million.

The contract extension, which was announced earlier this month, will come into effect from 1 January 2026.

Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive, Jane Miller, said the renewed partnership would ensure Ambulance Victoria can continue providing safe, timely, and expert patient care during complex emergencies.

“This partnership helps us provide the highest level of care for every patient, no matter where they are located across the state,” Ms Miller said.

“Someone experiencing a medical emergency in a rural location can quickly receive expert care from our ground crews, further clinical support and expertise from our MICA Flight Paramedics and definitive care from a flight to one of Victoria’s high-quality trauma centres. It’s an impressive service.

“It’s comforting for the community to know that if ever something happens in the remote and far-reaching locations of Victoria – and some parts of New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania – AV is equipped to provide the best possible emergency response.

“This agreement will ensure patients who need AV’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) continue to receive Best Care right across Victoria.”

Last year, Ambulance Victoria’s HEMS responded to 2,197 incidents, with an average of 200 cases each month.

The contract extension will see the partnership between Ambulance Victoria and Babcock Australasia continue until 31 December 2030.