Over the peak winter season, NSW Ambulance paramedics have responded to about 200 emergencies in Perisher Valley. It is home to one of Australia’s prime ski resorts. Charles Milne is a 31-year-old paramedic with ten years of experience under his belt. Most importantly, he’s been able to flex his creative chops to the distinct challenges of the snowy terrain.
Mark Gibbs, associate director of the southern sector for NSW Ambulance, emphasizes the demanding nature of the selection process for paramedics stationed in the alpine environment. Over the entirety of this winter, an average of 20 paramedics has continuously been on shift rotation. They might work 8 days on, then have 6 days off. Their role is absolutely critical in making sure skiers and snowboarders on our mountains are safe and healthy.
High Demand for Emergency Services
The team at Perisher Valley has fought through a winter filled with injuries. Unfortunately, in the same time period, we’ve seen reports of at least one tragic on-slope death. As for this season, Gibbs says they’ve put a handle on more than 90 such incidents already. These events run the gamut from resort-based emergencies to exciting backcountry rescue missions.
“We’re up over 90 incidents, both within the resort and back country jobs.” – Mark Gibbs
Milne admits it’s not easy delivering care in such a difficult context. He stresses that it’s not the medical procedures that change. That treatment has to meet the shifting requirements of the snow-covered snowy environment.
“The medicine remains the same, but we have to adapt it to a challenging environment,” – Charles Milne
Hours paramedics at Perisher typically work 8am – 6pm but are on call for overnight emergencies. Some of the paramedics work the full three-month season, while some only take a few weeks’ assignments.
Unique Equipment for Unique Conditions
Combined with large response areas covered with snow and/or ice, responding effectively to incidents in these areas necessitates unique apparatus. At Perisher Valley, paramedics utilize two key vehicles: a snowcat (Kassbohrer) and an all-terrain carrier (Hagglund), both of which are on lease from Antarctica. The team recently received four new snowmobiles to bring them up to date, replacing the older units. This upgrade dramatically enhances their capacity to get to injured patients quickly.
Milne provides a look at how these vehicles are vital for the care of patients.
“The first responders went out on the snowmobiles, reached the patient and then determined that we were going to bring them back in the over-snow vehicle.” – Charles Milne
These snowmobiles have been incredibly effective in getting to hard-to-reach places, saving lives with paramedics now able to use them to travel through extreme conditions.
The Reality of Winter Injuries
Ski and snowboard-related injuries can vary widely. Milne says they are “often inundated with fractures and other acute trauma due to these sports.”
“We see a lot of fractured legs, a lot of fractured arms … as well as heart attacks and strokes.” – Charles Milne
The life on the slopes can be treacherous and Milne pulls no punches in facing down the dangers.
“The snow can be dangerous at times.” – Charles Milne
Milne points to the poignant thanks relatives express when they encounter paramedics at the foot of the hill. That gratitude is palpable as patients are loaded into ambulances.
“When family members meet us at the bottom of the hill or as we’re loading into the ambulance, there’s lots of thanks.” – Charles Milne
Gibbs underscores the importance of prompt responses in such situations:
“It’s to get to the patients in a timely manner.” – Mark Gibbs
