Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that four Bushmaster ambulances have been delivered to the Air Force Health Services Wing at RAAF Base Amberley.
The Bushmaster ambulance is one of seven variants of the Bushmaster vehicle being built for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
63 Bushmaster ambulances are being built for the ADF worth more than $670,000 each.
25 Bushmaster ambulances have so far been delivered to the ADF including:
- 19 to 7 Brigade based at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane;
- One to the School of Health at Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla;
- One to the Motorised Combat Wing, School of Artillery at Puckapunyal Barracks; and
- Four announced today to the Air Force Health Services Wing at RAAF Base Amberley.
Mr Clare said the Bushmaster ambulances were an improvement on the Sprinter ambulances currently used by the Royal Australian Air Force.
“The Bushmaster is a terrific vehicle – saving lives in Afghanistan,” Mr Clare said.
“These ambulances provide blast and ballistic protection. That means protection from bullets and artillery fired at the vehicle as well as roadside bombs.
“This gives patients, paramedics and drivers better protection in high threat environments.”
Mr Clare said the Bushmaster ambulances are fitted with the latest in medical equipment.
“The Bushmaster ambulance can transport two stretchered patients, or one stretchered and four seated patients, at the one time,” Mr Clare said.
The vehicles will be ready for operational service after personnel have completed their training and medical fit-out has been finished.
Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that RAAF personnel would be trained to use the vehicle and its equipment in all conditions.
“It’s important that both drivers and paramedics can use the vehicle confidently and safely before they are used in operations,” Mr Neumann said.