Australia expands Victoria’s stroke unit capacity with second ambulance

The purpose-built 5.3-tonne vehicle is equipped with an onboard CT scanner.

The Australian government in Victoria has unveiled a second dedicated ambulance to increase the region's specialist Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) capacity.

The purpose-built 5.3-tonne ambulance is equipped with an onboard CT scanner, enabling immediate brain imaging to identify the type of stroke.

Each MSU is staffed by a team consisting of two paramedics, including a mobile intensive care ambulance paramedic, a CT radiographer, and a stroke nurse specialist.

The team will have access to a virtual stroke neurologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital or an on-board neurologist.