What We Do

ARV has the following functions:

1. Telephone advice: Our critical care coordinators are available to advise on the clinical care of critically ill patients 24 hours a day and can provide advice irrespective of whether a retrieval is required.

2. Retrieval of critical and time critical patients: We evaluate the practicality and clinical needs involved in transferring a critically ill patient from the source hospital. If a transfer is necessary, we organise transport and the appropriate clinical staff to accompany the patient and arrange a suitable critical care bed at the receiving hospital.

3. Bed coordination: We liaise closely with public and private hospital intensive care units to facilitate access to critical care beds when required. We monitor the availability of critical care beds in the state and seek to optimise the use of critical care resources.

4. Trauma Advice and Referral Line: ARV manages this service, connecting referral hospitals to appropriate receiving trauma services. ARV will also facilitate early activation of retrieval systems where required, ensuring major trauma patients reach a trauma service rapidly.

How we work

ARV has a 24-hour phone line (1300 36 86 61), which is staffed by ARV personnel. Telephone calls are recorded for quality and audit purposes.

ARV calltakers contact the on call critical care coordinator, who will assist the requesting doctor and arrange for a retrieval physcian if required.