"Previously, paramedics had to hand write a paper-based patient care record. The ability to analyze data [from the forms] was very limited," he said. "We have teams of people going through each record pulling out information such as cardiac, trauma and drug information. It's very labor-intensive and we could only get a limited range of information."

Now teams can get up-to-date information, and produce more detailed reports.

Now, paramedics using Vacis provide the hospital with a paper copy of the patient care record, which is printed in the ambulance or at the hospital using the 802.11 wireless and Bluetooth features of the Toughbook. A future enhancement to Vacis will enable the patient care information to be wirelessly transferred direct to the hospital emergency department's information system.

Paramedics are also able to use the Toughbook while the ambulance is in motion by securing it to a seatbelt-type restraint. When the Toughbook isn't in use it can be secured into a specially-fitted pocket in the ambulance.

Queensland Ambulance Service collaborated with the Victorian service in the development of Vacis and the Sunshine State has begun its own roll out of the system. Other states, including Tasmania, have also shown interest in the system.