SAAS to invest in digital ambulance records with Dedalus

The South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) is set to modernise its operations by introducing a pre-hospital digital ambulance record solution, marking a significant shift from traditional paper-based systems.

This development comes after Dedalus, a provider of healthcare information systems, was awarded a tender by the Government of South Australia to implement the electronic patient care record (ePCR) system. The initiative involves an AUD $23.5 million investment by the state government, as outlined in the 2024-25 State Budget.

The ePCR system is expected to eliminate the need for handwritten clinical case cards, allowing paramedics and clinicians to electronically document patient information efficiently. This transition aims to streamline the out-of-hospital provision and communication of patient care across South Australia.

South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton, expressed the project's significance, stating, "We are now one step closer to having an electronic patient care record system across the South Australian Ambulance Service. This will bring ambulance patient care records and ambulance data into the 21st century." Picton emphasised the potential transformative impact of the new system on SAAS, noting it complements the government's efforts to recruit more paramedics and to upgrade ambulance facilities statewide. "We are providing our crews with the essential tools they need to excel in their roles and deliver lifesaving care to patients," he added.

With an ePCR Clinical Team already in place within SAAS, the project is advancing with a focus on clinical requirements, governance, and transition processes. The solution is designed to be adaptable and scalable, tailored to meet the specific needs of SAAS while offering robust data capabilities.

Rob Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of SAAS, commented on the anticipated positive outcomes of the system integration: "The shift from paper-based clinical records to a fully integrated electronic system will have a significant and positive impact on our organisation. Our primary focus is on giving our workforce the tools and information they need to deliver better healthcare outcomes." He underscored the importance of leveraging data to enhance service efficiency and clinical decision-making.

A notable feature of the ePCR system will be its eventual integration with hospital electronic medical records. This aims to improve communication paths and response times between ambulance crews and hospitals.

Travis Stephenson, General Manager of Dedalus Australia, stated, "We are honoured that SAAS has chosen amPHI ePCR, Dedalus' digital pre-hospital platform, to transform the care chain from pre-hospital to hospital in South Australia, continuing the success achieved with other amPHI partners." He further explained that the platform will enable live streaming of mission-critical data, enhancing ambulance-to-hospital collaboration and patient management.

The rollout is scheduled for mid-2026 and will encompass over 500 vehicles in the SAAS fleet, including emergency and patient transport ambulances, MedSTAR, and special operations teams. This initiative aligns with broader objectives to reduce paperwork and streamline the transfer of care, ultimately enhancing emergency response efficiency.