The systems use a prioritized mixture of private communication networks from Telstra, CDMA, GSM and satellite in remote areas. The communications platform was initially trialled in six ambulances in Tamworth 18 months ago.

Now, 400 ambulances around metropolitan Sydney are using the service; however, this phase will roll the system out to the rest of the NSW ambulance fleet.

Panasonic, Global Star, Data 911 and Technisyst are all partnering on the project, which is estimated to cost A$14 million (US$10.33 million).

Technisyst chief executive Bill Delaney said the system works by continually tracking and monitoring ambulances so urgent calls can be routed instantly to the ambulance closest to the call's origin.

Delaney said once the dispatch operator makes the decision on which vehicle will attend which job, call and patient data gets fed across the state network, with all necessary details appearing on a display in the ambulance.