RBC makes C$500K donation to STARS
Source: Leader~Post, 16-May-13
Lacy Panno, a flight nurse with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), is excited. (See Full Story)
STARS launches second lottery in Saskatchewan
Source: The STARS Lottery, 10-May-13
The STARS Lottery in Saskatchewan officially launches today with 2,206 prizes worth over $3.8 million. In its inaugural year in 2012, STARS generated more than $1.6 million – a significant source of funding to help keep STARS in the sky. “STARS’ success depends on the people across this great province. All proceeds from the lottery [...]
Obituary – STARS founder John Panton
Source: STARS, 08-May-13
He was an engaging storyteller, a master at delivering puns and always good for a funny joke or two. John Panton’s dedication, devotion and admiration for STARS, however, were no laughing matter. “Without John’s support, and that of others from the Lions Club and community, STARS wouldn’t be here,” said Dr. Greg Powell, STARS founder. [...]
STARS marks first anniversary in Saskatchewan
Source: STARS, 02-May-13
Today, STARS air ambulance acknowledges its one-year anniversary of providing helicopter air ambulance services in the province of Saskatchewan. Since beginning operations from its Regina base in April 2012, STARS has flown or rendered care to more than 300 patients in Saskatchewan. STARS currently operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week from bases [...]
CAMTS Announces Accreditations
Source: CAMTS, 15-Apr-13
Congratulations to the following medical transport services that achieved accreditation for the first time: Aeromed – a rotorwing service operating in Tampa, FL providing critical care since 1989. Air Methods Corporation operates and maintains the aircraft at 4 satellite bases. HALL CCT – a rotorwing and critical care ground service providing critical care in the [...]
British Columbia’s Air Ambulance audit raises questions
Source: Canadian Taxpayers Federation, 26-Mar-13
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today called on B.C. political parties to review air ambulance service in the province and support a transition to a cheaper, not-for-profit model in their election platforms. On Thursday, B.C. Auditor General John Doyle released a report on the air ambulance service, finding that “the B.C. Ambulance Service is unable [...]
STARS begins night missions from Saskatoon base
Source: STARS, 28-Feb-13
STARS Air Ambulance begins 24-hour-a-day operations at its Saskatoon base. Since launching service in mid-October, the Saskatoon base has been providing service 12-hours per day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. “Safety is always our priority,” says Ron Dufresne, vice-president of Saskatchewan operations. “Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time [...]
Phoenix Heli-Flight to acquire an EMS EC135
Source: Fort McMurray Today, 04-Feb-13
Despite STARS being active in many parts of Alberta, Phoenix Heli-Flight is convinced that there is a market for 24×7 EMS services in other parts of the Province. So much so, they are buying a Eurocopter EC135 for such operations (see full story)
Telecoms company Telus passes $1M barrier in STARS donations
25-Nov-12
The Telus logo was added to the STARS helicopter in a ceremony on Wednesday morning for surpassing the $1 million mark in giving to the charity. (see full story)
Saskatchewan – temporary helipad for Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert
Source: Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, 02-Nov-12
Prince Albert Parkland Health Region maintenance staff will this week begin construction of a temporary helicopter landing pad at the Victoria Hospital, to accommodate flights from the STARS helicopter ambulance service. The helicopter landing pad will be built on the triangle of grassed land just east of the southeast corner of Herb Bassett Home and [...]
STARS expanding flight hours in Manitoba
Source: Winnipeg Sun, 29-Oct-12
We understand the importance of the life-saving service that STARS provides and the need for this vital assistance to be available 24/7 (see full story)
Yorkton hospital getting helipad for STARS helicopter
Source: StarPhoenix, 11-Oct-12
A helipad for the STARS helicopter air ambulance has moved from the drawing pad to plans for construction behind the Yorkton Regional Hospital. (see full story)
STARS begins night missions from Regina base
Source: STARS, 31-Jul-12
July 30, 2012 - Today STARS air ambulance is beginning 24-hour-a-day operations at its Regina base. Until now, the STARS Regina base has only operated 12-hours per day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time to become comfortable with the terrain and providing service in [...]
STARS founder steps down, but not away
Source: Calgary Herald, 04-Jul-12
Dr. Gregory Powell and wife Linda retire but remain ambassadors for pioneering Alberta emergency service (see full story)
Canada – Chinook Regional Hospital opens new helipad
Source: Alberta Health, 29-May-12
STARS air ambulances are now able to land and take off from Chinook Regional Hospital’s new helipad, which was officially approved for use last week by Transport Canada. The helipad, located on the roof of the hospital’s parkade, is rated to handle 8,000 kilograms and will accommodate STARS’ current Eurocopter BK-117 helicopter, as well as [...]
STARS officially launches operations in Saskatchewan
Source: STARS, 01-May-12
Regina, SK, April 30, 2012 – As of noon today, the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) was ready to provide helicopter air ambulance services for critically ill and injured patients in southern Saskatchewan. Following a brief ceremony involving dignitaries and former patients, the organization opened its base in Regina. “This is a historic day for [...]
Enerplus passes $500,000 milestone in donations to STARS
Source: STARS, 27-Apr-12
Enerplus Corporation, who have been strong supporters of STARS since 1992, have reached the $500,000 giving milestone. A celebration, which included a logo unveiling on the STARS helicopter, was held on April 25 for the independent oil and gas producer at the STARS Calgary hanger. “Enerplus has been in business for over 25 years, and [...]
Politician promises to triple STARS funding if elected
Source: Calgary Herald, 17-Apr-12
Progressive Conservative Leader Alison Redford pledged $10 million in additional funding for STARS air ambulance at a campaign stop in Grande Prairie on Saturday afternoon. see full story
2012 STARS lottery winners announced
Source: STARS, 16-Apr-12
Lucky Albertans are celebrating today after their names were pulled during the 2012 STARS Lottery draw. Top prize winners included: James Kotyk of Calgary Calgary show home worth $1.1 million retail Shari Macdonald of Delburne Sylvan Lake show home worth $905,100 retail Kenneth and Cynthia Fenwick of Red Deer Sherwood Park show home worth $856,000 [...]
STARS sets date for Saskatchewan start
Source: STARS, 12-Apr-12
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is pleased to announce it will launch its first Saskatchewan base on Monday, April 30 in Regina. Beginning at 12 p.m. (noon), STARS will be ready to provide safe, rapid medical transport for critically ill and injured patients in southern Saskatchewan. “We’re very excited that helicopter air medical [...]
STARS Air Ambulance leadership change
Source: STARS, 12-Apr-12
More than 25 years after founding STARS to provide emergency medical transport and help save the lives of the critically ill and injured, Dr. Gregory Powell is continuing his work as founder of the non-profit, charitable organization, while Andrea Robertson takes on the responsibilities of president and CEO. “Dr. Powell has made an incredible contribution [...]
CCS Corp donates $100,000 to STARS
Source: CCS, 29-Feb-12
The essential, life-saving services STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) provides will now be further supported in western Canada thanks to a $100,000 donation from CCS Corporation. “Many of our employees live and work in rural communities, so there is a natural link to support an organization such as STARS,” said John Gibson, president and [...]
STARS launches in Manitoba with new crew of 14
Source: STARS, 23-Feb-12
A permanent Manitoba crew of 14 paramedics, nurses and pilots is now responding to emergency calls across the province with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) helicopter ambulance, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today. “These paramedics, nurses and pilots are a critical link in patient care and their training and expertise will truly help [...]
Perfect Turf to support STARS Fund-a-Flight program
Source: STARS, 03-Feb-12
Perfect Turf has supported the new Fund-a-Flight program for STARS, which makes one mission possible for a critically ill or injured patient. A donation of $5,400 – equal to one dollar per second of an average 90 minute mission – helps with the cost of medical and aviation crews, medical supplies and helicopter fuel needed [...]
STARS Lottery launches with prize fund of $5.2M
Source: STARS, 17-Jan-12
The 19th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,200 prizes worth over $5.2 million retail. The STARS Lottery raised over $10 million net during the 2011 campaign and continues to be the single largest source of funding to keep STARS in the sky. “STARS flies an average of four missions a day in Alberta, [...]
Construction begins at STARS base in Saskatchewan
Source: STARS, 14-Dec-11
Saskatchewan Health Minister Don McMorris, STARS representatives and local media received a phase-one project briefing today at the site of the future STARS helicopter base at the Regina International Airport. Construction is progressing on schedule in advance of the anticipated spring 2012 launch of operations. “We’re very excited to move a step closer to introducing [...]
STARS celebrating 5th anniversary in Grande Prairie
Source: STARS, 25-Nov-11
Former STARS patients, media, and members of the public are invited to a special five-year anniversary celebration at the STARS Grande Prairie base on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 1 to 4 p.m. This event will acknowledge the incredible support from the community, while reflecting upon major milestones that have taken place over the past [...]
STARS Foundation appoints Executive Vice President
Source: STARS, 19-Nov-11
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is very pleased to announce that Mr. Rod Gantefoer has accepted the position of Executive Vice President for the STARS Foundation. Reporting to STARS’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gantefoer will provide leadership to the STARS Foundation team and work to develop community partnerships and fundraising initiatives to enhance [...]
$400,000 contribution to STARS from FortisAlberta
Source: STARS, 21-Oct-11
FortisAlberta announced today a five-year pledge of $400,000 in support of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) Human Patient Simulator Program (HPS), bringing the company’s contributions to $1.4 million over 15 years to 2016. “We are truly grateful for FortisAlberta’s very generous financial commitment to the STARS Human Patient Simulator Program (HPS),” says Andrea [...]
STARS announces 2011 charity dinner/auction
Source: STARS, 26-Sep-11
Join us for the 8th Annual Bragg Creek Benefit Dinner & Auction for STARS on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The evening will include a three-course roast beef dinner catered by locally-owned The Steak Pit Restaurant and a chance to bid on a wide array of live and silent auction items. Tickets are $75 each or [...]
$300,000 donation for STARS Saskatchewan
Source: STARS, 16-Sep-11
Enerplus Corporation, a Canadian independent oil and gas producer, has provided a $300,000 donation to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) Saskatchewan program. The announcement took place at the Weyburn Golf Club on Thursday, September 15, 2011. Mr. Ian Dundas, Executive Vice-President and COO from Enerplus, presented the donation to Andrea Robertson, President & [...]
Air Ambulance raises $1.3M from one event
Source: STARS, 07-Sep-11
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is pleased to announce that CEO Rescue in the Rockies for STARS raised the single largest dollar amount ever in one day for STARS with a record-breaking $1.3 million. STARS partnered with five prominent Calgary-based CEOs and dropped them in Kananaskis Country, 25 kilometres northeast of Canmore, just [...]
Provincial Health Minister plans EMS helipad in Winnipeg
Source: French Tribune, 07-Jul-11
Provincial Health Minister, Theresa Oswald has announced that they are planning to build a helipad at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC). The helipad will improve the effectiveness of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) helicopter ambulance (full story)
Pioneer of STARS air ambulance dies in road accident
Source: Calgary Sun, 04-Jul-11
Calgary’s emergency services community is in mourning after a trail-blazing paramedic Eric Arnestad who helped lift STARS off the ground was killed in a Montana motorcycle crash. (Full story)
Manitoba Government makes STARS contract permanent
Source: Govt of Manitoba, 28-Jun-11
The province has signed a memorandum of understanding with the non-profit Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) to make the helicopter ambulance program permanent in Manitoba, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today. “The STARS team has made a real difference in Manitoba’s flood fight and we thank them for their hard work,” said Oswald. “Helicopter [...]
Precision Drilling donates $1 million to STARS
Source: STARS, 28-Jun-11
Precision Drilling achieved a cumulative giving milestone of $1.8 million when they presented STARS with $1 million to be donated over the next five years. The organization is the first oil and gas service company to reach this level of giving to STARS. Precision Drilling’s logo was relocated on the STARS helicopter from the upper [...]
STARS air ambulance helicopters being showcased in Saskatchewan
Source: Melfort Journal, 10-Jun-11
Melfort residents will be able to check out the Shock Trauma Rescue Society (STARS) helicopters on Saturday, June 11. The STARS will be landing one of its medically-equipped helicopters at the Melfort Mall at 12:30 p.m.
STARS pilot reveals lack of inter-agency cooperation at inquiry
Source: Calgary Herald, 29-May-11
The STARS pilot testified that he couldn’t communicate with a fire department boat on the water below, but relayed information to Sutherland-Byers, who was on shore, who then passed on the information.
STARS Opening Critical Care Simulation Centre
Source: STARS, 13-May-11
STARS is hosting an air medical crew simulation competition together with the grand opening of a new STARS Critical Care Simulation Centre at 11 a.m. on May 12, 2011. There will be three STARS teams involved in the competition, including two from Grande Prairie and one from Calgary. The teams will be competing to represent [...]
STARS expands into Saskatchewan
Source: STARS, 07-Apr-11
Saskatchewan is proceeding with a major new component of emergency medical services. Medical helicopters based in Saskatoon and Regina will support faster, more responsive emergency medical care for patients across the province. The province has signed a service agreement with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), a non-profit organization that provides rotary wing air medical [...]
ConocoPhillips reaches $2M milestone in supporting STARS
Source: ConocoPhillips Canada, 03-Mar-11
ConocoPhillips reached a $2 million donation milestone today after presenting the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $100,000 cheque at the STARS Calgary base hangar. Mr. Joe Marushack, President, ConocoPhillips Canada, presented the donation to Dr. Greg Powell, President and CEO of STARS, with the STARS BK117 helicopter as a backdrop. STARS team [...]
Western Coal donates C$500K to STARS
Source: STARS, 24-Feb-11
Western Coal Corp today announced a five-year, $500,000 commitment to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). Mr. Keith Calder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Coal, is presenting a cheque to STARS Grande Prairie Base Major Gifts Manager Glenda Farnden in the community of Tumbler Ridge on February 23, 2011. “In December 2010, [...]
Oil and gas producer Apache presents $400,000 cheque to STARS
Source: STARS, 17-Feb-11
Apache Corporation presented the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $400,000 cheque today at the STARS Calgary Base. The cheque presentation elevates Apache’s total cumulative financial support of STARS to more than $1 million since 1990. Approximately $200,000 is being directed to the STARS Emergency Link Centre (ELC) work site registration program. The [...]
STARS to present Edmonton mayor with a “Red Ring for Life”
Source: STARS, 01-Feb-11
STARS is presenting Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel with a Red Ring for Life (RRFL) in City Council Chambers at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, in recognition of the City of Edmonton’s life-saving work with STARS. STARS representatives will be available for interviews following the presentation. The presentation recognizes the City’s support, through its services [...]
Teck Resources logo unveiled on STARS helicopters
Source: STARS, 18-Jan-11
Teck Resources’ logo was unveiled today on a STARS helicopter in recognition of Teck reaching a $500,000 donation milestone. Boyd Payne, Teck’s Senior Vice President, Coal, and Dr. Greg Powell, STARS President and CEO, took part in the event alongside STARS crew members. “Teck is proud to support STARS in its mission to provide critical [...]
STARS Lottery launches with $5.1 million in prizes
Source: STARS, 14-Jan-11
The 18th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,200 prizes worth over $5.1 million. The STARS Lottery is the single largest source of funding to keep STARS in the sky. “Last year’s STARS Lottery sold out generating over $10 million,” says Dr. Greg Powell, President and CEO of STARS. “Every individual who purchases a [...]
Manitoba contracts air ambulance from STARS
Source: Winnipeg Free Press, 06-Dec-10
This is a repeat of when an Alberta-based STARS helicopter air ambulance was stationed in southern Manitoba during the last serious spring flood in 2009, and it was credited with saving two lives
AltaGas logo unveiled on STARS helicopters
Source: STARS, 20-Oct-10
AltaGas Ltd.’s logo was unveiled today on a STARS helicopter in Calgary, in recognition of AltaGas reaching a $500,000 donation milestone. Since 2001, AltaGas has partnered with STARS to help bring emergency medical services to its field locations in Alberta and British Columbia. “We are passionate about initiatives that better the lives of people in [...]
STARS Air Ambulance Celebrates 25 Years of Community Support
Source: STARS, 04-Oct-10
It was an emotional celebration of community support for the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), as the non-profit organization celebrated 25 years of care in the air on Saturday, October 2, 2010. A new “Thank You” logo was unveiled on the organization’s Eurocopter BK117 helicopters in front of event attendees and dozens of [...]
City of Edmonton to buy STARS hangar at City Centre Airport
Source: Edmonton Journal, 23-Sep-10
The city has reached a tentative deal to buy the STARS air ambulance hangar as part of its long-term plan to redevelop the City Centre Airport.
STARS employee admits stealing over $260k from employers
Source: Vancouver Sun, 04-Sep-10
Olaronke Adunal Fakunle, 40, appeared in court Thursday, where she acknowledged she embezzled money while working as accounts-payable clerk for STARS in Alberta and used it for personal expenses between Sept. 7, 2007, and Oct. 9, 2008.
STARS red loyalty rings celebrate 25 years
Source: STARS, 24-Jun-10
Alberta, June 23, 2010 – Garry Nargang wears a red ring on his finger because his grand-son was flown by STARS in 2006. The ring is just one of hundreds already being worn across the province as part of a new program called the Red Ring for Life, which provides individuals a unique opportunity to [...]
STARS inks 10-year deal with Alberta Health Services
Source: Alberta Health Services, 04-May-10
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) base in Grande Prairie will receive provincial funding for the first time in its history as part of a new agreement between Alberta Health Services and STARS. The new agreement, formally announced by Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky in Grande Prairie today, commits to long term partial [...]
STARS equips BK117 fleet with AKV Cycle Counters from Dart Helicopter Services
Source: DART Helicopter Services, 04-May-10
Oceanside, CA, May 4, 2010 — The Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) recently equipped its fleet of five Eurocopter BK117s with AKV engine cycle counters from DART Helicopter Services (DHS). Engine manufacturers require engine cycle counting for maintenance purposes, and turbine engine cycle counters are an efficient, effective alternative to relying on pilots [...]
Alberta Government raises funding to STARS by Can$1.2M per year
Source: Edmonton Journal, 30-Apr-10
STARS has long been funded through a combination of public and private cash. Beginning this year, the province will up its contribution to the charitable group by $1.2 million, bringing its total annual investment in the group to $5.49 million.
17th Annual STARS Lottery sells out
Source: STARS, 13-Apr-10
The STARS Lottery has sold out again this year thanks to the generous support of Albertans. This year’s lottery generated over $10 million net for the non-profit charitable organization. “The STARS Lottery is the single largest source of funding to help keep STARS in the sky and continue providing airborne intensive care to critically ill [...]
Husky Energy donates ultrasound machines to STARS
Source: STARS, 25-Mar-10
Husky Energy’s President & Chief Executive Officer John C.S. Lau presented the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $100,000 cheque today at the Calgary STARS base to fund two new ultrasound machines. “The use of ultrasounds offers another important, sophisticated tool to assist our air medical crew in caring for the critically [...]
STARS’ top doc to address rural care
Source: Okotoks Western Wheel, 21-Mar-10
Dr. Greg Powell, president and CEO of STARS air ambulance, will be speaking in Okotoks on March 25 and his message will be clear: The sooner a patient reaches critical care the more likely a positive outcome becomes.
Night landings approved for helipad at Elk Valley Hospital
Source: STARS, 18-Mar-10
FERNIE: The Elk Valley Hospital’s helipad has been certified by Transport Canada for night landings with the use of night vision goggles (NVG); the helipad is the first day time helipad in Canada to receive this certification. This means that pilots from STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) air ambulance are now able to land [...]
STARS readies itself for CAMTS accreditation audit in early March
Source: STARS, 02-Feb-10
The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) will conduct the accreditation site visit of the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) from March 8 – 9, 2010. STARS has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems since 1998 through this voluntary process. Accreditation renewal occurs every three years. [...]
STARS kicks off 25th celebration as first patient speaks at annual Gala
Source: STARS, 26-Jan-10
The annual STARS and SPURS Gala, hosted by the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC), was a huge success Saturday night raising approximately $458,000 for the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). The event kicked off STARS’ 25 year anniversary celebrations with an emotional speech by Kelly Hulstein, the first patient to be flown [...]
STARS Lottery kicks off 25 Years of Care in the Air
Source: STARS, 21-Jan-10
The 17th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,080 prizes worth over $4.8 million. This year’s lottery kicks off STARS 25 Years of Care in the Air celebrations, with every ticket sold helping keep STARS in the sky. “This year’s STARS Lottery kicks off our 25-year anniversary celebrations,” says Dr. Greg Powell. “Thanks to [...]
STARS asks Albertans to share stories on new 25 year anniversary weblog
Source: STARS, 02-Nov-09
STARS is celebrating 25 years of care in the air next year and is asking Albertans to share their stories on a new STARS Weblog at www.stars.ca
Nexen logo unveiled on STARS helicopter in recognition of $500K donation
Source: STARS, 23-Oct-09
Nexen’s logo was unveiled on a STARS helicopter in recognition of Nexen reaching a $500,000 donation milestone in cumulative giving. Nexen President and CEO Marvin Romanow and STARS Foundation Vice President Phil Levson, took part in the event alongside STARS crew members.
STARS air ambulance service asks city to triple annual donation
Source: Daily Herald Tribune, 20-Oct-09
STARS Grande Prairie is asking the city for $100,000 more a year from on top of what it is already providing to help fund the organization.
6th Annual Bragg Creek Benefit Dinner for STARS
Source: STARS, 03-Sep-09
The 6th Annual Bragg Creek Benefit Dinner for STARS is taking place September 12, 2009 at the Bragg Creek Community Centre. Tickets are $75 per person, or $600 for a table for eight
STARS too slow for area rescues
Source: Medicine Hat News, 24-Aug-09
A new helicopter at STARS Air Ambulance might be bigger, faster and have the range to travel into southeastern Alberta, but according to the MedicAir Society it isn’t fast enough.
New STARS AW139 too big for helipad
Source: Brooks Bulletin, 21-Aug-09
The possible grounding of a Medicine Hat helicopter medivac service will leave STARS as the lone service for southern Alberta. MedicAir announced that funding problems could leave them grounded by the end of the month. But even though STARS is available, without the expansion of the helipad at the Brooks Health Centre, their days of [...]
Follow STARS air ambulance on Twitter
Source: STARS, 14-Aug-09
Media and the public can now receive ongoing updates about STARS missions, events and general news by following the new “STARSambulance” Twitter account.
STARS celebrates FortisAlberta’s Can$1 million dollar donation mark
Source: http://www.stars.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-59-571&lang=1&pre=view, 21-May-09
