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. [...]
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)
Gemini Helicopters issues statement on fatal R44 crash
30-Jan-13
“In the evening of January 27, 2013 Gemini was alerted of an overdue helicopter with a last known location approximately 77 kilometers southwest of Fox Creek. ” (see full story) File photo
Alberta Health Services moves STARS BK117 to Edmonton Airport
Source: Alberta Health Services, 21-Jan-13
Patients living in northern Alberta will continue to have access to rapid, reliable, and safe emergency care when the new air ambulance base is relocated to the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) in March. Alberta Health Services air ambulance operations are moving to a new 3,600 square-metre hangar at the Edmonton International Airport, immediately adjacent to [...]
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)
408 Tac Hel Squadron help move Flying Banana across Canada
Source: Canadian Forces, 06-Aug-12
On June 8, 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, located at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, but belonging to 1 Wing Kingston, Ont., played a unique part in seeing that a part of Royal Canadian Air Force history is preserved. Ten members of the squadron’s maintenance flight loaded most of the airframe and parts of an H-44a “Flying Banana”that [...]
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)
Canadian Helicopters to switch Edmonton airports
Source: Canada.com, 27-Jun-12
Canadian Helicopters is relocating to the Edmonton International Airport when its City Centre Airport lease expires in September (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 [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]
Gala raises $720K for STARS air ambulance
Source: PSAC, 24-Jan-12
The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) today announced it has helped raise a total of more than $5.3 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) over 18 years of presenting the annual STARS & Spurs Gala. This year’s gala brought in the highest total ever raised in the history of the event [...]
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, [...]
Alpine Helicopters renews lease on Canmore Heliport
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Dec-11
Canmore Council has approved a new 10-year lease on the heliport with Alpine Helicopters, the current tenant. Originally presented as a 25-year lease, the Council decided that planning ahead 10 years was sufficient and offered that term to Alpine with very few other changes of terms. The lease establishes a heliport monitoring committee and a [...]
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 [...]
$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 [...]
Canada’s 408 Sqn celebrates its heritage
Source: Canadian National Defence, 03-Oct-11
Thirteen members from CFB Edmonton-based 408 Tactical Helicopter (TH) Squadron flew to Nanton, Alta, home of the Bomber Command Museum and the Lancaster FM159, to celebrate the Squadron’s 70th anniversary, the museum’s 25th anniversary and the unveiling of newly acquired Halifax Bomber parts. It was a weekend filled with immense passion, amazing stories and the [...]
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)
Campbell Helicopters: Pilot details released on May 20 crash nr Slave Lake, Alberta
Source: Campbell Helicopters, 26-May-11
ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA– – 54-year-old Jean-Luc Deba has been named as the deceased pilot who manned a Bell 212 helicopter from the Campbell Helicopters’ fleet in Abbotsford on Friday, May 20. The helicopter was engaged in battling the blazes in Canyon Creek, 24 kilometres west of Slave Lake Alberta. The helicopter went down in shallow [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Laser hits television news helicopter over Calgary
Source: CBC, 07-Jan-11
Flight crews reported the beam coming from southwest Calgary in an area near the Home Depot at the Shawnessy Shopping Centre. Calgary police, with the support of the HAWCS helicopter, moved into the area but couldn’t find the offender, they said.
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 [...]
Vector celebrates new engine service and parts distribution center in western Canada
Source: Vector Aerospace, 09-Sep-10
Calgary, Alberta– Vector Aerospace Corporation (Vector),one of the world’s leading independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services is pleased to announce the official opening of Vector Aerospace Engine Services- Atlantic’s newest service center, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. “The new service center in Calgary will dovetail well with our existing network located [...]
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.
Alberta man who pointed laser beam at police helicopter convicted
Source: Vancouver Sun, 25-Jun-10
Alvin Vargas Bautista had testified during the trial that he was trying to fix his young son’s toy laser while waiting for his wife outside a friend’s apartment building near Millbourne Mall.
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.
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 [...]
Calgary Police clock up 11 near misses in 4 years
Source: CBC, 13-Mar-10
Calgary police helicopters are reported to have flown too close to other aircraft at least 11 times in the last four years, a CBC News investigation has found. Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/03/05/calgary-police-helicopter-close-calls-air-planes.html#ixzz0i2WRCpqo
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 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.
Edmonton’s new police helicopter unveiled
Source: Edmonton Journal, 10-Sep-09
The Edmonton Police Service’s newest member of its flight operations unit went to work right after its unveiling ceremony Wednesday where it was made welcomed by police Chief Mike Boyd and other civic officials.
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.
Transport Canada refutes non-compliance claims over Alberta EMS helipads
Source: Alberta Local News, 12-Jul-09
