STARS is celebrating a $5 million donation from Crescent Point Energy (CPE) toward the establishment of a STARS program in Saskatchewan in 2012, and at a recent presentation, STARS presents a model AW139 helicopter to CPE.

STARS signed an agreement with the government of Saskatchewan to develop a helicopter emergency medical services program in the province. The venture has been made possible thanks to the early support of our lead donor – Crescent Point Energy – who is donating $5 million toward the project.

Two helicopter EMS bases are planned for Saskatchewan:

• Regina base scheduled to open spring 2012 at the Regina Airport
  • To operate with a BK117 helicopter
• Saskatoon base scheduled to open late 2012 at the Saskatoon Airport
  • Initially opening with a BK117 helicopter; the long range plan is to operate with an AW139 helicopter which will enable STARS to service more of northern Saskatchewan

With this flight range, it’s anticipated STARS will provide service to approximately 90 to 95 per cent of the Saskatchewan population, with the capacity to rapidly respond to rural areas, First Nations and Metis communities, as well as remote industry work sites.

The STARS Emergency Link Centre will assume the role of coordinating the care and transportation of critically ill and injured patients.  STARS will work with their partners in Saskatchewan to offer rural first responders ongoing education and outreach opportunities.

STARS is a charitable, non-profit organization that has carried out more than 20,000 missions in Alberta and eastern British Columbia since it began in 1985. We currently provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from bases in Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie.