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 helicopter air medical service in our province,” Health Minister Don McMorris said. “STARS will give us another option to get critically ill patients quickly to hospital, and we’re thankful for all the partners and donors who have stepped forward to make this program a reality in Saskatchewan.”

An existing hangar, purchased by STARS from Redhead Equipment Ltd. in October 2011, will undergo re-development to include space for the helicopter, aircraft engineering equipment and maintenance activity, and medical and aviation crew training and staging areas. A new adjacent building is also being constructed to include crew quarters, clinical education and training areas, and office space for support staff and volunteers. Graham Construction is the company contracted for this project.

“This helicopter air ambulance base is possible thanks to the partnership and support of government,