The future of helicopter emergency medical services in Western Canada will soon receive a significant lift, thanks to a vital funding commitment from the Government of Canada. It was announced in today’s federal budget that STARS, a non-profit, charitable helicopter air ambulance organization operating across the Prairie provinces will receive $65 million to help replace… Read more »
Source: STARS, 28-Mar-19
Calgary-based STARS Air Ambulance has selected SKYTRAC Push-to-Talk with real-time in-flight data transfer capability for its Airbus H145 fleet renewal program. The lightweight SKYTRAC hardware kit will enable fast and reliable group-talk, simultaneous uninterrupted flight tracking, and onboard satellite and cellular data transfer capabilities. The package supports real-time in-flight data streaming from any connected device… Read more »
Source: SKYTRAC, 26-Feb-19
When you hear the sound of a STARS helicopter, you know it is involved in a life-saving mission. When you buy your STARS lottery ticket, you join the fight to save lives. The 26th edition of the STARS lottery launched today offering 2,809 prizes, valued at over $4.5 million. LUCKY STARS 50/50 is back again and this year a lucky ticket… Read more »
Source: STARS, 28-Jan-19
The Government of Saskatchewan is committing to renew its 10-year agreement with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) beyond 2020 to provide helicopter air medical service in Saskatchewan. The province will also fund one of the three new helicopters needed in Saskatchewan as part of the organization’s plan for fleet renewal.“We are pleased to announce… Read more »
Source: Saskatchewan, 07-Dec-18
After showcasing their skills on the world stage, members of STARS’ air medical crew ultimately won the prestigious Association of Air Medical Services’ (AAMS) 2018 Sim Cup on Tuesday. Flight nurse Jenny Thorpe and flight paramedic Matt Hogan represented STARS at the annual critical care skills contest, held during the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC)… Read more »
09-Nov-18
Following an extensive RFP process, Airbus’ H145 was selected as the fleet replacement aircraft for STARS air ambulance’s aging fleet, becoming the first H145s in HEMS configuration to enter Canada. The twin-engine H145 was chosen thanks to its exceptional HEMS heritage and safety record with its BK117 and EC145 predecessors. Offering the largest cabin in… Read more »
Source: Airbus Helicopters, 26-Oct-18
STARS has made a temporary landing area at the new High Prairie Health Complex. They are looking to make it something more permanent. The need of air ambulance services has grown in the Big Lakes County area and STARS is looking to join with First Nations communities, reports South Peace News.
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Dec-17
Flight paramedic Shannon Koch and flight nurse Thomas Froh came in second place at the Association of Air Medical Service’s 2017 Sim Cup. They represented STARS in Regina and beat five other STARS bases. The skills they learned during the simulations are now cemented in, reports CBC.
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Nov-17
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) is pleased to announce that the sixth edition of CEO Rescue in the Rockies fundraiser has raised more than $365,000. Since 2011, the unique fundraiser has seen the Alberta community come together and raise more than $4 million for STARS. It was not a typical day for the… Read more »
Source: STARS, 03-Oct-17
Access Credit Union is pleased to announce a $250,000 donation to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS), which will be allocated over five-years and directly contribute to providing time, hope and life-saving transport to critically ill and injured patients in Manitoba. “Access Credit Union seeks to invest in organizations for the betterment of our… Read more »
Source: STARS, 28-Sep-17
The Portage District General Hospital in Manitoba has accomplished their fundraising goal. Together with the community and a lottery, they were able to raise over $350,000 for a new STARS Air Ambulance helipad at the hospital. Construction work for the helipad will begin this week, reports Global News.
Source: HeliHub.com, 25-Sep-17
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) is pleased to announce a $250,000 donation by Access Credit Union to STARS, which will be allocated over five-years and directly contribute to providing time, hope and life-saving transport to critically ill and injured patients in Manitoba. “Access Credit Union seeks to invest in organizations for the betterment… Read more »
Source: STARS, 25-Aug-17
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) is pleased to announce a $250,000 donation by Access Credit Union to STARS, which will be allocated over five-years and directly contribute to providing time, hope and life-saving transport to critically ill and injured patients in Manitoba. “Access Credit Union seeks to invest in organizations for the betterment… Read more »
Source: STARS, 17-Aug-17
Transport Canada has finally received the green card to land at the new heliport at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre. The town’s iconic water tower had to be demolished in order for Transport Canada to have a clear flight path. The STARS helicopter had to land at Rocky Mountain House airport with their patients… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Aug-17
Aircraft customizing, maintenance and support provider, AeroBrigham has announced the company will provide integration, distribution and support services for a revolutionary and cost-effective means to send encrypted video and audio from aerial platforms anywhere in the world. Serastar Technologies Corporation’s Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Recon System (STARS) equipment allows streaming video in a compact ISR video transmission and recording… Read more »
Source: AeroBrigham, 28-Jul-17
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) is celebrating its 5th anniversary of saving lives in Saskatchewan. Since 2012, STARS has carried out more than 4,000 missions to more than 500 locations across the province, and today Health Minister Jim Reiter, Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit and Crown Investments Corporation Minister Joe Hargrave… Read more »
Source: Saskatchewan, 12-Jul-17
Saskatchewan’s newest solution potash mine may draw its product from underground, but the company that built it is already looking to the sky to give back to its employees and the people of the province. At the grand opening of their Legacy mine today, K+S Potash Canada (KSPC) announced a $1 million gift to STARS… Read more »
23-May-17
The $3 million helipad plan for Banff’s Mineral Springs Hospital is no longer needed. Alberta Health Services was made aware of this when STARS air ambulance relocated their new Augusta Westland-139 helicopter from Calgary to Edmonton. The proposed helipad construction was scheduled to begin in 2016, but due to tendering costs it was delayed, much… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 30-Jan-17
Airwork has signed an agreement with STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) Canada to upgrade three of their eight BK117-B2’s to BK117-850D2’s. The first aircraft upgrade has been carried out and it is anticipated that the next two will be completed during January. The aircraft upgrade involves removing the LTS101-750B1 engines and installing LTS101- 850B2… Read more »
Source: Airwork, 18-Jan-17
Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre is excited to open Manitoba’s first helipad. The project has been in the works since 2011, as part of a new diagnostic imaging facility, reports CBC. The new helipad was tested this past Friday, by STARS air ambulance. The use of the helipad will cut transporting time by half an hour,… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 05-Dec-16
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) has announced that the fifth edition of CEO Rescue in the Rockies fundraiser has been one of their biggest years yet, raising $387,675. Since it started in 2011, the fundraiser has seen the Alberta community come together and raise more than $4.1 million for STARS. This morning, STARS… Read more »
Source: STARS, 26-Sep-16
More than $516,000 was raised by five Saskatchewan community and business leaders at the second annual Rescue on the Prairie fundraising event for STARS air ambulance, held Thursday at a remote prairie location near St. Denis, SK. “I was really honoured that I was chosen to participate,” said Kindersley-based participant Garth MacDonald. “It’s been fun…. Read more »
Source: STARS, 19-Sep-16
Celebrations are taking place across the province today following the announcement of the 2016 STARS Lottery Saskatchewan winners. The fifth annual lottery was the most successful to date in terms of revenue generated, and organizers are grateful to supporters for helping the fundraiser do so well, despite recent economic constraints in the province. “The people… Read more »
Source: STARS, 14-Aug-16
Viterra Inc. (“Viterra”) is pleased to announce that it is continuing its partnership with STARS Air Ambulance (STARS) to sponsor its 2017 calendar. The calendars will be available for purchase at most Viterra facilities in Western Canada. This year’s campaign kicked off at Viterra’s Crossfield, AB grain facility at an event with officials from both… Read more »
Source: Viterra, 29-Jul-16
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) is the first air medical program in Canada to begin stocking blood in advance for life-saving transfusions. Manitoba Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living, Kelvin Goertzen visited the STARS Winnipeg base today to announce the new service offered by STARS in Manitoba. “A prompt response can mean… Read more »
Source: STARS, 22-Jun-16
STARS has flown more than 3,000 missions to more than 400 communities across Saskatchewan since it established operations in the province in 2012. The missions have been made possible with the help of STARS Lottery, which is now celebrating its fifth birthday. The lottery officially kicked off today with 2019 prizes valued at more than… Read more »
Source: STARS, 16-May-16
In a post on its Facebook page, STARS says a number of Albertans have received calls from someone claiming to be a STARS lottery representative telling the would-be victim they have won a prize, but in order to have it shipped to them they must first transfer a certain amount of money See full story
Source: Global News, 26-Apr-16
Many Albertans have cause to celebrate, following the announcement of the 2016 STARS lottery grand prize winners today. The lottery raised more than $11.5 million net for the non-profit, with 3,200 prizes worth more than $5.6 million retail. Lethbridge residents and Edmonton show home winners Ed and Marlene Grinnell were thrilled to learn they had… Read more »
Source: STARS, 15-Apr-16
In February, we issued a plea to Albertans. A stormy economic climate had led to slumping STARS lottery ticket sales, and it was in danger of not selling out for the first time in its 23-year history. The response from Albertans was overwhelming. Our phone lines were jammed and website traffic surged. Albertans from rural… Read more »
Source: STARS, 13-Apr-16
For the first time in more than two decades, STARS’ Alberta Lottery is in danger of not selling out. The lottery has a 23-year history in the province and is the only charitable home lottery in Canada to set records by selling out every year since it began. However, our stormy economic climate has led… Read more »
Source: STARS, 09-Mar-16
The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) will conduct a site visit of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) on Feb. 22 and 23, 2016. STARS has been accredited by CAMTS since 1998 with renewal occurring every three years. CAMTS accreditation standards deal with standards of patient care and safety in the… Read more »
Source: STARS, 22-Jan-16
A new helipad slated to open this spring at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg is expected to speed up helicopter transport times by as much as half an hour. The opening of the helipad located atop the new Diagnostic Centre for Excellence building will allow the Shock and Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) air ambulance helicopter… Read more »
Source: HSC, 14-Jan-16
– STARS and Ornge air ambulance services are partnering to raise awareness of snowmobile safety in an effort to reduce snowmobile related injuries and fatalities in Canada this winter season. The partnership marks the first time two air ambulance services in Canada have jointly promoted safe riding. Since 2013, Ornge has transported more than 140… Read more »
Source: Ornge, 09-Dec-15
AgustaWestland announced today that long term training service contracts have been signed with customers operating AW139 intermediate twin helicopters in the United States and Canada. Signing a five year training contract, helicopter emergency medical services provider STARS, operating three AW139s throughout Western Canada, is extending its agreement with AgustaWestland to provide recurrent training for its… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 19-Nov-15
The heliport at Foothills Medical Centre (FMC) will be officially named the Dr. Gregory Powell Helipad in recognition of Dr. Powell’s role as founder of STARS air ambulance and the STARS Foundation, and his exemplary service over a 35-year career. Since retiring as STARS President and CEO in March 2012, Dr. Powell continues to volunteer… Read more »
Source: Alberta Health Services, 12-Nov-15
Viterra is pleased to announce that it has partnered with STARS to sponsor its 2016 calendar. As part of the agreement, the calendars will be available for purchase at many Viterra facilities across Western Canada. The partnership was formally launched earlier today at an event at Viterra’s Balgonie grain terminal, with farm customers, employees and… Read more »
Source: STARS, 30-Sep-15
Rawlco Radio Ltd. has announced a gift of $250,000 to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) in Saskatchewan. The donation reinforces the company’s ongoing support of the service, helping to ensure that STARS can continue to maintain its vital service of providing time, hope and life-saving transport to critically ill and injured patients. This… Read more »
Source: STARS, 29-Sep-15
More than $425,000 was raised by five community and business leaders at the first annual Rescue on the Prairie fundraising event for STARS air ambulance, held at a remote location near Dundurn, SK, on Wednesday. “It’s a pleasure to be here and be able to raise these funds for STARS,” said participant Ron Carson, founder… Read more »
Source: STARS, 04-Sep-15
Celebrations are taking place across Saskatchewan today following the announcement of the 2015 STARS Saskatchewan LOTTERY WINNERS. This is the first sell-out in the event’s four-year history and organizers are grateful to supporters for helping them reach a milestone for the annual lottery. The Lottery offered 2,100 prizes worth more than $4.1 million and netted… Read more »
Source: STARS, 13-Aug-15
The STARS organization is thrilled to announce their annual lottery in Saskatchewan has sold out for the first time in the event’s four year history. The lottery provides significant funding for STARS’ bases in Saskatoon and Regina. “Approximately 50 per cent of the funding for our two bases in Saskatchewan comes from local supporters. Each… Read more »
Source: STARS, 17-Jul-15
Canadian Natural Resources Limited (Canadian Natural) announced a gift of $2.5 million to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) at the STARS Calgary base today. This reinforces the company’s ongoing support of the service, helping to ensure that STARS can continue to maintain its vital service of providing time, hope and life-saving transport to… Read more »
Source: STARS, 12-Jun-15
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) today announced a $500,000 contribution over five years to STARS air ambulance, providing life-saving transportation to patients in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “STARS provides critical care and transportation for rural residents who don’t have quick or easy access to health care in emergency situations,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO…. Read more »
Source: FCC, 02-Jun-15
The STARS air ambulance service has paid back almost $5 million to the Manitoba government in the last two years. See Full Story
Source: CBC News, 12-May-15
Despite a troubling economic forecast amid falling oil prices, Canada’s energy sector showed its support for STARS Saturday night by helping to raise more than $1 million, yet again. The long-running STARS and Spurs Gala, an annual fundraiser in Calgary presented by the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC), has raised more than $11 million… Read more »
Source: STARS, 30-Jan-15
STARS is the first helicopter air ambulance service in Canada to begin stocking blood in advance for life-saving transfusions on air medical missions. The STARS base in Edmonton is now the fourth to carry blood, following STARS locations in Regina, Saskatoon and Calgary. This initiative, in conjunction with Alberta Health Services Transfusion Services and Canadian… Read more »
Source: Stars, 15-Dec-14
STARS is the first helicopter air ambulance service in Canada to begin stocking blood in advance for life-saving transfusions on air medical missions. The STARS base in Edmonton is now the fourth to carry blood, following STARS locations in Regina, Saskatchewan and Calgary. This initiative, in conjunction with Alberta Health Services Transfusion Services and Canadian… Read more »
Source: STARS, 10-Dec-14
STARS air ambulance is pleased to announce that today STARS President and CEO Andrea Robertson has been named a Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) 2014 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner. The Top 100 Awards recognize Canada’s strong, fearless female leaders who have become agents of change in reshaping Canadian organizations at the highest… Read more »
Source: STARS, 27-Nov-14
STARS air ambulance is looking to prevent injuries involving snowmobiles for the upcoming winter season. In 2013, the helicopter air ambulance service responded to 20 serious snowmobiling and related incidents. It’s about mass times velocity and the potential for injury with these machines now is huge,” agreed Chad Hegge, flight paramedic with STARS. “They are… Read more »
Source: STARS, 26-Nov-14
STARS air ambulance and Snoman (Snowmobilers of Manitoba) Inc. are partnering to promote snowmobile safety this winter, as more than 34,500 Manitoba snowmobilers get ready to hit the trails. There were seven fatalities in total last season, including five off-trail, and two on-trail incidents. Media are invited to the STARS Winnipeg base on Tuesday, Nov…. Read more »
Source: STARS, 26-Nov-14
STARS has announced that the annual CEO Rescue in the Rockies fundraiser has once again been a staggering success, raising $974,869.77 in one day. Since it started in 2010, the fundraiser has seen the Alberta community come together and raise close to $4 million for STARS. Earlier this morning, STARS partnered with influential business leaders… Read more »
Source: STARS, 30-Sep-14
Community leaders and dignitaries attended a celebration today recognizing the generosity of a Saskatchewan-based organization and their dedication to safety. PotashCorp, the world’s leading potash producer by capacity, helped STARS establish their life-saving organization in the province, and provided the AW139 helicopter and Saskatoon base, valued at $27 million, which were officially launched today. The… Read more »
Source: Stars, 29-Sep-14
More than $200,000 was raised by eight community and business leaders in one day at this year’s Rescue on the Island STARS air ambulance fundraising event on Elk Island, north of Victoria Beach on Sept. 10, 2014. “Manitoba is a very caring community,” said event participant Andy Dutfield, vice president of Lafarge Canada Inc. “I… Read more »
Source: STARS, 12-Sep-14
The Manitoba government has released the report and recommendations of the Clinical Oversight Committee on the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) air ambulance service, led by Dr. Brian Postl, Health Minister Erin Selby said today. “Our first priority is to deliver safe, high-quality care to Manitoba families. We are confident these recommendations and the… Read more »
Source: Manitoba, 05-Aug-14
STARS officially introduced its new AW139 helicopter today during an unveiling ceremony at the STARS base in Saskatoon. The Saskatoon-based AW139 helicopter is the first of its kind for STARS in Saskatchewan. Two AW139 aircrafts are in operation at the STARS bases in Calgary and Edmonton. The new helicopter will enhance access to emergency pre-hospital… Read more »
Source: STARS, 24-Jul-14
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is the first medical service in Canada to begin stocking blood in advance for life-saving transfusions on air medical missions. The STARS base in Saskatoon is now the third base to come on line. This new approach, spearheaded by Saskatoon Health Region’s Hospital Transfusion Lab staff, allows the… Read more »
Source: STARS, 08-Jul-14
Rotary Club of Estevan president-elect Charles Olsen presented a cheque for $20,000 to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation executive director Becky Conly last night at Lobsterfest. It’s the first payments in our $120,000 commitment for the naming rights to the helipad at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Last night’s presentation included $10,000 from the Rotary Club of Estevan… Read more »
Source: Rotary Club of Estevan, 13-Jun-14
Manitoba’s contract with Alberta-based STARS came under fire on Wednesday, noting that the province did not follow proper tendering procedures when it signed the $159-million, 10-year service agreement in 2011. See full story
Source: CBC, 23-Mar-14
On the advice of medical professionals, the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) air ambulance will resume responding to calls for emergency service effective immediately, Health Minister Erin Selby announced today. “The decision to temporarily suspend STARS was a difficult one, but I rely on the advice of medical experts,” Minister Selby said. “The medical… Read more »
Source: Manitoba Health, 10-Mar-14
STARS Air Ambulance’s donor-funded AW139s are forcing Alberta to upgrade priority helipads over the next two years See full story
21-Feb-14
Saturday’s gala raised in excess of $1 million, helping the total contributions from the 20 years of the gala to surpass the $10 million mark. See full story
Source: CTV, 26-Jan-14
The 21st annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,217 prizes worth more than $5.6 million retail. The STARS Lottery raises over $10 million net each year and continues to be STARS’ single largest source of funding in Alberta, helping critically ill and injured patients across the province. “In 2013 STARS responded to more than… Read more »
Source: STARS, 20-Jan-14
As you may have seen in recent media reports, the Manitoba government, in consultation with STARS, has made a decision to temporarily place the Winnipeg base out of service. This has been done to allow the government to conduct a review of an interhospital transport mission that occurred on Thursday, November 28th. The care and… Read more »
Source: STARS, 09-Dec-13
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is ready to land at Regina General Hospital now that Transport Canada has certified the new $3.4 million rooftop heliport for use. “Landing directly at Regina General will allow our emergency services to get patients in southern Saskatchewan to a critical care team about 15 minutes faster,” Health… Read more »
Source: Regina Qu’Appelle, 04-Dec-13
Following a recent patient transportation incident with STARS air ambulance service and advice from medical professionals, Health Minister Erin Selby announced today the temporary suspension of STARS. “On the advice from medical professionals, I’ve instructed my department to take this action. Up until now, I’ve been assured that STARS is providing appropriate emergency care, but… Read more »
Source: Manitoba Health, 03-Dec-13
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) in Regina has become the first air medical service in Canada to begin stocking blood in advance for life-saving transfusions on air medical missions. This new approach, spearheaded by Regina General Hospital Transfusion Lab staff, allows the helicopter emergency medical service to begin a blood transfusion early. The… Read more »
Source: Regina Qu'Appelle Health, 07-Nov-13
STARS air ambulance officially announced the arrival of its new donor funded AW139 helicopter today during an unveiling ceremony at the STARS Calgary base. The Calgary-based AW139 helicopter is the second of two new donor-funded AW139s purchased by STARS for service in Alberta, with the first already in service in Edmonton (arrived in Dec. 2012)…. Read more »
Source: STARS, 25-Oct-13
STARS air ambulance will unveil the Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation’s logo on the helicopter on Friday, Oct.11 at the Edmonton base. This logo unveiling will recognize the organization’s commitment of more than $549,000 to STARS. The logo will be revealed on the helicopter’s tailfin, a place reserved for donors who have pledged $500,000… Read more »
Source: STARS, 10-Oct-13
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) has announced that the annual CEO Rescue in the Rockies for STARS fundraiser has once again been a staggering success. Today, four prominent CEOs worked together to raise more than $696,314 in a single day. STARS partnered with influential business leaders in Edmonton and Calgary and dropped them… Read more »
Source: STARS, 08-Oct-13
The helipad at St. Joseph’s Hospital is the first certified helipad in the province of Saskatchewan See full story
Source: Estevan Mercury, 27-Sep-13
East Kootenay Regional Hospital’s heliport is receiving approximately $450,000 in Interior Health funded upgrades to maintain an important transport link for patients of the region. The hospital upgrades will increase the heliport size and elevate it to accommodate new Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) helicopters. “Interior Health relies on STARS helicopters to provide life-saving… Read more »
Source: Interior Health, 15-Sep-13
Health sources in Manitoba tell CBC News there is growing concern over the STARS air ambulance program and patient management, as several cases are currently under clinical review by the province. See full story
Source: CBC, 15-Sep-13
STARS air ambulance unveiled the County of Grande Prairie’s logo on the STARS helicopter on Sept. 8, during the County of Grande Prairie Sportsplex grand opening. This logo unveiling recognized the County’s commitment of more than $1 million to STARS. The logo has been upgraded from its original location on the helicopter’s doors to the… Read more »
Source: STARS, 11-Sep-13
