12-Jul-2017Source: Saskatchewan
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
23-May-2017
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
30-Jan-2017Source: HeliHub.com
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
18-Jan-2017Source: Airwork
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
5-Dec-2016Source: HeliHub.com
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
26-Sep-2016Source: STARS
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
19-Sep-2016Source: STARS
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
14-Aug-2016Source: STARS
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
29-Jul-2016Source: Viterra
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
22-Jun-2016Source: STARS
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
16-May-2016Source: STARS
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
26-Apr-2016Source: Global News
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... Read more
15-Apr-2016Source: STARS
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
13-Apr-2016Source: STARS
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
9-Mar-2016Source: STARS
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
22-Jan-2016Source: STARS
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
14-Jan-2016Source: HSC
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
9-Dec-2015Source: Ornge
– 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
19-Nov-2015Source: AgustaWestland
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
12-Nov-2015Source: Alberta Health Services
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
30-Sep-2015Source: STARS
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
29-Sep-2015Source: STARS
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
4-Sep-2015Source: STARS
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
13-Aug-2015Source: STARS
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
17-Jul-2015Source: STARS
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
12-Jun-2015Source: STARS
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
2-Jun-2015Source: FCC
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
12-May-2015Source: CBC News
The STARS air ambulance service has paid back almost $5 million to the Manitoba government in the last two years. See Full Story... Read more
30-Jan-2015Source: STARS
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
15-Dec-2014Source: Stars
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
10-Dec-2014Source: STARS
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
27-Nov-2014Source: STARS
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
26-Nov-2014Source: STARS
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
26-Nov-2014Source: STARS
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
30-Sep-2014Source: STARS
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
29-Sep-2014Source: Stars
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
12-Sep-2014Source: STARS
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
5-Aug-2014Source: Manitoba
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
24-Jul-2014Source: STARS
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
8-Jul-2014Source: STARS
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
13-Jun-2014Source: Rotary Club of Estevan
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
23-Mar-2014Source: CBC
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... Read more
10-Mar-2014Source: Manitoba Health
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
21-Feb-2014
STARS Air Ambulance’s donor-funded AW139s are forcing Alberta to upgrade priority helipads over the next two years See full story... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: CTV
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... Read more
20-Jan-2014Source: STARS
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
9-Dec-2013Source: STARS
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
4-Dec-2013Source: Regina Qu’Appelle
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
3-Dec-2013Source: Manitoba Health
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
7-Nov-2013Source: Regina Qu'Appelle Health
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
25-Oct-2013Source: STARS
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
10-Oct-2013Source: STARS
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
8-Oct-2013Source: STARS
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
27-Sep-2013Source: Estevan Mercury
The helipad at St. Joseph’s Hospital is the first certified helipad in the province of Saskatchewan See full story... Read more
15-Sep-2013Source: Interior Health
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
15-Sep-2013Source: CBC
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... Read more
11-Sep-2013Source: STARS
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
5-Sep-2013Source: STARS
Saddle Hills County has been supporting STARS since 2007. Their 2012 commitment of $450,000 over three years, which equals $61 per capita, pushed the municipality past the significant milestone mark. “We are a busy remote location with lots of oil and gas companies coming in to work, and response times on ground can be high,”... Read more
2-Sep-2013Source: STARS
STARS’ Saskatchewan vice president of operations Ron Dufresne said today that construction of the future STARS helicopter base in Saskatoon is progressing on schedule and expects the helicopter air ambulance service to move into its new home in November. “We’re very excited to move closer to having a permanent home for our Saskatoon team,” said... Read more
27-Aug-2013Source: STARS
STARS air ambulance unveiled the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association (GPPA)’s logo on a STARS helicopter on August 8, during the annual GPPA Golf Tournament, which took place at the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club. This logo unveiling recognized the GPPA’s cumulative total contribution of over $397,000 to STARS. Funds were raised through the GPPA’s... Read more
23-Aug-2013Source: STARS
STARS air ambulance unveiled the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association (GPPA)’s logo on a STARS helicopter on August 8, during the annual GPPA Golf Tournament, which took place at the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club. This logo unveiling recognized the GPPA’s cumulative total contribution of over $397,000 to STARS. Funds were raised through the GPPA’s... Read more
19-Jul-2013Source: CBC
The incident happened May 2, when a STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) crew picked up Morgan in Brandon for a transfer to Winnipeg’s Children’s Hospital. See full story... Read more
16-Jul-2013Source: Global News
Construction crews have a deadline: by November, the heliport at the Regina General Hospital should be operational. For STARS air ambulance, it can’t come soon enough. see full story and pictures... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is excited to announce a $500,000 donation from Young’s Equipment Inc., a Saskatchewan agricultural equipment business. “We are committed to our customers and during our 25th anniversary year, wanted to invest in an organization that would make a meaningful difference to our customers across the province,” said Tim... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: Estevan Mercury
Outside of a few finishing touches, the new helipad at St. Joseph’s Hospital is almost ready for use. (See Full Story)... Read more
16-May-2013Source: Leader~Post
Lacy Panno, a flight nurse with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), is excited. (See Full Story)... Read more
10-May-2013Source: The STARS Lottery
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... Read more
8-May-2013Source: STARS
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.... Read more
2-May-2013Source: STARS
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... Read more
15-Apr-2013Source: CAMTS
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... Read more
29-Mar-2013
Helicopter landed to pick up a patient. While rotors were still turning, co pilot observed fuel leak and immediately told pilot to shut down helicopter and switch off electric. O-ring had failed in fuel line and was repaired on site.... Read more
