Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society
The Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) was formed in Calgary, Alberta to provide emergency medical care and transport to the critically ill and injured. Since 1985, more than 20,000 missions have been carried out.
Over the years, the STARS fleet has grown from a single helicopter to five Eurocopter BK117's, serving eastern British Columbia and 94 per cent of the Alberta population from bases in Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie. Each helicopter covers a 250 km radius and can hold one critical patient, or two non-critical. The operating range can be extended further than 250 km when refueling is available.
The STARS Edmonton base opened in 1991 at the Edmonton City Centre Airport (CYXD) and the Grande Prairie base opened in 2006.
The STARS crew consists of a critical care nurse, an advanced life support paramedic, an emergency referral physician and two pilots.
Recently, the organization has been preparing for the arrival of two advanced technology helicopters that will fly faster, further and have the capacity to transport and care for two critically ill or injured patients. The new AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters are scheduled to arrive in 2011, first in Edmonton and then Calgary.
STARS is equipped with night vision goggles, enhancing night rescue capabilities.
The STARS vision of saving lives through partnership, innovation and leadership is supported by four pillars: the Emergency Medical Communications, Patient Care & Transport, Education & Research and Fundraising & Community Partnerships.
STARS also managed the air ambulance service, in Nova Scotia, from 1996 to 2001.
STARS is currently in the process of expanding into Manitoba with a BK117 based in Winnipeg, and Saskatchewan, with BK117s based in Regina and Saskatoon. As a result of a large donation from Potash Corporation, the BK117 in Saskatoon will later be replaced with a AW139.
The helicopter in Manitoba is currently in operation, and the two helicopters in Saskatchewan will enter service in 2012.
[edit] Funding
STARS is a non-profit charitable organization. The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation (STARS Foundation) is the fundraising arm for STARS. Funding needs are met through private donations received from individuals, service groups, businesses, corporations and collaborative affiliation agreements with Alberta Health Services.
STARS also holds a lottery every year which generates approximately 50 per cent of the mission operating costs. Other financial statements and annual reports are available at the STARS website here.
[edit] External links
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