Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service

The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) is a Canadian non-profit helicopter air ambulance organization dedicated to providing emergency medical care and transportation to critically ill and injured patients across Western Canada.

History

STARS was founded by Dr. Gregory Powell in Calgary, Alberta, following a personal tragedy where a patient died due to prolonged transportation time from a rural area. This incident underscored the need for rapid air transport for critical patients, a concept familiar to Dr. Powell from his experience as a physician in Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units during the Vietnam War. The organization conducted its first mission on December 1, 1985, and has since carried out over 24,000 missions[2].

Operations

STARS operates from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. The organization's fleet includes custom-outfitted Airbus H145 helicopters and BK117 helicopters, which serve as mobile intensive care units[4][5].

Funding

About 75% of STARS' funding comes from private donations, including contributions from individuals, service groups, businesses, and corporations. The remaining 25% is secured through a collaboration agreement with Alberta Health Services[3]. This structure allows STARS to maintain its community-based and charitable nature.

Programs

STARS offers three core programs:

1. Aviation Operations: Focuses on the maintenance and operation of its helicopter fleet.
2. Clinical Operations: Provides specialized medical care during transport.
3. STARS Emergency Link Centre: Supports emergency response coordination and resource allocation[5].

In 2023, STARS conducted 3,365 missions across Western Canada, averaging about eight missions per day and handling 90 emergency requests daily. Common mission types include general medical, trauma, cardiac emergencies, and vehicle incidents[5].

Leadership

Andrea Robertson was appointed as the president and CEO of STARS in 2012, succeeding Dr. Gregory Powell, who served in this role for 27 years[2].

Vision and Mission

STARS' vision is built on partnership, innovation, and leadership to save lives. Its mission is to deliver a safe, rapid, and highly specialized emergency medical transport system[3].