STARS conducts first neonatal transfer

The mission, described as a “major accomplishment” by the operator, saw a newborn baby in Saskatchewan transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Regina General Hospital, in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan.

“The unique aspect of this child being born out of hospital was there were a lot of logistical challenges to overcome, with a lot of moving parts behind the scenes,” explained STARS Flight Paramedic Ryan MacMillan.

“All of the various care providers involved really worked hard to reach that end goal of getting baby safely and quickly to the Regina General Hospital NICU department; it was inspiring,” he added.

New kit – and a streamlined process

It follows a multi-year process by STARS to upgrade its fleet for neonatal transfers – including the creation of a new interface designed to secure an incubator in place, and to ensure the safety of both the infant and its medical team during transport.

Prior to the development and Transport Canada regulatory approval of the new interface, STARS was only able to carry the incubator and NICU team to the patient’s side as a first response – before the patient and medical team were subsequently carried onwards via ground ambulance.

The new development greatly streamlines this process, allowing the helicopter to carry the patient directly to the hospital.

“STARS is always looking for new ways to provide the highest level of care to our youngest patients,” said STARS President and CEO Katherine Emberly. “When a joyous moment, like the birth of a child, takes a scary turn, families across the prairies can rest assured that a team of STARS critical care specialists are on their way with the best equipment possible.”

Emberly was appointed as STARS’ new President and CEO in June of last year.