STARS renews Saskatchewan contract
STARS has had its relationship with Government of Saskatchewan, Canada renewed, with the service due to continue providing air medical support past 2020.
Air rescue operator Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) has had its relationship with Government of Saskatchewan, Canada renewed, with the service due to continue providing air medical support past 2020.
“We are pleased to announce our government’s renewed agreement with STARS,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to timely access to emergency medical services for the residents of Saskatchewan, particularly those in rural and remote areas. Thank you to STARS for their continued service to the people of Saskatchewan, and to Nutrien for their ongoing support.”
The agreement will also see the Government of Saskatchewan fund one of the services’ three new H145 helicopters it is due to purchase as part of its fleet renewal plan. The first aircraft is set to be in operation in 2019, with the other two aircraft being phased in in the coming years. STARS hopes to complete its fleet renewal by 2023.
STARS thanked the financial support of fertiliser company Nutrien, a long-standing supporter of the company. As well as contributing funds to one of the new helicopters, the company also provides the hanger used as STARS’ Saskatoon base.
“Nutrien is proud to renew its long-term support of STARS and ensure this vital service can be enhanced for the people of Saskatchewan,” Nutrien Vice-President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations Candace Laing said. “We have operations that span the province and we know the importance of having access to emergency care for our communities.”
STARS President and CEO Andrea Robertson said: “We couldn’t be part of the chain of survival in this province without the tremendous support of the Government of Saskatchewan and generous allies like Nutrien. We thank them immensely for their renewed commitment to our operations and to our new fleet, which is an investment in our ability to serve the people of this province for decades to come.”
STARS has been operating in Saskatchewan since April 2012 and has provided medical transport for over 4,100 patients in that time.