BONNYVILLE - During the June 25 MD of Bonnyville council meeting, Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) presented council with a framed photo commemorating 10 years of partnership.
STARS offers “critical care anywhere” and supports the enhancement of rural healthcare, according to the organization.
The MD of Bonnyville has pledged an annual fixed rate of $12,000.
Glenda Farnden, STARS Senior Municipal Relations Liaison, says “STARS is the dedicated critical care provider in Alberta and through that we provide critical care anywhere from our six bases located across all of western Canada. In a worst-case scenario, STARS is your best hope.”
Deputy Reeve Josh Crick shared his heartfelt appreciation for the services provided, saying, “I just want to say thank you again for coming in and for all the work that you do. My son was flown... He was a month old and he's a happy boy today, so it's very important the work you guys do saving lives. We appreciate it.”
STARS carries out 44 missions per year on average to the MD of Bonnyville.
Shannon Paquette, donor relations and development officer for STARS, informed council that STARS has won first place seven times during the International Air Medical Transport conference’s rigorous competition, and that they have always remained in the top three during their 21 years of competing.
Paquette continued the presentation, informing council of new improvements such as the addition of night vision goggles, streamlining communications between physicians and staff, an increase to four units of universal blood on board, and the implementation of the Massive Hemorrhage Protocol.
Earlier this month, STARS announced a new 10-year funding agreement with the Alberta government, stating that the funding will provide stability to continue to provide critical care across the province for years to come.
“Our roots run deep in Alberta, and for nearly 40 years, we’ve relied on the unwavering support from our government partners and the communities we serve to grow, evolve and deliver on our mission, every day,” said STARS’ president and CEO Katherine Emberly.
