Club Notes:
Tuesday, August 26th
Cochrane Club member stars and guests visited STARS!
What an OUTSTANDING "Field Trip" to visit STARS!
Some of the MANY things we learned:
STARS Air Ambulance is a vital emergency service in Alberta, known for its life-saving missions and innovation in critical care transport.
What does STARS stand for?
The STARS acronym stands for Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (originally Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society).
Origins and Growth:
Founded in 1985: STARS began as the Lions Air Ambulance Service, with its first mission in December 1985 to transport a critically ill infant to Calgary.
Headquartered in Calgary:
STARS first base was established at the Calgary International Airport, with additional bases later added in Edmonton and Grande Prairie to serve Alberta.
Life-Saving Impact:
Tens of Thousands of Missions: STARS has completed over 45,000 missions organization-wide since inception, saving and changing many lives in Alberta and beyond.
Critical Role for Rural Communities: The STARS service provides rapid, specialized emergency care in rural and remote areas of Alberta, where quick medical transport can make a crucial difference.
People and Innovation -Highly Skilled Medical Teams:
Each STARS mission is staffed by specially trained flight paramedics, flight nurses, and often a transport physician, many of whom have backgrounds in emergency or critical care medicine.
First Use of Night Vision Technology: STARS was the first civilian air carrier in Canada to use night-vision goggles for helicopter operations, enhancing safety and capability during night missions.
Partnerships and Recognition:
Alberta's Government has a 10-year performance-based contract with STARS to secure ongoing air ambulance service across the province, showcasing its essential status.
International Accreditations: STARS achieved full accreditation as an international critical care provider from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), a prestigious industry recognition.
Community and Culture -Strong Community Support: As a non-profit, STARS relies on a blend of government funding, corporate donations, service groups, and individual philanthropy to sustain its operations.
Thank you SO much to Hank, Terry and all who helped organize this AMAZING learning experience!
