STARS one step closer to replacing Saskatchewan fleet

“Woo hoo!” were the first words out of STARS president and CEO Andrea Robertson after a funding announcement made by Nutrien and the Saskatchewan government Tuesday morning.

Thanks to renewed funding commitments by both parties, STARS is two-thirds of the way towards replacing its fleet of helicopters in Saskatchewan.

“These long-serving, reliable work horses that have been incredible for us are reaching the end of their lifespan and they need to be replaced,” said Robertson.

She credited the existence of STARS in Saskatchewan to the largest donor every year, the Government of Saskatchewan.

Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit announced the province’s commitment to renew its 10-year agreement with STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) as well as provide funding for one of three new helicopters needed.

“This once-in-a-generation investment will help ensure that emergency medical services can continue to reach critically ill or injured patients quickly,” said Ottenbreit.

Nutrien also announced renewed support for STARS and committed to funding the purchase of a new Airbus H145 helicopter set to arrive in Saskatchewan in 2019. The other two new helicopters will be phased in by 2023.

A capital fundraising campaign is being launched to raise enough money to purchase the third helicopter as part of its Keep the Fight in Flight campaign announced in June. The new helicopters cost approximately $13 million each.

STARS is also aiming to replace fleets in Alberta and Manitoba, which means purchasing nine new aircraft over the next five years — five in Alberta, three in Saskatchewan and one in Manitoba — to operate their six bases.