10 Years of Critical Care in Manitoba

From sweeping prairies to the boreal forest and the Canadian Shield, Manitoba is home to a landscape as stunning as it is diverse.

And, for the past 10 years, many critically ill and injured patients living within that dramatic landscape have been cared  for by STARS.

The STARS story in Manitoba began in the spring of 2009, when a helicopter and crew were deployed on a temporary basis to assist during flooding. After the Government of Manitoba asked STARS to return during the 2011 flood, it was clear that there was a need for STARS to have a permanent presence in the province. A 10-year agreement was signed with the provincial government and STARS established a base in Manitoba in 2012.

In addition to reducing transport times for patients in rural and remote areas of Manitoba, STARS has carried out more than 5,000 missions, introduced new innovations in patient care, including the ability to give blood products onboard, and transitioned to the Airbus H145 helicopter.

“STARS has been a game-changer when it comes to health-care delivery in Manitoba,” said Grant Therrien, provincial director, Manitoba operations for STARS. “Over the past 10 years, STARS has become a trusted partner in the health-care system. We have become a household name in Manitoba when people think of critical care.”

None of this would be possible without the support of Manitobans.

“From our partners in government to corporate, community, and individual donors, STARS is thankful for the  support we receive across the province,” said Colleen Mayer, director of donor relations and development for STARS in Manitoba. “Our allies ride along with us on every mission.”