November 3, 2025 | 40 Years of STARS, Allies, Innovation, Our Patients

Celebrating 40 years of STARS, October 2025

Every month, we’re collecting stories celebrating 40 years of STARS Allies, Very Important Patients, and Innovation. These were the stories we highlighted in the month of October 2025.

Forty Years of STARS Allies

AltaLink

Since 2006, AltaLink has been a dedicated partner to STARS, supporting our operations and events. AltaLink was also a key ally in our pivotal fleet replacement campaign.

Their incredible contributions helped bring the H145 helicopters to STARS — equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced safety features — making a lifesaving difference for people in our community.

Our shared commitment to the safety of people living and working in the communities AltaLink powers is at the heart of our partnership. In the past year alone, STARS flew several missions within AltaLink’s service area, providing hope when it was needed most. We are proud to partner with AltaLink, who helps STARS deliver critical care, anywhere, and strengthens community safety.

Forty years of STARS Very Important Patients

Wade Cassidy

STARS Very important Patient Wade Cassidy stands on the dock on the lake of his summer cabin.

At his family cabin, Wade Cassidy was pulling in his boat dock for the season when searing chest pain struck without warning.

His cousin called 911. Local ground crews came to his aid, and a doctor in the community urged a STARS response since driving to the nearest major hospital would take two and a half hours.

The helicopter was launched, while Wade was rushed by ground ambulance to meet it roadside.

There, the team acted quickly, delivering a life-saving shock and stabilizing him for the flight to the cardiac catheterization lab.

Wade has since fully recovered and continues to spend time at the cabin with his family whenever possible.

Learn more about Wade’s story.

Forty years of STARS Innovation

Helicopter Upgrades

STARS engineering staff work atop C-GFRG, a STARS H145 air ambulance, while it undergoes a conversion to the D3 variant, replacing the four blade rotor with a five blade rotor, amongst other changes.

For decades, our specialized air medical crew and pilots have flown to deliver critical care in some of the most remote and challenging locations. Now, advancements in our fleet are helping us do so even more efficiently with the conversion from the D2 to the Airbus H145 D3 helicopter.

The most significant change is the addition of a fifth rotor blade. This reduces vibration throughout the aircraft, improves ride comfort for both passengers and crew, increases weight allowance by about 100 kg, and simplifies maintenance, making the aircraft more efficient for patient care.

Learn more about the D3 conversion.