Critical care video consults

STARS medical teams are trialing live video consults for critical care patients, an innovation that is furthering our ability to provide critical care, anywhere.

Taking place in Alberta bases on a trial basis, the STARS Emergency Link Centre team is using live video feeds, from any mobile device, connecting medical teams “to the bedside” virtually.

We can offer a faster, more efficient understanding of the patient’s condition and need for transport. It’s greatly extending our support to rural patients and colleagues.

The tool being used for the trial is the internationally proven GoodSAM web-based video platform. Through the platform we are able to bring together our air medical crews (AMC) and transport physicians (TP) with pre-hospital providers, rural physicians, and specialist consultants.

A simple text-message link turns a mobile device (works on both iPhone and Android) into a secure webcam, transmitting live video about an ill or injured patient to a receiving transport physician.

Access the user guide

If you are a user of STARS critical care video consults, or would like to understand better how the process works, access our user documentation below.

CCVC User Guide

Frequently asked questions

Is the patient's privacy protected?

In which provinces are video consults available?

Why was the GoodSAM app chosen for the trial?

Is there a cost to access critical care video consults?

Can I choose which transport physician I connect with?

Do I need to download an app to use GoodSAM?

Are critical care video consults available for patients not being transported by STARS?

Why would someone initiate a critical care video consult?

Who can I contact for more information about this program?