Since 1985, our mission has been to deliver critical care, anywhere it’s needed. Explore the stories, milestones, and innovations that have shaped our 40-year legacy of care.
Since becoming a VIP in 2015, Jayden and his mom, Melanie, have been busy STARS allies. Jayden started his own fundraiser, Hot Chocolate for Helicopters, and Melanie has been a monthly donor ever since. Together, they help make second chances possible for other patients.
Forty years ago, STARS flew its first ever patient: a premature baby girl named Kelly, who needed life-saving critical care that the local hospital was unable to provide at the time. Kelly has since become a lifelong advocate for STARS. In recognition of her being the first patient, STARS named one of its H145 helicopters in her honour, C-GKLY.
Read More
In 2013, the Regina base of STARS became the first air medical service in Canada to carry blood on board. Today, the program has expanded across all six bases, with each base carrying four units of blood to make lifesaving transfusions possible mid-flight.
For 40 years, you’ve been part of our story. Now, we want to hear yours! Whether it’s a moment, a mission, or a memory that’s stuck with you, share it here and help celebrate four decades of critical care.
Disclaimer: By sharing your photos, videos, words, and audio you give STARS permission to feature your content publicly.
Over the years, STARS has evolved significantly. We’ve grown from a modest beginning to a sophisticated network of highly skilled professionals and advanced technology. In the air, on the ground, or virtually, we’ve always been committed to providing critical care, anywhere, to patients who need us.
Lions Air Ambulance Service is established. The first mission in December transports a critically ill infant—Kelly Hulstein—to tertiary care in Calgary.
Now married with two children, Kelly Waldron is an important ambassador for STARS and her initials mark the call sign (C-GKLY) on a current STARS H145 Helicopter.
Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is incorporated as a not-for-profit.
STARS receives formal recognition as an essential service when the organization is integrated into emergency planning for the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games.
STAR-1 is painted its now iconic red colour for the first time in the late spring/early summer.
STARS Edmonton base is established and carries out its first mission on October 7.
The Alberta provincial government awards rotary- and fixed-wing air medical contracts to STARS for Calgary and Edmonton bases.
Starbear, once the official mascot of STARS, is born.
The first STARS calendar campaign takes place to raise funds to ensure STARS can respond to critical care calls in Alberta.
The first STARS lottery is held in Alberta.
STARS celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The STARS Emergency Link Centre (ELC) is established in Alberta with funding received from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
STARS establishes the first helicopter air ambulance program in Nova Scotia with a five year contract. STARS exits the province in 2001 at the contract's conclusion.
STARS receives full accreditation as a critical care provider from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). STARS is the first Canadian program to receive accreditation.
The STARS Human Patient Simulator Program is established in Alberta through the support of founding donors Lions International Multiple District 37 and Lockerbie & Hole.
STARS' third helicopter takes flight as the back-up and support helicopter for use during times of maintenance and repair.
STARS buys a fourth helicopter, STAR-4, to provide parts for STAR-1, 2 and 3 and to meet future additional aircraft requirements.
STARS is requested to participate as the air medical provider for the G8 Summit in Kananaskis. To ensure mission availability, STAR-4 is upgraded to flying status.
STARS flies its 10,000th mission.
A mission to carry a patient from southeastern Alberta to Calgary marks STARS' first mission using Night Vision Goggle (NVG) technology. STARS is the first civilian air carrier to use NVG technology in Canada.
The Vision Critical Campaign is launched to raise funds for the purchase of two new helicopters and to establish a centre for education—efforts leading toward enhanced patient care.
STARS celebrates its 20th anniversary.
STARS Grande Prairie, the third Alberta base, opens on November 1. Within one year, crews fly over 116 missions in Peace Country from this base.
Dr. Greg Powell, STARS Founder and CEO, is appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General Michaëlle Jean.
The inaugural class of the STARS Critical Care and Transport Medicine Academy graduates.
STARS responds to a request from the Manitoba government for assistance during historic flooding in southern Manitoba. Samuel Gross is one of our first Very Important Patients (VIPs) in Manitoba.
The Province of Saskatchewan signs an agreement with STARS to establish helicopter air medical service in that province. The Regina base opens in April 2012, Saskatoon follows in October 2012.
Andrea Robertson joins STARS as Chief Operating Officer. In 2012, she assumes the role of STARS second President and CEO.
STARS signs a 10-year agreement with the Government of Manitoba to provide helicopter air ambulance service from a permanent base in Winnipeg.
The Regina STARS base becomes the first air medical service in Canada to stock blood to be used for transfusions on air medical missions. the STARS Blood on Board initiative expands to all six STARS bases.
Two new donor-funded AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters begin operation. The AW platform will fly more than 5,300 missions for STARS before being retired in 2020.
STARS honours 30 years of care in the air. More than 29,000 missions have been carried out since beginning operations in 1985.
After years of planning and anticipation, the first of STARS H145 fleet arrives in Calgary in April. The first mission with this helicopter takes off in July.
The COVID-19 pandemic is declared. Operations staff adjust protocols to continue flying patients in need of critical care. STARS administration and foundation staff shift to work-from-home.
With the delivery of the last H145, the final operational flight of a familiar BK117 touches down in December, capping off a legacy of safe and reliable service.
Andrea Robertson retires after 12 years of leading STARS. Katherine Emberly is named STARS third President and CEO.
Dr. John Froh is named STARS' fourth CEO in January 2025.
STARS is celebrating 40 years of providing critical care, anywhere, to patients in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, eastern British Columbia and western Ontario.
There’s a place for you in our story! Get involved with STARS and be part of a mission that saves lives every day.
Stay current on the latest news from STARS by subscribing to our email updates.
