Michelle Salt

On June 27, 2011, Michelle’s enjoyment of a summer evening ride with friends came to an abrupt halt when she lost control of her motorbike and hit a guardrail going up the Cochrane Hill.

When she hit the guardrail, Michelle fractured many bones in her lower body and severed her femoral artery. At the collision scene, Michelle’s life depended on the quick response of STARS to get her to the Foothills Medical Centre so physicians could stop the blood loss.

Upon arrival, Michelle’s family was told her outcome would have been different if she had arrived even two minutes later. In order to save her life, doctors had to amputate her right leg eight inches above the knee.  Michelle also endured four major surgeries in three days and was on life support for seven days.

Michelle’s spirits have not been crushed by her situation; she has regained her health and strength. She is currently undergoing rehabilitation with her new prosthetic leg.

Michelle competed in her first fitness challenge seven weeks prior to her accident, winning a 4^th place medal, and plans to resume her fitness competitions soon. She is proud to report that she has already started snowboarding again with hopes of competing in the X-games.

She is grateful everyday to STARS for playing a role in saving her life.

2015 UPDATE

A former STARS patient recently defied all odds by competing in the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games, becoming the first ever female Canadian Paralympic snowboarder.

Michelle Salt’s enjoyment of a summer evening motorcycle ride with friends back in 2011 came to an abrupt halt when she lost control and hit a guardrail at highway speed.

When Michelle hit, the result was catastrophic. Broken bones included bi-lateral tibia/fibula compound factors, hips, pelvis, vertebras, clavicle and when she broke her right femur in two places, it served her femoral artery causing her to almost bleed to death.

Michelle’s life depended on the quick response of STARS to get her to the Foothills Medical Centre so physicians could stop the blood loss.

“If it was not for STARS, Michelle would not be here today. She would have bled to death if she went by ground,” says Pat Jeffrey, STARS flight nurse who was on Michelle’s mission.

In order to save her life, doctors had to amputate her right leg eight inches above the knee.  Michelle endured four major surgeries in three days and was on life support for seven.

“I know I would not be here today if it weren’t for STARS,” Michelle says. “I was given a second chance. I want to take advantage of that.”

“It’s not a sad thing to see STARS flying anymore, because now I know someone has a better chance of spending another holiday with their family, or saying I love you again. All because that red and white angel in the sky.”